1.Pathogenesis and Syndrome Differentiation of "Gaozhuo" of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Yuman YIN ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Jiawang HUANG ; Gang HU ; Juan HUANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):226-234
Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and it plays an essential role in the prevention and treatment of DKD. The "Gaozhuo" pathogenesis posits that DKD is characterized by the invasion of Gaozhuo and damage to the kidney collaterals, with the underlying cause being the insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo, which provides valuable guidance on oxidative stress. The insufficiency of spleen Qi and the internal formation of Gaozhuo represent a dynamic, evolving process. Gaozhuo invades the kidney collaterals, impairs kidney Qi, and progressively leads to the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood, ultimately resulting in the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The damage caused by Gaozhuo to the kidney collaterals and kidney Qi is analogous to the organ and functional damage of the kidneys induced by excessive reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Damage to the kidney collaterals means organic injuries to the glomeruli, renal tubules, and renal interstitium, and the depletion of kidney Qi refers to damage to glomerular filtration and renal tubular reabsorption. The congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood in the kidney collaterals is similar to oxidative stress-induced thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and fibrosis. The interaction between spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and the congealing and stagnation of Gaozhuo and blood creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates the condition, ultimately evolving into the failure of both the spleen and kidneys. The failure of the spleen and kidneys is analogous to renal failure, and its extreme manifestation is end-stage renal disease and uremia. The treatment of oxidative stress in DKD with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the principles of strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis. According to the syndrome type, it is recommended to use methods such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling dampness and removing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidneys while dispelling turbidity and removing blood stasis, or consolidating the spleen and kidneys while clearing away turbidity and blood stasis.
2.The prognostic value and immune regulatory role of BRF1 in pan-cancer, and its function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Jianxin XU ; Zihao LI ; Wang LÜ ; ; Zhiyang XU ; Yunfeng YI ; Songlin CHEN ; Jian HU ; Luming WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):122-131
Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
3.Construction and clinical application exploration of an artificial intelligence-based high-quality lung cancer surgery dataset
Xuhua HUANG ; Yunfeng NIE ; Liang SHEN ; Pengxu KONG ; Xin TAN ; Zihao LI ; Wang LV ; Min ZHOU ; Xudong LV ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):717-727
Objective To construct a lung cancer surgery-oriented disease-specific database covering the entire perioperative care pathway, thereby improving the quality and usability of key surgical data elements. Methods Real-world clinical data were extracted from a single-center thoracic surgery department. A standardized data model was established based on the open electronic health record (openEHR) standard. Large language model (LLM), optical character recognition (OCR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven techniques were employed to extract, structure, and perform quality control on unstructured clinical narratives, imaging reports, and radiological data, with a focus on capturing surgically relevant perioperative indicator. Results A multimodal database comprising 19 917 patients was established, including 7 930 males and 11 987 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 97 (61.7±9.7) years. The database includes 582 structured data variables, textual report data corresponding to 69 clinical indicators, 13 000 pulmonary function test PDF reports, and chest CT imaging data from 16 884 patients. This database comprehensively covers major information relevant to surgical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, significantly improving the completeness and granularity of surgical detail data. Large language models (LLMs) and optical character recognition (OCR) technologies enhanced the efficiency of converting unstructured data into structured formats, while a multi-level manual verification process ensured data accuracy and traceability. The database supports real-world research including comparisons of surgical procedures, prediction of postoperative complications, prognosis assessment, and multimodal data association analyses.
4.Prediction of Postoperative Hypokalemia in Patients with Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis undergoing Standard Carotid Endarterectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Suiyuan HU ; Xuan LAI ; Yunfeng HAN
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research 2026;30(1):18-27
Background:
Postoperative hypokalemia is a common electrolyte disturbance associated with adverse outcomes, particularly in older adults. This study aimed to identify risk factors and develop predictive models for hypokalemia within 24 hours after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for severe carotid artery stenosis, a condition that primarily affects older patient populations.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 1,076 CEA patients (October 2021 to May 2023) was analyzed. Risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A predictive nomogram was developed and internally validated via bootstrapping. Machine learning models (Random Forest and XGBoost) were developed and interpreted using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients aged ≥70 years and by comparing postoperative potassium levels >4.0 mmol/L versus 3.5–4.0 mmol/L.
Results:
The cohort had a median age of 65 years. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative potassium (odds ratio [OR]=0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.72), hemoglobin (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.88), BMI (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.63–0.88), and postoperative visual analogue scale score (OR=1.28, 95% CI 1.09–1.51) as independent predictors. Frailty showed borderline significance (OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.00–2.44, p=0.05). The nomogram achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.710, demonstrating good discrimination and calibration. Machine learning models similarly performed well (AUC 0.707–0.709).
Conclusion
We developed a validated tool to predict postoperative hypokalemia after CEA. The model highlights that in addition to biochemical and surgical factors, geriatric syndromes like frailty and nutritional status are pivotal risk determinants. This facilitates early, individualized management, including tailored potassium supplementation, nutritional support, and pain control, especially for vulnerable older adults, to mitigate complications and promote recovery.
5.Exploration on the Role of Autophagy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Based on the Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Factors and Chinese Materia Medica Intervention
Yao ZHANG ; Meng YANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):14-18
The struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic factors runs through the whole process of the formation and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),and autophagy is the main regulator of cardiac homeostasis and function.Based on the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors,the autophagy state of DCM was understood.In the early stage of DCM,it is mainly characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and supplemented by pathogenic excess.In the middle stage,it is characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and pathogenic excess.In the late stage,it is mainly characterized by pathogenic excess and supplemented by deficiency of healthy qi.TCM clinical practice adheres to the principle of"strengthening the healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors",which aims to restore the dynamic balance of autophagy in the body by adjusting the balance between healthy qi and pathogenic factors,and ultimately improve the prognosis of DCM.This article took the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors as the starting point,and elaborated on the role of autophagy in the development of DCM from macro and micro perspectives.It explored Chinese materia medica intervention plans for different stages of DCM,providing theoretical reference for the regulation of autophagy in DCM by TCM.
6.Exploration on the Role of Autophagy in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Based on the Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Factors and Chinese Materia Medica Intervention
Yao ZHANG ; Meng YANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):14-18
The struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic factors runs through the whole process of the formation and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM),and autophagy is the main regulator of cardiac homeostasis and function.Based on the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors,the autophagy state of DCM was understood.In the early stage of DCM,it is mainly characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and supplemented by pathogenic excess.In the middle stage,it is characterized by deficiency of healthy qi and pathogenic excess.In the late stage,it is mainly characterized by pathogenic excess and supplemented by deficiency of healthy qi.TCM clinical practice adheres to the principle of"strengthening the healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors",which aims to restore the dynamic balance of autophagy in the body by adjusting the balance between healthy qi and pathogenic factors,and ultimately improve the prognosis of DCM.This article took the theory of healthy qi and pathogenic factors as the starting point,and elaborated on the role of autophagy in the development of DCM from macro and micro perspectives.It explored Chinese materia medica intervention plans for different stages of DCM,providing theoretical reference for the regulation of autophagy in DCM by TCM.
7.Clinical risk factors for central lymph node metastasis of single thyroid micropapillary carcinoma (≤1cm) at different locations
Yunfeng FANG ; Huijun CAO ; Chunfeng HU ; Tong ZHANG ; Peiying WEI ; Zhijiang HAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):552-557
Objective:Papillary thyroid carcinoma with a maximum tumor diameter of ≤1 cm was defined as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). To explore the clinical risk factors of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in PTC at different locations.Methods:The clinical and pathological data of 1383 cases with solitary PTC in Hangzhou First People’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into isthmus group (175 cases), near-isthmus group (95 cases) and lateral lobe group (1113 cases) according to their tumor location. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the relationship between gender, age, tumor maximum diameter, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and CLNM, and the threshold for the occurrence of CLNM in each group of age and tumor maximum diameter was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) .Results:The proportion of CLNM in the isthmus group, near-isthmus group and the lateral lobe group were 39.4% (69/175), 35.8% (34/95) and 29.6% (329/1113), respectively ( χ2=7.84, P=0.020). The intra-group comparison showed that there were statistical differences between the isthmus group and the lateral lobe group ( χ2=6.90, P=0.011), and there were no statistical differences between the isthmus group and near-isthmus group ( χ2=0.35, P=0.601), and near-isthmus group and the lateral leaf group ( χ2=1.62, P=0.313). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that male ( OR: 3.697) and age < 38.5 years ( OR: 4.727) were independent risk factors for CLNM in PTC in the Isthmus Group, while male ( OR: 2.193), without HT ( OR: 1.702), tumor maximum diameter > 6.5 mm ( OR: 2.535) and age < 45.5 years ( OR: 3.030) were independent risk factors for CLNM in PTC in the lateral lobe group. Conclusions:Male sex and age are independent risk factors for CLNM in isthmus and lateral lobe PTC, and uncomplicated HT and tumor maximum diameter are also independent risk factors for CLNM in lateral lobe PTC. The incidence of CLNM in PTC in the isthmus, near-isthmus and lateral lobes decreased sequentially, and PTC in the near isthmus can not be simply regarded as the isthmus or lateral lobe PTC, and the lymph nodes in the central area should be fully evaluated before surgery to provide individualized treatment.
8.Clinical risk factors for central lymph node metastasis of single thyroid micropapillary carcinoma (≤1cm) at different locations
Yunfeng FANG ; Huijun CAO ; Chunfeng HU ; Tong ZHANG ; Peiying WEI ; Zhijiang HAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):552-557
Objective:Papillary thyroid carcinoma with a maximum tumor diameter of ≤1 cm was defined as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). To explore the clinical risk factors of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in PTC at different locations.Methods:The clinical and pathological data of 1383 cases with solitary PTC in Hangzhou First People’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into isthmus group (175 cases), near-isthmus group (95 cases) and lateral lobe group (1113 cases) according to their tumor location. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the relationship between gender, age, tumor maximum diameter, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and CLNM, and the threshold for the occurrence of CLNM in each group of age and tumor maximum diameter was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) .Results:The proportion of CLNM in the isthmus group, near-isthmus group and the lateral lobe group were 39.4% (69/175), 35.8% (34/95) and 29.6% (329/1113), respectively ( χ2=7.84, P=0.020). The intra-group comparison showed that there were statistical differences between the isthmus group and the lateral lobe group ( χ2=6.90, P=0.011), and there were no statistical differences between the isthmus group and near-isthmus group ( χ2=0.35, P=0.601), and near-isthmus group and the lateral leaf group ( χ2=1.62, P=0.313). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that male ( OR: 3.697) and age < 38.5 years ( OR: 4.727) were independent risk factors for CLNM in PTC in the Isthmus Group, while male ( OR: 2.193), without HT ( OR: 1.702), tumor maximum diameter > 6.5 mm ( OR: 2.535) and age < 45.5 years ( OR: 3.030) were independent risk factors for CLNM in PTC in the lateral lobe group. Conclusions:Male sex and age are independent risk factors for CLNM in isthmus and lateral lobe PTC, and uncomplicated HT and tumor maximum diameter are also independent risk factors for CLNM in lateral lobe PTC. The incidence of CLNM in PTC in the isthmus, near-isthmus and lateral lobes decreased sequentially, and PTC in the near isthmus can not be simply regarded as the isthmus or lateral lobe PTC, and the lymph nodes in the central area should be fully evaluated before surgery to provide individualized treatment.
9.Engineering of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and their application progress in the field of oral medicine
ZHAO Yunfeng ; LIU Qian ; LI Meng ; LI Luying ; ZHANG Wei ; HU Xiantong ; MA Chufan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):792-800
In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) have garnered increasing attention in the field of stomatology and have become an established research area in biomedical research. This article reviews the engineering of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells and their application in the field of stomatology, in order to provide new ideas for the development of stomatology. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane vesicles secreted by cells and contain a variety of proteins, RNAs, lipids, and other biomolecules. They are transported through the circulatory system and can interact with other cells to regulate their biological behavior and participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In the treatment of oral diseases, exosomes have shown great potential due to their natural biological activity and versatility. However, studies have found that relying solely on the function of natural exosomes may not fully meet the complex clinical requirements. Therefore, the concept of engineered exosomes has emerged. Engineered exosomes can be modified by bioengineering technology to enhance their targeting, allowing them to reach the lesion site more accurately. At the same time, engineered exosomes can also be surface modified or loaded internally to carry specific therapeutic molecules, such as drugs, gene editing tools or signaling molecules to improve the therapeutic effect. In addition, this engineered treatment can also confer greater stability to exosomes, making them better able to resist clearance by the immune system when circulating in the body, extending their half-life, and improving the effectiveness of treatment. Although engineered exosomes have attracted extensive attention in the fields of stomatology and other fields, their application is still mainly in the stage of basic research. To promote the clinical application of engineered exosomes, it is necessary to provide more sufficient evidence of biocompatibility and clarify their therapeutic effect and mechanism.
10.Current status and trends of perioperative immunotherapy for gastric cancer
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(7):575-580
In recent years,immunotherapy,particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors,has been widely used in the treatment of both solid and non-solid tumors,and it has become an important component of comprehensive gastric cancer treatment. The clinical application of immunotherapy in gastric cancer has gradually expanded from first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer to perioperative treatment for resectable locally advanced gastric cancer. The use of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy,targeted therapy,and other treatment modalities in the perioperative management of gastric cancer has injected new vitality into perioperative treatment strategies,establishing a novel model for comprehensive perioperative gastric cancer treatment. However,the application of immunotherapy in gastric cancer treatment still faces challenges such as limited high-level evidence for perioperative use,drug resistance,and adverse effects. In the future,efforts should focus on conducting high-level evidence-based clinical research on perioperative immunotherapy for gastric cancer,exploring and optimizing combined immunotherapy regimens,and delving into the molecular biological mechanisms of the tumor immune microenvironment in gastric cancer. By leveraging artificial intelligence and big data platform technologies,further optimization of screening strategies for potential beneficiaries should be pursued,and personalized precision treatment should be employed to address and overcome the challenges faced by immunotherapy in gastric cancer.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail