1.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
2.Further Recognization of Disease Name in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Micropathologic Phenotypes
Hongfei WU ; Yushi CUI ; Yun GAO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Mingyuan WANG ; Xingping ZHANG ; Zhilong ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1089-1093
This paper interprets the disease name related to bi (痹) disease in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from the perspective of micropathological phenotypes in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). By systematically reviewing classical TCM literature on the pathogenesis and clinical features of different subtypes such as damp-retention bi, bone bi, and tendon bi, and integrating these with current research on pathological subtypes of KOA including the synovitis type, cartilage-meniscus type, and subchondral bone type, the study explores the correlation between traditional disease terms and modern micropathological phenotypes. The author proposes subtype classifications of damp-retention bi corresponding to synovial inflammation, bone bi related to abnormal subchondral bone remodeling, and tendon bi representing cartilage and meniscus degeneration. This approach provides a microscopic biological explanation for TCM syndrome differentiation and offers new perspectives for advancing integrative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in both Chinese and western medicine.
3.Causal relationship between immune cells and bone metabolic diseases:a Mendelian randomization analysis of European populations in international databases
Tianxin CHEN ; Zhilong ZHANG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Yun GAO ; Yuqi ZHU ; Shengping YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(29):6326-6332
BACKGROUND:Immune cells are correlated with various metabolic bone diseases,yet the specific immunological mechanisms and causal relationships remain elusive.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and the risk of metabolic bone diseases through two-sample Mendelian randomization.METHODS:Genome-wide association study(GWAS)data on 731 immune cells and metabolic bone diseases(osteonecrosis,osteomalacia,osteoporosis,and osteoporosis combined with pathological fracture)were obtained from publicly available databases.Genetic variants related to immune cells were employed as instrumental variables.The inverse variance weighting method was utilized as the primary analytical approach,while MR-Egger and weighted median methods were applied to assess the causal relationships between immune cells and the risk of metabolic bone diseases.In addition,MR-PRESSO,MR-Egger regression,Cochran's Q test,and the leave-one-out method were implemented to evaluate genetic polymorphisms and the heterogeneity of instrumental variables,and MR Steiger method was used to exclude reverse causality.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The analysis revealed that IgD-CD38dim%B cells,HLA DR on CD14+CD16-monocytes,and HLA DR on CD14+monocytes were significantly and causally associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis(P<6.8x10-5).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability and stability of these results.Furthermore,among the immune cell types studied,28 demonstrated potential causal associations with osteonecrosis,23 with osteomalacia,46 with osteoporosis,and 45 with the combined condition of osteoporosis and pathologic fracture(P<0.05).(2)This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the causal influence of immune cells on metabolic bone diseases,highlighting the significant role of immune factors in the pathogenesis of these conditions,particularly osteoporosis.The findings contribute valuable insights into the relationship between immune traits and bone metabolism,laying a foundation for future research in this domain.This study utilized an international database to analyze the European population,which offers a reference for Chinese biomedical research in the realm of metabolic bone diseases,and facilitates the conduction of relevant studies for the Chinese population,thereby promoting the enhancement of the prevention and treatment of metabolic bone diseases.
4.Establishment and validation of urine AD7c-NTP reference intervals for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method
Yurong ZHANG ; Yifei HE ; Ping YANG ; Zixi XU ; Zhilong CAI ; Yang LIU ; Dan WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Bing HOU ; Jia YANG ; Xuemei JIANG ; Kun FANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(5):378-381
Objective To establish the reference interval of urine Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein(AD7c-NTP)for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method.Methods The detection results of urine AD7c-NTP from 5 093 healthy in-dividuals were collected from the information management database of Medical Laboratory Department of Sichuan Science City Hospital from March 2017 to March 2022.Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to determine whether the data followed a normal distribution.After removing outliers using the Box Plots method,the enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age.The Mann-Whitney U or Kruska-Wallis H tests were used to analyze the between-group differences of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy individu-als with different genders and ages.The adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05)were combined,and the indirect method(non-parametric test method)was used to calculate the reference intervals for different gender and age groups.Results Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests showed that the data followed a non-normal distribution.After removing 293 outliers using the Box Plots method,a total of 4 800 subjects,including 3 199 males and 1 601 females,were enrolled.The enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age,and the non-parametric test method were used to establish the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders.The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed that urine AD7c-NTP levels existed gen-der differences(Z=14.09,P<0.01),and the reference intervals for males and females were≤1.10 ng/mL and≤1.40 ng/mL,re-spectively.There were also statistical differences in urine AD7c-NTP levels among different age groups of the same gender.After combi-ning adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05),the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages were established by the non-parametric test method,which were≤1.00 ng/mL for male 20-39 years old group,≤1.10 ng/mL for male 40-79 years old group,≤1.60 ng/mL for male≥80 years old group,≤1.30 ng/mL for female 20-69 years old group,and≤1.60 ng/mL for female≥70 years old group,respectively.The established reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP were further verified by healthy individuals,and the results met the standards.Conclusion The reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages in Mianyang area are established successfully using the indi-rect method,which may help to predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease in clinical practice and provide support for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
5.Case of acquired paralytic strabismus.
Jianbin ZHANG ; Xiaoling JIAO ; Zhilong ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(3):385-386
This report described one case of acupuncture treatment for acquired paralytic strabismus. Acupoints included bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Sibai (ST2), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Tongziliao (GB1), Jiexi (ST41), and Taichong (LR3). Fengchi (GB20) was treated with the deep-needling nayang technique, Jiexi (ST41) with the qinglong baiwei method, and the remaining acupoints with conventional acupuncture techniques. Needles were retained for 40 min, once daily, six times per week. After two months of treatment, the patient's diplopia resolved, the right eye exhibited flexible abduction, and the ocular position returned to orthotropia. Follow-up over one year showed no recurrence.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Strabismus/therapy*
6.Effects of acupuncture on podocyte autophagy and the LncRNA SOX2OT/mTORC1/ULK1 pathway in rats with diabetic kidney disease.
Xu WANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Hongwei LI ; Handong LIU ; Jie LI ; Ying FAN ; Zhilong ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1450-1458
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of acupuncture on podocyte autophagy and long non-coding RNA SOX2 overlapping transcript (LncRNA SOX2OT)/mammalian target of rapamycin C1 (mTORC1)/Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) pathway in rats with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and to explore the mechanism by which acupuncture reduces urinary protein.
METHODS:
A total of 40 SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=30). The DKD model was established by feeding a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in the modeling group. Twenty rats with successful DKD model were randomly divided into a model group (n=10) and an acupuncture group (n=10). The acupuncture group received "spleen and stomach-regulating" acupuncture at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36), "Fenglong" (ST40), "Yinlingquan" (SP9), and "Zhongwan" (CV12), 30 min per session, once daily, five times per week, for four weeks. The general condition, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urinary protein quantification, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were compared before and after the intervention. After intervention, urinary podocyte injury marker SPON2 was measured by ELISA. Podocyte autophagosomes and glomerular basement membrane ultrastructure in renal tissue were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Podocyte apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. The protein expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3-Ⅱ), mTORC1, ULK1, Beclin-1, and p62 in renal tissue was detected by Western blot. LncRNA SOX2OT expression in renal tissue was measured by real-time PCR.
RESULTS:
After the intervention, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased food and water intake, increased urine output, weight loss, and loose stools; compared with the model group, the food and water intake, urine volume, and loose stools were improved in the acupuncture group. Compared with the control group, FBG, 2hPG, SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, UACR, and urinary SPON2 were all higher in the model group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the FBG, 2hPG, SCr, BUN, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, UACR, and urinary SPON2 were all lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the model group showed reduced podocyte autophagosomes and thickened glomerular basement membrane; compared with the model group, the acupuncture group had increased podocyte autophagosomes and less thickened basement membrane. Compared with the control group, the podocyte apoptosis index (AI) was higher in the model group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the AI was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the expression of ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-Ⅱ proteins was lower, and the expression of mTORC1 and p62 proteins was higher in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of ULK1, Beclin-1, and LC3-Ⅱ proteins was higher, and the expression of mTORC1 and p62 proteins was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the LncRNA SOX2OT expression was lower in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, LncRNA SOX2OT expression was higher in the acupuncture group (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
The "spleen and stomach-regulating" acupuncture method could improve renal function in DKD rats, reduce blood glucose and urinary protein excretion, alleviate podocyte injury, and enhance podocyte autophagy. The mechanism may be related to modulation of the renal LncRNA SOX2OT/mTORC1/ULK1 pathway.
Animals
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Podocytes/cytology*
;
Diabetic Nephropathies/physiopathology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/genetics*
;
Autophagy
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Autophagy-Related Protein-1 Homolog/genetics*
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction
7.Influencing factors of family caregivers' caregiving capacity for children with Hirschsprung's disease:a mixed-method study
Anqi WU ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Qian LI ; Zhilong YAN ; Jie WU ; Yaqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(18):2238-2245
Objective To evaluate the caregiving capacity of family caregivers of children with hirschsprung's disease(HD)and to establish an evidence base for developing family-empowered home care interventions.Methods An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed.A total of 308 family caregivers of HD patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Department of a tertiary children's hospital in Shanghai,were enrolled from July 2019 to July 2024.Quantitative data were collected in 2024 using a demographic questionnaire,the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview and the Family Caregiver Task Inventory.Semi-structured interviews were conducted in August to December 2024 with 15 caregivers of children with HD with poor caregiving skills.Quantitative data were analyzed using nonparametric tests and multiple linear regression,and qualitative information was refined through Colaizzi's 7-step analysis of themes.Results In the end,281 valid questionnaires were recovered.The total caregiving competence was 12.00(6.00,20.00).Multivariate analysis identified significant predictors of caregiving competence,including children in the postoperative dilation period,frequency of enterocolitis episodes,place of residence monthly household income and burden of caregiving were the factors influencing the ability of family caregivers to take care of their children(P<0.05).Qualitative analysis revealed 4 themes:persistent multidimensional adaptive challenges,disparity in clinical caregiving skills,systemic support limitations,and role multiplicity strain.Conclusion Family caregivers of children with HD face multidimensional stressors,necessitating a dynamic,family-centered support ecosystem.Strategic interventions should focus on enhancing clinical caregiving literacy while improving access to socioeconomic resources and establishing role-specific support networks.
8.Research progress of B lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer
Zhilong ZHANG ; Chao FENG ; Fangshu LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Chaomei LIU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(7):512-518
The incidence of thyroid cancer has significantly increased in the past decade or so.The tumor tissues,stromal cells and immune cells that exist in thyroid cancer itself constitute the dynamic and changing tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer.The tumor microenvironment plays a decisive role in the occurrence,development and treatment of thyroid cancer,among which B lymphocytes have received increasing attention.This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress of B lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer,to better explore the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer.
9.Research progress of B lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer
Zhilong ZHANG ; Chao FENG ; Fangshu LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Chaomei LIU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(7):512-518
The incidence of thyroid cancer has significantly increased in the past decade or so.The tumor tissues,stromal cells and immune cells that exist in thyroid cancer itself constitute the dynamic and changing tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer.The tumor microenvironment plays a decisive role in the occurrence,development and treatment of thyroid cancer,among which B lymphocytes have received increasing attention.This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress of B lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer,to better explore the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment of thyroid cancer.
10.Establishment and validation of urine AD7c-NTP reference intervals for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method
Yurong ZHANG ; Yifei HE ; Ping YANG ; Zixi XU ; Zhilong CAI ; Yang LIU ; Dan WANG ; Liang HUANG ; Bing HOU ; Jia YANG ; Xuemei JIANG ; Kun FANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(5):378-381
Objective To establish the reference interval of urine Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein(AD7c-NTP)for healthy adults in Mianyang area using the indirect method.Methods The detection results of urine AD7c-NTP from 5 093 healthy in-dividuals were collected from the information management database of Medical Laboratory Department of Sichuan Science City Hospital from March 2017 to March 2022.Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to determine whether the data followed a normal distribution.After removing outliers using the Box Plots method,the enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age.The Mann-Whitney U or Kruska-Wallis H tests were used to analyze the between-group differences of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy individu-als with different genders and ages.The adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05)were combined,and the indirect method(non-parametric test method)was used to calculate the reference intervals for different gender and age groups.Results Skewness-kurtosis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests showed that the data followed a non-normal distribution.After removing 293 outliers using the Box Plots method,a total of 4 800 subjects,including 3 199 males and 1 601 females,were enrolled.The enrolled subjects were grouped by gender and age,and the non-parametric test method were used to establish the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders.The Mann-Whitney U test confirmed that urine AD7c-NTP levels existed gen-der differences(Z=14.09,P<0.01),and the reference intervals for males and females were≤1.10 ng/mL and≤1.40 ng/mL,re-spectively.There were also statistical differences in urine AD7c-NTP levels among different age groups of the same gender.After combi-ning adjacent age groups without statistically significant difference(P>0.05),the reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages were established by the non-parametric test method,which were≤1.00 ng/mL for male 20-39 years old group,≤1.10 ng/mL for male 40-79 years old group,≤1.60 ng/mL for male≥80 years old group,≤1.30 ng/mL for female 20-69 years old group,and≤1.60 ng/mL for female≥70 years old group,respectively.The established reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP were further verified by healthy individuals,and the results met the standards.Conclusion The reference intervals of urine AD7c-NTP in healthy populations with different genders and ages in Mianyang area are established successfully using the indi-rect method,which may help to predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease in clinical practice and provide support for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

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