1.Effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) Combined with Low-Dose Antithyroid Drugs on Reducing Relapse Risk for Patients with Graves' Hyperthyroidism in Remission Stage:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yuqin HUANG ; Mingshuai ZHANG ; Shijian LIU ; Feng TAO ; Yi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) combined with low-dose antithyroid drugs (ATDs) on the relapse risk for patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) during the remission phase, and to analyze the related factors between GH relapse and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity, so as to provide evidence for the standardized management of GH in remission stage. MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 269 GH patients in the remission stage. After propensity score matching (PSM), 102 matched pairs (204 patients) were established. The control group received low-dose ATDs as maintenance therapy, while the exposure group received the core Ningying Formula in addition to low-dose ATDs. The primary outcome was the GH recurrence rate; the secondary outcome was the thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity rate (TRAb<1.75 IU/L). Safety outcomes included treatment-related adverse events. Differences between groups were assessed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves, with sensitivity analysis performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). ResultsThe median follow-up in the matched cohort was 28.07 months. Regarding the GH recurrence outcome, the recurrence rate in the exposure group (18/102, 17.6%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (31/102, 30.4%; χ²=4.539, P=0.033); regarding the TRAb negativity outcome, the TRAb negativity rate in the exposure group (50/102, 49.0%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (23/102, 22.5%; χ²=15.551, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for recurrence showed that Ningying Formula treatment reduced the risk of recurrence [HR=0.324, 95%CI(0.170, 0.617), P<0.001]. Male [HR=2.209, 95%CI(1.079, 4.520), P=0.030], higher initial TRAb level [per 1 IU/L increase: HR=1.033, 95%CI(1.003, 1.064), P=0.032], and larger thyroid volume [per 1 ml increase: HR=1.045, 95%CI(1.003, 1.088), P=0.035] were identified as independent risk factors for recurrence; multivariate Cox regression analysis for TRAb negativity indicated that Ningying Formula treatment promoted TRAb negativity [HR=1.826, 95%CI(1.091, 3.056), P=0.022], while a higher initial TRAb level was associated with a lower probability of negativity [HR=0.974, 95%CI(0.950, 0.998), P=0.032]. Survival analysis showed significant differences in relapse rate between groups (Log-Rank P=0.003) and in TRAb outcomes (Log-Rank P=0.034). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups (P=0.757). The IPTW sensitivity analysis was consistent with the primary analysis, indicating robust results. ConclusionThe Ningying Formula combined with low-dose ATDs can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and can improve the TRAb negativity rate in GH patients during the remission stage, without increasing common adverse events, making it an optional strategy for reducing relapse risk during remission. Male gender, higher baseline TRAb level, and larger thyroid volume indicate a higher risk of recurrence, warranting focused follow-up and stratified management.
2.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.
3.Study on non-invasive diagnosis of rejection after kidney transplantation using hyperspectral imaging technology
Zhe YANG ; Qilong DUAN ; Yi CHEN ; Tao LIAO ; Xiaoqing SI ; Jianning WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):116-123
Objective To explore a method for rapid and differential diagnosis of rejection after kidney transplantation through urine hyperspectral imaging technology. Methods Hyperspectral data information from urine samples of 118 recipients after kidney transplantation was collected, and a deep learning model was constructed to diagnose and classify the types of rejection. Results A deep learning diagnostic model based on the 34-layer residual network (ResNet-34) was constructed, and 118 patients were included and divided into the training set and the test set. Based on the pathological results of the transplanted kidney puncture, the urine samples of the patients were classified into five groups: the non-rejection group, the T-cell-mediated rejection group, the antibody-mediated rejection group, the mixed rejection group and the nephropathy recurrence group. The results showed that the diagnostic sensitivities of the model for the above five groups were 0.960, 0.980, 0.930, 0.940 and 0.943 respectively, and the diagnostic specificities were 0.983, 0.993, 0.997, 0.989 and 0.989 respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy rate reached 95.7%. Conclusions The study provides a non-invasive, rapid and accurate auxiliary diagnostic method for the differential diagnosis of rejection after kidney transplantation.
4.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation based on the Holistic View of "Spleen-Vessels-Heart-Spirit"
Yihang DU ; Chenglin DUAN ; Xueping ZHU ; Meng LYU ; Jiafan CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):89-92
Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system, this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels; phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis; the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease, it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao, clearing and promoting blood vessels, using modified Yigong Powder (异功散); during the progression of the disease, treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm, nourish heart and protect the pulse, using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction (礞石通脉汤); meanwhile, calming mind and stabilizing palpitations, and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated, with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction (甲枣宁脉汤) or Shenying Dingji Decoction (参英定悸汤) and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation, implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.
5.Effect of Modified Shibaotang on Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Patients with Male Late-onset Hypogonadism of Kidney Essence Deficiency Syndrome Complicated with Diabetes Mellitus
Yi SHAN ; Shaokang CHEN ; Zhenfu SHI ; Haifeng XU ; Yi LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):227-233
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Shibaotang on serum sex hormone levels in patients with male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus. MethodsA total of 60 patients with male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus,who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to October 2023,were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 30 patients in each group. Both groups continued their original treatments,including blood glucose lowering and blood lipid regulation. The observation group was treated with modified Shibaotang,while the control group was treated with testosterone undecanoate capsules. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. The changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)syndrome scores,partial androgen deficiency in aging males (PADAM)symptom scores,glucose metabolism indexes [fasting plasma glucose (FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose (2 h PG),glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)],and serum sex hormone indexes [sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG),free testosterone (FT),total testosterone (TT),prolactin (PRL),luteinizing hormone (LH),follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),estrogen (E2)] were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Safety was also evaluated. Results(1)Clinical efficacy comparison:After treatment,the clinical efficacy in both groups was similar,and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. (2)TCM syndrome score and PADAM symptom score comparison:After treatment,both groups showed a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores and PADAM symptom scores (P<0.01),and the observation group showed a significantly greater reduction compared to the control group (P<0.05). (3)Glucose metabolism indexes comparison:After treatment,the levels of FPG,2 h PG,and HbA1c were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding FPG,2 h PG,and HbA1c levels after treatment. (4)Serum sex hormone indexes comparison:After treatment,the levels of FT,TT,PRL,LH,and FSH were significantly increased in both groups (P<0.01),while E2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the levels of FT,TT,PRL,LH,FSH,and E2 after treatment. There was also no significant difference in SHBG levels within or between the groups before and after treatment. During the clinical observation,neither group exhibited any obvious adverse reactions. ConclusionModified Shibaotang can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of male late-onset hypogonadism of kidney essence deficiency syndrome complicated with diabetes mellitus,reduce blood glucose,and increase sex hormone levels. The mechanism may involve the inhibition of aromatase transformation in adipocytes,promotion of GnRH production,and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function.
6.Influencing factors and construction of a nomogram predictive model for postoperative anastomotic leak in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction
Hao PENG ; Siqi SHENG ; Jing CHEN ; Maitiasen MAIRHABA ; Haizhu SONG ; Jun YI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):208-215
Objective To analyze the influencing factors for postoperative anastomotic leak (AL) in carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction and construct a nomogram predictive model. Methods The patients who underwent radical esophagectomy at Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine from January 2018 to June 2020 were included in this study. Relevant variables were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A nomogram was then developed to predict the risk factors associated with postoperative AL. The predictive performance of the nomogram was validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results A total of 468 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction were included in the study, comprising 354 males and 114 females, with a mean age of (62.8±7.2) years. The tumors were predominantly located in the middle or lower esophagus, and 51 (10.90%) patients experienced postoperative AL. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, body mass index (BMI), tumor location, preoperative albumin levels, diabetes mellitus, anastomosis technique, anastomosis site, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were potentially associated with AL (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, BMI, tumor location, diabetes mellitus, anastomosis technique, and CRP levels as independent risk factors for AL (P<0.05). A nomogram was developed based on the findings from the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.803, indicating a strong concordance between the actual observations and the predicted outcomes. Furthermore, decision curve analysis demonstrated that the newly established nomogram holds significant value for clinical decision-making. Conclusion The predictive model for postoperative AL in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction demonstrates strong predictive validity and is essential for guiding clinical monitoring, early detection, and preventive strategies.
7.Exploring Vascular Recruitment in Tracheobronchial Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral
Jun TENG ; Lei LI ; Junyan XIA ; Yi LUO ; Qinyan HONG ; Shuiping CHEN ; Hongwu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):260-269
Tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) is a low-grade malignant tumor originating from the airway mucosa. Despite its slow progression,it is characterized by high invasiveness,frequent recurrence,and a strong tendency for metastasis. Preclinical studies have shown that vascular-targeted therapy holds significant potential. However,an effective systemic treatment for TACC has not been established yet. This study explored TACC from the perspective of "Feiji" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as the starting point. It deeply investigated the mechanisms of abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment and further elaborated on the theoretical connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment. Firstly,collateral hyperactivity led to disordered and erratic pulmonary collaterals. Their abnormal structures were similar to the disorderly and tortuous nature of tumor (pseudo)angiogenesis. This resulted in imbalances in the functions of circulation,perfusion,and reverse injection of the pulmonary collaterals,and then led to unrestrained collateral dysfunction and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Secondly,the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TACC were critical processes in vascular co-option (VCO),representing the micro-level manifestation of the displacement of nutrient and defense. During this process,ECM remodeling made TACC cells more likely to hijack normal blood vessels,creating a complex vascular microenvironment conducive to tumor growth. In terms of treatment,this study proposed a TCM strategy of "regulating collaterals to expel pathogenic factors and nourishing collaterals to strengthen the healthy Qi",and listed potential TCM. These were intended to regulate the Qi and blood in the collaterals,repair the functions of abnormal collaterals,and intervene in the vascular recruitment process of TACC. Future research should focus on improving the TCM clinical syndrome characteristics of TACC. Through modern molecular biology techniques,it is necessary to deeply analyze the micro-level pattern of vascular recruitment in TACC. This would enrich the understanding of the profound connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment,providing empirical evidence for TCM-targeted therapies for vascular recruitment in TACC.
8.Clinical key issues and countermeasures of CAR-T cell therapy
CHEN Xinfeng ; LIU Shasha, ; ZHANG Yi
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(1):9-13
[摘 要] 自2017年以来,已有12款嵌合抗原受体基因修饰T淋巴细胞(CAR-T细胞)产品相继被批准用于血液系统恶性肿瘤的治疗,包括复发性/难治性急性B淋巴细胞白血病、特定亚型B细胞淋巴瘤和多发性骨髓瘤。然而,CAR-T细胞疗法在应用过程中面临诸多挑战,如在治疗血液系统肿瘤中的抵抗、生产周期长、个体化/价格昂贵,在实体瘤中的肿瘤异质性强/抗原逃逸、浸润能力不足、免疫抑制微环境和反应性差等问题。随着肿瘤免疫学研究的深入和基因工程技术的发展,尝试了众多新策略来提升CAR-T细胞疗法的疗效和普适性。作者根据自身对该领域研究的认知,针对CAR-T细胞疗法的临床关键问题及其应对解决策略进行述评,为未来CAR-T细胞疗法的基础研究和临床转化提供重要思路。
9.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
10.Concept, design and clinical application of minimally invasive liver transplantation through laparoscopic combined upper midline incision
Shuhong YI ; Hui TANG ; Kaining ZENG ; Xiao FENG ; Binsheng FU ; Qing YANG ; Jia YAO ; Yang YANG ; Guihua CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):67-73
Objective To explore the technical process and clinical application of laparoscopic combined upper midline incision minimally invasive liver transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 cases of laparoscopic combined upper midline incision minimally invasive liver transplantation. The cases were divided into cirrhosis group (15 cases) and liver failure group (15 cases) based on the primary disease. The surgical and postoperative conditions of the two groups were compared. Results All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic "clockwise" liver resection, with no cases of passive conversion to open surgery or intolerance to pneumoperitoneum. In 6 cases, the right lobe was relatively large, and the right hepatic ligaments could not be completely mobilized. One case required an additional reverse "L" incision during open surgery. All patients successfully completed the liver transplantation, with no major intraoperative bleeding, cardiovascular events, or other occurrences in the 30 patients. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in the cirrhosis group was lower than that in the liver failure group (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, surgical time, blood loss, anhepatic phase, or cold ischemia time (all P>0.05). During the perioperative period, there was 1 case of hepatic artery embolism, 1 case of portal vein anastomotic stenosis, no complications of hepatic vein and inferior vena cava, and 3 cases of biliary anastomotic stenosis, all of which occurred in the liver failure group. Conclusions In strictly selected cases, the minimally invasive liver transplantation technique combining laparoscopic hepatectomy with upper midline incision for graft implantation has the advantages of smaller incisions, less bleeding, relatively easier operation, and faster postoperative recovery, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

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