1.Expression and clinical significance of HBV RNA in chronic hepatitis B patients with low-level viremia
Ya CHEN ; Yihuai HE ; Yinghua CHEN ; Yawen LUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):573-578
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression characteristics of serum HBV RNA in patients with low-level viremia (LLV) and its value in the diagnosis of LLV. MethodsA total of 402 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who attended Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from December 2023 to May 2025 were enrolled, and according to their viral load, they were divided into complete virologic response (CVR) group (190 patients with HBV DNA <20 IU/mL) and LLV group (212 patients with an HBV DNA level of ≥20 IU/mL and <2 000 IU/mL). The two groups were analyzed in terms of age, sex, disease type, serum HBV RNA, HBeAg, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBil), and according to HBeAg status, the patients in the LLV group were further divided into HBeAg-negative group with 140 patients and HBeAg-positive group with 72 patients. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for LLV in CHB patients, and a Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of HBV RNA with HBV DNA, ALT, AST, and TBil in the LLV group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the efficacy of HBV RNA in the diagnosis of LLV. ResultsCompared with the CVR group, the LLV group had a significantly higher serum level of HBV RNA [3 (1 — 5) log10 copies/mL vs 2 (1 — 3) log10 copies/mL, Z=-2.346, P=0.019] and a significantly higher proportion of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis (31.13% vs 22.11%, χ2=4.155, P=0.042) or hepatocellular carcinoma (9.91% vs 4.74%, χ2=3.876, P=0.049). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that HBV RNA (odds ratio=1.163, 95% confidence interval: 1.058 — 1.278, P=0.002) was an independent risk factor for the onset of LLV in CHB patients. Among the patients with LLV, HBeAg-positive patients had a significantly higher level of HBV RNA than HBeAg-negative patients [6 (4 — 7) log10 copies/mL vs 2 (1 — 3) log10 copies/mL, Z=-9.962, P<0.001]. The correlation analysis showed that HBV RNA level had no significant correlation with HBV DNA, ALT, AST, or TBil in the patients with LLV (all P>0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that HBV RNA had an AUC of 0.567 for the diagnosis of LLV (P=0.021), with an optimal cut-off value of 4.5 log10 copies/mL, a sensitivity of 30.7%, and a specificity of 85.8%. ConclusionSerum HBV RNA level is an independent risk factor for the development of LLV in CHB patients, and there is a significant increase in the expression of HBV RNA in HBeAg-positive patients. Therefore, it may serve as a potential biomarker for clinical risk assessment.
2.Regulatory mechanism of bacteriophages in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and their application prospects in treatment
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):676-682
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, and currently there is still a lack of effective therapies. Bacteriophages are an important component of gut microbiota, and recent studies have shown that bacteriophages play a pivotal role in the pathological progression of MAFLD by reshaping microbiota structure, modulating intestinal barrier function, and regulating gut-liver axis signaling. Studies have also shown that there is a reduction in the diversity of bacteriophages in MAFLD patients, and the abundance of specific bacteriophages is closely associated with disease severity. The underlying mechanisms of bacteriophages involve the regulation of intestinal barrier, targeted clearance of pathogenic bacteria, promotion of the colonization of probiotic bacteria, and modulation of immune responses and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Animal models and preclinical trials have shown that targeted bacteriophage intervention strategies are expected to alleviate liver inflammation, improve steatosis, and ameliorate metabolic disorders. However, there are still challenges such as drug resistance of bacteriophage, the complexity of host-bacteriophage interactions, and safety issues in clinical translation. This article systematically elaborates on the regulatory mechanisms of bacteriophages in MAFLD and their application prospects in treatment, in order to provide a theoretical reference for future research and the development of bacteriophage-based therapies in this field.
3.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
4.Characterization and Application of Moisture Absorption Kinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines Based on Double Exponential Model:A Review
Yanting YU ; Lei XIONG ; Yan HE ; Wei LIU ; Jing YANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Xiaojian LUO ; Xiaoyong RAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):340-346
Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica(CMM). Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design, process optimization, and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms, with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion, tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years, this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties, offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM, analyzes its advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in this domain, and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies, while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.
5.Severe Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Case Report
Jianhua LI ; Wei HUANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Weiyuan LUO ; Yanqiong WU ; Xiukai CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):115-119
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma(IVLBCL) is a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma with diverse and nonspecific clinical manifestations, often leading to misdiagnosis. This article reports a case of IVLBCL in a middle-aged male patient who initially presented with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH). The patient exhibited progressive hypoxemia and PAH, showing poor response to standard PAH therapy. Laboratory tests indicated a hyperinflammatory state and significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, while imaging revealed diffuse bilateral lung lesions. Random skin biopsy identified atypical B lymphocytes within subcutaneous capillaries, confirming the diagnosis of IVLBCL. Following treatment with the ZR-CHOP regimen, the patient's symptoms and laboratory parameters improved markedly. By reviewing relevant literature, this article systematically outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic process of this case, aiming to provide insights for the clinical recognition of such rare presentations.
6.Reporting Status of Clinical Practice Guideline Protocols: A Systematic Analysis
Huayu ZHANG ; Xufei LUO ; Hui LIU ; Qi ZHOU ; Yishan QIN ; Ye WANG ; Yuanyuan YAO ; Haodong LI ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):255-262
To systematically analyzed the reporting status of core elements in publicly available clinical practice guideline(hereafter referred to as "guideline") protocols published domestically and internationally over the past decade, identified existing problems, and provided evidence to inform the standardized writing and publication of future guideline protocols. A systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases for clinical practice guideline protocols published during the past ten years. The basic characteristics and reporting of core elements—including registration information, conflict of interest management, evidence grading, development process and timeline planning, as well as dissemination and implementation—were extracted and analyzed. Chi-square tests were performed to explore associations between protocol characteristics and the reporting of core elements. A total of 94 guideline protocols were included, of which 67 were in Chinese(71.28%) and 27 were in English(28.72%). Overall, 82.98% of the guideline protocols were registered, 92.55% reported management of conflicts of interest, 97.87% reported evidence searching, 88.30% reported evidence grading, and 89.36% described dissemination and implementation strategies. However, only 55.32% reported the guideline development process, and merely 23.40% reported timeline planning. Further analysis indicated that the reporting of registration, evidence searching, development process, and timeline planning was associated with year of publication. Differences were observed between domestic and international guidelines in reporting registration, conflict of interest management, development process, time planning, and dissemination and implementation. Guidelines intended for development exhibited higher reporting rates for registration, development process, and dissemination and implementation compared to those planned for updating or adaptation. Although current guideline protocols demonstrate relatively adequate reporting of methodological elements, deficiencies remain in development process and timeline planning. Future efforts should focus on promoting the publication and standardized reporting of guideline protocols, enhancing the international recognition of registration platforms, and strengthening the development process and timeline planning to advance the scientific rigor and transparency of guideline development.
7.Insomnia and quality of life as chain mediators between negative life events and depression severity in adolescents with depressive disorders
Xu ZHANG ; Lewei LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Feng GENG ; Daming MO ; Changhao CHEN ; Zhiwei LIU ; Xiangwang WEN ; Xiangfen LUO ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):163-168
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, as well as the chain mediating role of insomnia symptoms and quality of life. Methods374 outpatient patients and hospitalized patients with adolescent depressive disorders were enrolled. The Adolescent Life Event Scale (ASLEC), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to evaluate the negative life event situation, insomnia symptoms, quality of life level and depression severity of the subjects, respectively. In addition, the PROCESS 4.0 macroprogram was used to analyze the chain mediating effect of insomnia symptoms and quality of life between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorder. ResultsThe results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between negative life events and insomnia symptoms, quality of life, and depression severity (all P<0.05). In addition, the results of chain mediation showed that negative life events had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with an effect size of 0.12 (P<0.001). Insomnia symptoms and quality of life played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorders, with indirect effect sizes of 0.062 (95%CI: 0.040-0.087) and 0.091 (95%CI: 0.059-0.123), respectively. It could also play a chain mediation role, and the effect size was 0.039 (95%CI: 0.024-0.057). ConclusionNegative life events experienced by patients with adolescent depressive disorder not only directly affect the severity of depressive symptoms, but may also indirectly exacerbate depression through insomnia symptoms and quality of life.
8.DNMT1 promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer HCT8 cells by suppressing TRAF6-mediated ubiquitination of EZH2
PENG Xiaomei1 ; LUO Shunyuan2 ; SHI Xinpeng3 ; ZUO Haojian3 ; CAO Luyang1 ; CHEN Han3 ; ZHOU Haitao4 ; LUO Xiaoyong1,3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):28-36
[摘 要] 目的:探讨DNA甲基转移酶1(DNMT1)通过稳定zeste基因增强子同源物2(EZH2)促进结直肠癌(CRC)HCT8细胞增殖与迁移的机制。方法:利用生物信息学方法分析DNMT1在CRC组织中的表达水平。WB法检测DNMT1在CRC细胞HCT8、SW620和正常结肠上皮细胞NCM460中的表达。通过siRNA或慢病毒载体转染HCT8细胞,分为siNC组、siDNMT1组、Vector组、DNMT1-OE组、siTRAF6组、siEZH2组、siEZH2 + DNMT1-OE组。采用克隆形成实验、CCK-8法、Transwell实验和划痕愈合实验检测敲低或过表达DNMT1对HCT8细胞增殖与迁移的影响,WB和qPCR法检测EZH2蛋白和mRNA水平,免疫沉淀(IP)法检测EZH2泛素化水平,免疫荧光双染检测肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(TRAF6)与EZH2的细胞内共定位情况,克隆形成和划痕愈合实验验证EZH2对DNMT1功能的逆转作用。收集2022—2025年间郑州大学附属洛阳中心医院手术切除的12例CRC患者的癌及癌旁组织标本,采用免疫组化法检测CRC组织中DNMT1、TRAF6和EZH2的表达水平。结果:DNMT1在CRC组织中表达显著高于癌旁组织(P < 0.01),且在CRC细胞中表达上调(P < 0.05);DNMT1敲低显著抑制HCT8细胞增殖及迁移(均P < 0.01),过表达则相反(均P < 0.01)。DNMT1正向调控EZH2的蛋白水平(P < 0.01),而mRNA水平不变(P > 0.05)。MG132可恢复siDNMT1组的EZH2蛋白表达(P < 0.01),且siDNMT1组EZH2泛素化水平升高。DNMT1负向调控TRAF6的表达(P < 0.01),且TRAF6与EZH2在细胞质中共定位,IP证实两者直接结合。敲低TRAF6可减弱EZH2的泛素化水平,敲低EZH2可逆转DNMT1对HCT8细胞增殖、迁移的促进作用(均P < 0.01)。DNMT1和EZH2在CRC组织中呈高表达(P < 0.01),TRAF6在CRC组织中表达显著低于癌旁组织(P < 0.05)。结论:DNMT1通过抑制TRAF6稳定EZH2促进CRC细胞的增殖和迁移,DNMT1、TRAF6和EZH2可能是CRC治疗的潜在靶点。
9.Microscopic Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis and New Ideas on Medicine Management Based on Theory of Mutual Interference Between Lucidity and Turbidity
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Lei LUO ; Renwu CHEN ; Zishun LI ; Meiling LI ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):288-299
The chapter Zhouyu in Guoyu says "Qi of the heaven and the earth moves without losing its order." With lucidity ascending and turbidity descending, Qi moves in a normal state, and Yin and Yang consolidate the foundation of the body. The mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity leads to the disorder of Qi movement, thus causing diseases. It is a pathological state of disorder between ascending and descending, as well as between entering and exiting, gradually evolving into a state of turbidity affecting lucidity and transforming into pathogen, which can be used to interpret and analyze the core of disease pathogenesis. The theory of lucidity and turbidity is connected with the harmony of nutrient and defensive aspects, Qi circulation, and sweat pore associating with Qi movement, and it has common implications with immune responses and nutrient metabolism system, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and mitochondrial energy synthesis. Modern studies have shown that intestinal flora imbalance, bile acid receptor inactivation, macrophage polarization imbalance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ferroptosis and other related microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis. By delving into the common meaning of the classic theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical pathological mechanisms, this paper summarizes the correspondence between the micropathological mechanism and the theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in the regulation and mamagement of ulcerative colitis. The combined use of sweet and warm medicinal materials consolidates the middle Qi and activates Qi circulation, thus ascending lucidity and descending turbidity. The combined use of pungent medicinal materials for dispersing and bitter medicinal materials for descending simultaneously raises warm and clear Qi. Wind-extinguishing medicinal materials facilitate the ascending of Qi and the opening of sweat pores. Accordingly, turbidity descends and lucidity ascends. The prescriptions incorporating these medication principles are in agreement with the therapeutic approach of following the normal flow of lucidity and turbidity. This paper clarifies the scientific connotation and micropathologic mechanism of ulcerative colitis from the perspective of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity, providing new theories and prescriptions for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ulcerative colitis.
10.Mechanisms and Strategy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Maodi WENG ; Qiuyan CHEN ; Kai WANG ; Yun LUO ; Xiaobo SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):310-316
Ischemic stroke (IS) represents a major global health challenge with complex pathological mechanisms. Although modern therapies such as intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy have advanced, their application remains constrained by narrow therapeutic time windows, hemorrhagic risks, and uneven distribution of medical resources. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates unique value in the prevention and treatment of IS, owing to its multi-component, multi-target, and holistic regulatory characteristics. This review summarized the molecular mechanisms by which active ingredients and compound formulations of TCM exert therapeutic effects against IS through the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, excitatory toxicity, apoptosis, and autophagy. Studies have indicated that components such as curcumin, baicalin, and astragaloside Ⅳ inhibit microglial activation and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to attenuate neuroinflammation, activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway to alleviate oxidative stress, modulate glutamate receptor function to counteract excitatory toxicity, and regulate the B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine aspartate-specific protease (Caspase), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways to suppress neuronal apoptosis. Recent research has further revealed that TCM can modulate ferroptosis by targeting key proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and acyl-coenzyme A synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) to maintain iron homeostasis, intervene in the "microbiota-gut-brain axis" to ameliorate dysbiosis and reduce neuroinflammation, utilize exosomes for brain-targeted drug delivery, and influence neural repair processes through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the review discussed the integrated mechanisms of compound formulations, such as Buyang Huanwu Decoction, in improving cerebral microcirculation and promoting neurovascular remodeling via multi-component synergy. It also analyzed the strategy and advantages of integrating TCM with Western medicine for IS treatment, providing a novel theoretical foundation and research directions for future investigations and clinical translation of TCM in IS management.

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