1.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
2.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.
3.Ionizing Radiation-induced Lens Injury: Epidemiology, Dose-effect Relationship, and Molecular Mechanisms
Cheng-Hao HU ; Shao-Han REN ; Hai-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Ming ZHAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):688-696
The crystalline lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body. While the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has classified ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cataracts as a tissue reaction (deterministic effect) and subsequently reduced the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens, significant uncertainties remain regarding the precise dose threshold and the complex biological pathways driving lens opacification. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge concerning radiation-induced lens damage, integrating epidemiological exposure characteristics with dose-response modeling and mechanistic molecular insights. First, we analyze exposure characteristics through four epidemiological dimensions: dose, time, space, and population. Clinical evidence suggests that radiation cataracts—particularly posterior subcapsular opacities—exhibit a distinct latency period that is inversely correlated with dose. We highlight that risk is not confined to acute high-dose scenarios (such as in atomic bomb survivors) but is increasingly relevant in chronic low-dose occupational settings (e.g., interventional radiology) and medical diagnostics (e.g., CT scans). Crucially, individual susceptibility is modified by genetic background, age, and environmental co-factors, complicating risk assessment. Second, we critically examine the dose-effect relationship. Although the ICRP suggests a threshold of 0.5 Gy, emerging data challenge the traditional threshold model, with some studies advocating for a linear non-threshold (LNT) relationship. We further discuss the critical roles of radiation quality and dose rate. High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation demonstrates a significantly higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for cataractogenesis compared to low-LET radiation. Paradoxically, and unlike many other tissues, the lens may exhibit an “inverse dose-rate effect,” where fractionated or protracted exposures potentially enhance biological damage—a finding that challenges classical radiobiological paradigms. Third, drawing upon the “cataractogenic load” hypothesis and the unique physiological constraints of the lens, this review elucidates the multidimensional molecular mechanisms driving radiation-induced opacification. Key mechanisms include four aspects. (1) DNA damage and repair: IR induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that, due to the lens’ limited repair capacity (modulated by genes such as ATM, Ptch1, and Ercc2), lead to the accumulation of damage. (2) Antioxidant defense system: dysfunction of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis results in redox imbalances, triggering NF-κB-mediated inflammation and protein aggregation. (3) Cell proliferation and senescence: IR disrupts cell cycle regulation, causing a dichotomy of effects—driving premature senescence in some cell populations (evidenced by ATM nuclear foci) while inducing aberrant proliferation via growth factor upregulation (FGF2, TGFβ) in others. (4) Cell migration and adhesion: activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and alterations in the E-cadherin complex promote the abnormal migration of epithelial cells to the posterior capsule, a hallmark of radiation-induced cataracts. In conclusion, radiation-induced cataractogenesis is a multifactorial process in which genetic susceptibility and environmental stressors converge to overwhelm the lens’ homeostatic thresholds. Future research must prioritize longitudinal cohort studies to refine dose thresholds and employ multi-omics approaches to map the crosstalk between DNA damage responses and matrix remodeling. Establishing a robust mechanistic model is essential for developing targeted radioprotective strategies and optimizing radiation protection standards for occupational and medical safety.
4.Clinical features and pathogens for burn wound infections in a northwestern hospital from 2014 to 2023
Huixin ZHAN ; Xin XUE ; Xiaohong NIU ; Tao YANG ; Nan WANG ; Zejuan JIANG ; Yantan CHENG ; Yigang HE ; Zhongshu PU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2126-2129
OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics,clinical features and distribution of pathogens isolated from the burn wound patients with infections in a northwestern hospital from 2014 to 2023 so as to provide bases for prevention and treatment of burn wound infections in the northwestern region.METHODS The epidemiological characteristics,clinical features and distribution of pathogenic isolated from the burn wound patients with infections who were treated in the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from 2014 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS A total of 2122 burn wound patients were enrolled in the study,397(18.71%)of whom had infections,including 306(14.42%)patients with community-acquired infections and 91(4.29%)patients with hospital-acquired infections.The proportion infections was higher among the patients aged no less than 60 years old(63/154)than among the patients aged less than 14 years old(231/983)and the pa-tients aged between 14 and 60 years old(103/985)(x2=108.840,P<0.001).The proportion of infections was higher among the patients with the burn wound depth no less than grade Ⅲ(146/458)than among the patients with the burn wound depth no less than grade Ⅱ(251/1664)(x2=66.600,P<0.001).The proportion infections was higher among the patients with burn wounds in limbs(370/1881)than among the patients with burn wounds in other sites(1153/1987)(x2=47.244,P<0.001).The isolation rates of methicillin-resistant Staphy-lococcus epidermidis and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains showed downward trends from 2014 to 2023,the isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and the third generation cephalo-sporins-resistant Escherichia coli showed upward trends,however,there were no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS The patients with no less than 60 years of age,no lower than grade Ⅲ of burn wound depth and burn wounds in limbs are more likely to have burn wound infections.S.aureus is the predominant species of pathogens causing the infections.The isolation rates of carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae strains and the third generation cephalosporins-resistant E.coli strains show upward trends.It is necessary to take targeted prevention and treatment measures for the burn wound infections.
5.Arthroscopic single-row fixation and knotless suture bridge fixation for rotator cuff injuries combined with osteoporosis
Haoliang ZHANG ; Sijia XIA ; Bingzhen ZHAN ; Shuo FENG ; Guochun ZHA ; Cheng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(15):3188-3192
BACKGROUND:Arthroscopic single-row fixation with knotless suture bridge fixation techniques have been commonly used in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries,but the clinical efficacy in rotator cuff injuries combined with osteoporosis is unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic single-row fixation versus knotless suture bridge fixation in the treatment of rotator cuff injuries combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:One hundred and twenty-two patients with rotator cuff injuries combined with osteoporosis who underwent arthroscopic treatment admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2018 and August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into two groups according to the treatment plan.There were 63 patients with single-row fixation(single-row group)and 59 patients with knotless suture-bridge fixation(suture-bridge group).The visual analog scale scores for pain,University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score,Constant-Murley score,and shoulder range of motion were compared between the two groups at the preoperative and 1 year postoperative periods.Rotator cuff re-tears were evaluated at 1 year postoperatively using the Sugaya staging criteria.The occurrence of complications was recorded in both groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All patients received more than 1-year follow-up.No complications such as incision infection and nerve injury occurred in both groups after surgery.(2)Postoperative visual analog scale scores,University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score,Constant-Murley scores,and shoulder range of motion were significantly improved 1 year postoperatively in both groups compared with the preoperative period(P<0.05).Visual analog scale scores,University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score,Constant-Murley scores,and shoulder range of motion were better in the suture-bridge group than in the single-row group 1 year postoperatively(P<0.05).(3)At 1 year postoperatively,the re-tear rate in the single-row group[22%(14/63)]was significantly higher than that in the suture-bridge group[7%(4/59)],and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(x2=5.777,P=0.016).(4)It is indicated that arthroscopic single-row fixation and knotless suture bridge fixation for rotator cuff injuries combined with osteoporosis both yielded satisfactory clinical outcomes,but knotless suture bridge fixation was more clinically effective,with a lower rate of postoperative retear.
6.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(9):research report standards and results visualization
Jingru CHENG ; Ruina CHEN ; Jiarui LI ; Shaowen TANG ; Feng SUN ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(9):1004-1016
Standardized research reporting is crucial for the translation of pharmacoepidemiology research findings,and visual reporting can significantly enhance the clarity,understandability,and transparency of research results.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition),this article systematically explains the key points for writing each component of a research report(including title,abstract,introduction,research methods,research results,discussion and conclusions,acknowledgments,conflict of interest statement,and references).This article also summarizes recognized international and domestic standards for pharmacoepidemiology research reporting,providing a reference for researchers.Furthermore,real-world cases will be used to demonstrate common forms of visualized reports and their interpretation methods.Finally,it further explores strategies for communicating research results.This study aims to provide pharmacoepidemiology researchers with detailed guidance on visually presenting research results and writing high-quality research reports,thereby enhancing the integrity and impact of their research.
7.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(9):research report standards and results visualization
Jingru CHENG ; Ruina CHEN ; Jiarui LI ; Shaowen TANG ; Feng SUN ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(9):1004-1016
Standardized research reporting is crucial for the translation of pharmacoepidemiology research findings,and visual reporting can significantly enhance the clarity,understandability,and transparency of research results.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition),this article systematically explains the key points for writing each component of a research report(including title,abstract,introduction,research methods,research results,discussion and conclusions,acknowledgments,conflict of interest statement,and references).This article also summarizes recognized international and domestic standards for pharmacoepidemiology research reporting,providing a reference for researchers.Furthermore,real-world cases will be used to demonstrate common forms of visualized reports and their interpretation methods.Finally,it further explores strategies for communicating research results.This study aims to provide pharmacoepidemiology researchers with detailed guidance on visually presenting research results and writing high-quality research reports,thereby enhancing the integrity and impact of their research.
8.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
9.Herbal Textual Research on Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix and Knoxiae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoxuan CUI ; Kaizhi WU ; Wuwei MENG ; Yapeng WANG ; Wenyue LI ; Cheng FENG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):282-294
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, processing and other aspects of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix(EPR) by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herbal medicine. According to research, EPR was first recorded in the Shennong Bencaojing in the name of Daji, and it is the correct name of the herbal medicine in all dynasties, there are also other aliases such as Qiongju, Hongya Daji, and Xiamaxian. The dried roots of Euphorbia pekinensis from Euphorbiaceae was the mainstream of the past dynasties. Before the Ming dynasty, the above ground parts of E. pekinensis were used as Zeqi in herbal works. However, since LI Shizhen in the Ming dynasty proposed that the origin of Zeqi should be E. helioscopia, the aerial part of EPR is no longer used as medicine. Since modern times, the roots of Knoxia valerianoides has been used as EPR, and has become the mainstream of commodities, which should be corrected. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the main producing areas were Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shanxi and other regions, while modern botanical survey have shown that EPR is a widespread species distributed throughout the country. In ancient times, the harvesting time of EPR was mostly the twelfth lunar month, while in modern time, it is more common to harvest in autumn and winter. The main processing methods of EPR in ancient times were vinegar processing, wine processing, and stir frying, while in modern times, it is uniformly vinegar processing. In the medicinal properties and clinical aspects, the records are basically consistent throughout history, mainly characterized by bitter taste, cold and toxic nature. Its main efficacy is expelling water retention and reducing swelling. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to choose the dried roots of E. pekinensis when famous classical formulas containing EPR, processing method can be based on the original specified prescription requirements, if the processing method is not clear, it is recommended to use vinegar-processed products as medicine.
10.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(4):sources of research question and study protocol development in pharmacoepidemiological research
Yinchu CHENG ; Na HE ; Yingying YAN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(4):365-372
Formulating a well-defined research question and developing a scientifically sound study protocol is important for ensuring the quality of pharmacoepidemiological research.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology in China(2nd edition),this research provided an interpretation of the sections related to the formulation of research questions and the development of study protocols.First,it clarified the sources and scope of research questions,outlining a two-step approach—question generation and definition—and introduces relevant evaluation tools and defining frameworks.Furthermore,it systematically explained the key elements of a study protocol and provides an in-depth explanation of the research methodology and its critical aspects.Finally,the paper highlighted the importance of feasibility assessment,emphasizing that the process of defining research questions and study protocols is dynamic and iterative.Compared with the previous edition,the 2nd edition of the guidelines offers more detailed and updated guidance on question formulation and protocol development.It added three new elements—such as protocol archiving or registration—and three new content items,including study objectives.The 2nd edition also expanded the methodological framework and strengthens feasibility assessments,thereby enhancing the comprehensiveness and rigor of its practical guidance.By integrating guideline content with practical experience,this paper provided insights into its implications for pharmacoepidemiological research and serves as a reference for researchers in the field.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail