1.Comorbidity Mechanism Between Ulcerative Colitis and Atrial Fibrillation Based on "Gut Microbiota-gut-heart" Axis
Meiyu FENG ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Yihang DU ; Xuanye DING ; Yuanhui HU ; Haitai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):276-281
The gut microbiota is regarded as the "eighth organ" of the human body and plays a critical regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology and a tendency toward recurrent episodes. In recent years, studies have shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a key role in its pathological processes. Meanwhile, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that imbalances in the gut microbiota and abnormalities in its metabolites are closely associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although UC and AF belong to diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular system, respectively, both exhibit systemic inflammatory characteristics and are often accompanied by gut microbiota dysregulation and abnormal metabolic products. However, systematic investigations into the mechanisms by which gut microbiota-derived metabolites act in these two diseases remain limited. Based on this, the present study adopts literature review and theoretical analysis methods, taking the "gut microbiota-gut-heart" axis as the entry point, to systematically summarize the signaling networks of three key classes of metabolites, i.e., short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in the comorbidity mechanism of UC and AF. The findings indicate that these metabolites may activate key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB and NLRP3, thereby synergistically mediating intestinal barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammation and constructing a potential comorbidity network. On this basis, potential intervention strategies for the treatment of UC-AF comorbidity, including probiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation, are further discussed. This study aims to provide new theoretical evidence and research perspectives for prevention and treatment strategies of cross-system diseases.
2.The Role of Histone Lactylation in Diseases and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xin ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Zhao-Huan LI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):887-904
Histone lactylation is a recently identified post-translational modification, wherein lactate mediates the enzymatic addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Since its discovery, extensive research has demonstrated that histone lactylation is widely present in human tissues and plays a pivotal role in regulating the transcription of specific genes. Subsequent studies have further established this modification as a widespread epigenetic mark with significant physiological implications. With advancing research, accumulating evidence confirms that lactylation at distinct histone sites elicits diverse biological effects—such as promoting cell proliferation, driving inflammatory responses, and enhancing fibrosis—all of which profoundly influence disease progression and serve as key drivers of disease onset and development. Conversely, inhibiting histone lactylation can alter disease outcomes, positioning histone lactylation as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, studies have revealed crosstalk between histone lactylation and other post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, which collectively regulate disease progression. Notably, lactylation occurs not only on histones but also on non-histone proteins. Histone lactylation activates specific gene transcription and reshapes metabolic epigenetics, while non-histone lactylation directly modulates enzyme activity, signal transduction, and protein stability. These two facets form a synergistic network through shared lactate pools, common modifying enzyme systems, and pathway crosstalk, thereby constructing a multi-dimensional regulatory framework—namely, the “histone lactylation-metabolism hub-non-histone lactylation” axis. This architecture bridges metabolism and epigenetics, and deciphering its topological structure may provide novel targets for precise intervention in diseases driven by lactate-mediated signaling hijacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in clinical practice, has been shown to regulate histone lactylation by modulating lactate metabolism and lactylation-related enzymes, thereby influencing disease progression. Moreover, certain TCM formulations exhibit potential as alternative therapies for drug-resistant diseases, underscoring the significance of further exploring TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation in future therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying histone lactylation, systematically delineate the associations between site-specific histone lactylation and various diseases, present a comprehensive landscape of the “lactate-histone lactylation and functional protein lactylation” axis, and summarize the mechanistic basis and research advances in TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation for disease treatment. Additionally, we discuss current challenges in histone lactylation research and propose future directions, ultimately aiming to deepen understanding and broaden perspectives on the roles and therapeutic potential of histone lactylation in disease.
3.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
4.Analysis of scalp fungal communities in severe alopecia areata patients by ITS sequencing
Chunlan ZHANG ; Yilong LEI ; Ruixuan CHENG ; Dawei DUAN ; Xin DU ; Wenming ZHOU ; Dandan ZANG ; Feng WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):576-582
ObjectiveTo compare the differences in fungal community composition between lesional and non-lesional scalp areas in patients suffering from severe alopecia areata (AA), and compare these with healthy scalp areas in control subjects. Additionally, to preliminarily explore the changes in scalp fungal communities in severe AA patients and their potential underlying immunological mechanisms. MethodsA total of 20 severe AA patients and 18 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin swab samples were collected from lesional and non-lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients, as well as from the normal scalp of healthy controls. The fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. ResultsThe lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients exhibited higher α-diversity and species richness in fungal communities. Notably, the relative abundance of Ascomycota, along with genera such as Mycosphaerella, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Wallemia, significantly increased in the bald regions. In contrast, Acremonium and Schizophyllum were more predominant in the non-lesional areas of severe AA patients. ConclusionDistinct region-specific differences in scalp fungal microbiota in severe AA patients suggests that fungal dysbiosis may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. These findings provide new insights into the disease characteristics of severe AA from the perspective of scalp microecology.
5.Construction of a residual astigmatism prediction model after Toric IOL implantation based on preoperative parameters
Yafei WANG ; Mingjia HOU ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Du FENG
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1287-1292
AIM: To explore preoperative risk factors affecting residual astigmatism after Toric intraocular lens(IOL)implantation, and construct and verify a clinically applicable prediction model.METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent Toric IOL implantation at Puyang Oilfield General Hospital and the Second People's Hospital of Puyang City from October 2023 to August 2025. Patients were categorized into two groups according to residual astigmatism at 3 mo postoperatively: >0.25 D group and ≤0.25 D group. Preoperative clinical data and ocular parameters of the two groups were collected and compared. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen risk factors, and a nomogram prediction model was established accordingly. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve, calibration curve, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were adopted to evaluate discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the model. Bootstrap method was applied for internal validation.RESULTS: Totally 103 patients(103 eyes)were included, with 72 patients(72 eyes)in the group with residual astigmatism ≤0.25 D, including 38 males and 34 females, with an average age of 67.35±6.12 y; There were 31 cases(31 eyes)in group with residual astigmatism >0.25 D, including 19 males and 12 females, with an average age of 69.87±6.45 y. The proportion of patients with a history of diabetes, as well as the values for axial length, horizontal corneal diameter, flat corneal curvature(K1), steep corneal curvature(K2), astigmatic axis and proportion of lens nuclear hardness grade III-IV were significantly higher in the residual astigmatism group >0.25 D than those in the residual astigmatism ≤0.25 D group(all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified increased horizontal corneal diameter, higher K1 value, higher K2 value, and higher lens nuclear hardness(grade III-IV)as independent risk factors for postoperative residual astigmatism >0.25 D(all P<0.05). The nomogram constructed from these factors demonstrated that the area under the ROC curve(AUC)was 0.794, with a sensitivity of 80.31% and a specificity of 75.20%. The concordance index(C-index)of internal validation was 0.865. Calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test(χ2=5.231, P=0.734)indicated good consistency between predicted and actual values of the model.CONCLUSION: The nomogram model established based on horizontal corneal diameter, K1, K2 and lens nucleus hardness exhibits favorable predictive performance. It can effectively predict the risk of residual astigmatism prior to Toric IOL surgery, providing reference for individualized clinical surgical planning.
6.Development and Validation of a Clinically Actionable Prediction Model for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Cardiac Surgery: A Focus on Modifiable Risk Factors
Ruoxi LI ; Meice TIAN ; Chuangshi WANG ; Yujia HUANG ; Weinan CHEN ; Ya SONG ; Bomiao LIU ; Liu DU ; Xue FENG
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(1):50-61
Objective:
To develop and validate a clinically actionable prediction model for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in cardiac surgery patients, focusing on modifiable preoperative risk factors amenable to targeted optimization.
Methods:
In this prospective observational cohort study, 492 adults undergoing open-chest cardiac surgery between August 15, 2023 and December 31, 2023 were analyzed. Prespecified predictors included gas exchange variables, pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength, and physical performance. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to develop the prediction model. Discrimination was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:
A total of 90 patients (14.1%) developed PPCs after surgery. Five independent predictors were identified: elevated arterial PaCO2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.26), oxygen desaturation (SpO2<93%) (OR 12.47, 95% CI 3.51–48.13), reduced gait speed (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.71), lower FEV1/FVC ratio (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00), and diminished inspiratory muscle strength (MIP % predicted) (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–0.99). The model demonstrated good discriminative ability with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.80–0.93) in the training cohort and 0.87 (95% CI 0.74–0.93) in the validation cohort.
Conclusion
This parsimonious model achieved high predictive accuracy using five modifiable physiological variables. By targeting abnormalities in gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics, muscle strength, and functional reserve, the model offers a practical tool to guide individualized prehabilitation strategies for reducing PPC risk in cardiac surgery patients.
7.Mechanism of Shenfukang capsule in ameliorating renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating cellular crosstalk via the STAT3/YAP pathway
Wei DU ; Yufang YANG ; Yanhong LIAO ; Xiaoqin ZOU ; Zhiwei LIANG ; Xiangqian FENG ; Xiaobin ZHONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1547-1552
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Shenfukang capsule (SFK) ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) by regulating macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway. METHODS RAW264.7 macrophages were induced to polarize with transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1 ). Subsequently, a non-contact co-culture system of macrophages with renal fibroblasts NRK-49F, as well as a non-contact co-culture system of macrophages with YAP-knockdown renal fibroblasts, were established. Cells were treated with low, medium, and high concentrations (4, 8, 16 μg/mL) of SFK, as well as a STAT3 inhibitor (STAT3-I,1.64 μg/mL) and losartan potassium tablets (positive control, 0.28 μg/mL), for 48 h. After intervention, the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD86, CD163, and STAT3 in macrophages, as well as CD86, F4/80, and STAT3 mRNA, were detected. In co-cultured renal fibroblasts, the protein and mRNA expression levels of α -smooth muscle actin ( α -SMA), Vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and YAP were detected. In co-cultured YAP-knockdown renal fibroblasts, the protein and mRNA expression levels of α -SMA, Vimentin, and MMP-1 were also detected. RESULTS Following TGF-β 1 induction, the protein expression levels of CD86, CD163, and STAT3, as well as the mRNA expression levels of CD86, F4/80, and STAT3 in macrophages were significantly increased ( P <0.05). The conditioned medium from polarized macrophages activated renal fibroblasts, as evidenced by significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of α -SMA, Vimentin, Col-Ⅰ, and YAP, and significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-1 in renal fibroblasts ( P <0.05). Treatment with SFK and STAT3-I reversed the changes in the above indicators, with the medium concentration SFK group showing stronge r effects on some indicators than the low and high concentration groups. In the non-contact co-culture experiment of macrophages and YAP-knockdown renal fibroblasts, there were no statistically significant differences in the protein and mRNA expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, and MMP-1 among the groups. CONCLUSIONS SFK can inhibit macrophage-renal fibroblast crosstalk by blocking the STAT3/YAP pathway, thereby delaying the progression of RIF.
8.Epidemiological investigation of a cluster of rural severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases and tick ecological monitoring results in Zibo City
Jun DU ; Ai-min FENG ; Bao-qiang CUI ; Tao SUN ; Yi-chuan YANG ; Yan-dong WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):128-133
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a clustered outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)as well as the ecological tick monitoring results for Zibo City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A case definition was cited before epidemic investigations were performed. Epidemiological investigations were performed on the index cases and their close contacts. Blood samples were collected from cases and close contacts, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect SFTS virus(SFTSV)nucleic acid sequences. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze risk factors and develop prevention and control strategies. Results This clustered outbreak involved two index cases and six close contacts with no deaths. Case A exhibited symptom onset on July 26. SFTS was confirmed on August 2. Case B exhibited symptom onset on August 1, and SFTS was confirmed on August 3. Patient B reported a recent history of tick bites. In both index cases, the incubation period for SFTS was inferred to be 7-12 days. The time interval from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis in the two cases ranged from 2-8 days, with an average period of 5 days. SFTSV nucleic acid test result were positive for both patients, whereas all six close contacts tested negative. All captured ticks tested negative for SFTSV using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The densities of parasitic and free-living ticks in the emergency monitoring area around the cases were 12.60 and 4.65 ticks/(flag·100 m). In 2024, the average parasitic tick index and free-living tick density index were 4.21 and 2.43 ticks/(flag ·100 m)in Yiyuan County, respectively. Conclusions No evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the assessed SFTS clusters. The infections were likely acquired through tick bites during fieldwork, and the risk of a subsequent outbreak spreading was low.
9.Cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease
Chaogang XIONG ; Junsong WEI ; Mengna AN ; Zijie DENG ; Lei DU ; Qian LEI ; Xin ZHANG ; Shengjie ZHANG ; Wenbing MA ; Weiyi FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1735-1739
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease (AD) from a whole-society perspective. METHODS Based on data from the Clarity AD study, a global multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of lecanemab for early AD, a Markov model was developed according to the disease progression of AD, with a monthly cycle and a time horizon extending to 99% patient mortality. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were used as outcome indicators, with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold set at twice China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025 (199 330.00 yuan/QALY). The model simulated the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab plus standard of care (SoC) versus placebo plus SoC for early AD. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS Compared with placebo plus SoC, the ICER for lecanemab plus SoC was 4 364 711.54 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the hazard ratio for disease progression, the price of lecanemab, body weight, the monthly progression probability of mild cognitive impairment, and the discount rate were key parameters affecting model robustness. Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of lecanemab being cost-effective was 0 at the current WTP threshold. Scenario analysis indicated that a price reduction of at least 94.88% would be required for lecanemab to fall below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS At the current WTP threshold, lecanemab plus SoC is not cost-effective compared with placebo plus SoC for early AD.
10.Cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease
Chaogang XIONG ; Junsong WEI ; Mengna AN ; Zijie DENG ; Lei DU ; Qian LEI ; Xin ZHANG ; Shengjie ZHANG ; Wenbing MA ; Weiyi FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1735-1739
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease (AD) from a whole-society perspective. METHODS Based on data from the Clarity AD study, a global multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of lecanemab for early AD, a Markov model was developed according to the disease progression of AD, with a monthly cycle and a time horizon extending to 99% patient mortality. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were used as outcome indicators, with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold set at twice China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025 (199 330.00 yuan/QALY). The model simulated the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab plus standard of care (SoC) versus placebo plus SoC for early AD. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS Compared with placebo plus SoC, the ICER for lecanemab plus SoC was 4 364 711.54 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the hazard ratio for disease progression, the price of lecanemab, body weight, the monthly progression probability of mild cognitive impairment, and the discount rate were key parameters affecting model robustness. Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of lecanemab being cost-effective was 0 at the current WTP threshold. Scenario analysis indicated that a price reduction of at least 94.88% would be required for lecanemab to fall below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS At the current WTP threshold, lecanemab plus SoC is not cost-effective compared with placebo plus SoC for early AD.


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