1.Association of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes with blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular prognosis in post-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: a prospective cohort study
Huangyu XU ; Qian LI ; Haozhe XIONG ; Weidong HONG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Xinrong FAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):91-102
Objective:
Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields.
Methods:
We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data.
Results:
A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914].
Conclusion
The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.
2.Development and validation of a prediction model for amputation risk in patients with diabetic foot ulcers based on systematic review and meta-analysis
Weidong HAN ; Yiming FAN ; Pan CHEN ; Nan HU ; Shiqi HU ; Te XIONG ; Rui YIN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(18):2262-2271
Objective To develop and validate a prediction model for risk of amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers(DFU)based on systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods The studies on the risk factors of amputation in DFU patients was retrieved by using subject words+free words.After screening,37 cohort studies were finally included,and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale(NOS)was used for quality evaluation.Meta-analysis was performed on the risk factors of amputation in DFU.Then a prediction model for DFU amputation risk were constructed based on the statistically significant risk factors in the meta-analysis.The corresponding β value was calculated based on the combined odds ratio(OR)value of each risk factor,and each risk factor was scored to establish a scoring system model.The clinical data of 453 DFU patients hospitalized in our department from 2021 to 2023 were collected as a validation cohort.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to evaluate the model performance.The area under the curve(AUC)was calculated,and the optimal cutoff score was determined by calculation of the maximum Youden index through sensitivity and specificity.Results Our meta-analysis showed a cumulative amputation rate of approximately 34.65%in 11 779 DFU patients.The final risk prediction models include gangrene[OR=11.92(5.86~24.24)],ulcer depth[OR=4.93(2.52~9.64)],osteomyelitis[OR=3.19(2.36~4.29)],previous amputation history[OR=3.19(2.00~5.09)]and lower extremity arterial disease[OR=3.10(2.31~4.17)].According to the weights of each risk factor,the total score of the model is 76,and the optimal cut-off score is 36.5.The prediction model performed well,with an AUC value of 0.864(0.824,0.903),a sensitivity of 0.743,a specificity of 0.859,and an accuracy rate of 83.00%.Conclusion A prediction model for DFU amputation risk is developed based on risk factor scoring,and has good discrimination and calibration,providing effective scientific basis for clinical research and clinical decision-making related to DFU amputation.
3.Research progress of GNB2 protein
Li XIONG ; Lihong YANG ; Yuxin FAN ; Huan DENG ; Yin XIANG ; Yang YANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(5):616-619
Guanylate binding protein subunit β-2(GNB2)is an important part of G protein family.In the process of cell signal transduction,GNB2 plays a structural support and regulatory role in G protein complex,ensuring the correct transmission and amplification of signals,interacting with receptors and regulating vari-ous effector enzymes and ion channels,and mediating a variety of physiological functions.Therefore,GNB2 plays a key role in cell signaling,and participates in the regulation of cell proliferation,differentiation and mi-gration and other biological processes.This article reviews the research progress of GNB2,focusing on its structure,function,regulatory mechanism,disease correlation and importance in tumor research.
4.Expression of m6A methyltransferase METTL14 in trophoblast cells and its effect on the development of early-onset preeclampsia
Xiong Tang ; Fan Chen ; Siyu Xie ; Yafei Guo ; Ye He ; Ying Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(10):1887-1895,1907
Objective:
To explore the role of N6-methyladenosine(m6A) modification of RNA and Methyltransferase like Protein 14 methyltransferase(METTL14) in the pathogenesis of early-onset preeclampsia(ePE).
Methods:
Placental tissues of 15 pregnant women with early-onset preeclampsia and 15 normal pregnant women were collected. The level of m6A was determined by colorimetry, and the expression of METTL14 was determined by RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry(IHC) experiments. By transfecting siRNA and plasmid, METTL14 levels of trophoblast cells were knocked down and overexpressed, and cell phenotype experiments were carried out in vitro. The effects of METTL14 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblast cells were investigated by CCK-8, scratch assay, Transwell assay and invasion assay.
Results:
The level of m6A in placental tissue of ePE was lower than that of normal pregnancy. METTL14 was mainly expressed in the nuclei of trophoblast cells. Compared with normal pregnancy, the expression of METTL14 in placental tissue of ePE decreased, and thelevel of METTL14 mRNA was positively correlated with the level of m6A in placental tissue. The results of the CCK-8 experiment showed that compared with the control group, knockdown of METTL14 expression in trophoblast cells significantly reduced the cell proliferation rate, while the proliferation ability of trophoblast cells with overexpressed METTL14 was enhanced. The results of the scratch test showed that compared with the control group, the relative healing rate of scratches was significantly reduced after METTL14 knockdown, while it increased after the overexpression of METTL14. The results of the Transwell assay and invasion assay showed that compared with the control group, after knockdown of METTL14, the number of trophoblast cells passing through the chamber was significantly reduced, while the number of trophoblast cells with overexpressed METTL14 passing through the chamber increased.
Conclusion
The total RNA m6A modification level in placental tissue of ePE is lower than that in the normal pregnancy group. The down-regulation of methyltransferase METTL14 is involved in the regulation of the total RNA m6A modification level. The overexpression of METTL14 can enhance the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of trophoblast cells. It provides a new perspective for exploring the pathogenesis of early-onset preeclampsia.
5.Comparison of the efficacy of acupuncture-related therapies in treating postoperative pain in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures after percutaneous kyphoplasty or percutaneous vertebroplasty: A network meta-analysis
Jiaojiao Fan ; Yushan Gao ; Yang Xiong ; Duoduo Li ; Luchun Xu ; Guozheng Jiang ; Guanlong Wang ; Xing Yu ; Yongdong Yang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(4):470-482
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture-related therapies in treating postoperative pain in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) from their inception to January 15, 2025. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and overall efficacy rate. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were independently performed by two researchers. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software.ResultsA total of 35 randomized controlled trials involving 2860 patients were included. The data analysis revealed that, in terms of improving VAS and ODI scores, the top three effective therapies were Fu's subcutaneous needling, wrist-ankle acupuncture, and acupotomy. For the overall efficacy rates in pain treatment, the top three therapies were wrist-ankle acupuncture, warm acupuncture and moxibustion, and Fu's subcutaneous needling. Based on the combined results across the three outcome measures, Fu's subcutaneous needling was found to be the most effective in relieving pain and improving lumbar function.ConclusionFu's subcutaneous needling, wrist-ankle acupuncture, warm acupuncture and moxibustion, and acupotomy were all effective in treating postoperative pain post-PKP/PVP and improving lumbar function. However, further high-quality, large-sample studies are required to confirm these findings.
6.Clinical Observation of Long's Spinal Manipulation Therapy Combined with Four Postures of Rotational Tendon-Releasing Maneuver for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Shiyuan XIONG ; Manguang LIANG ; Guoqing ZENG ; Dihao WU ; Ying LIN ; Meiyi SU ; Dehui FAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(8):1963-1969
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Long's spinal manipulation therapy combined with four postures of rotational tendon-releasing maneuver in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods Sixty-eight patients diagnosed with LDH were enrolled from the Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation at Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between July 2024 and December 2024.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 34 cases in each group.The control group received Long's spinal manipulation therapy,while the observation group received additional training in four postures of rotational tendon-releasing maneuver.Both groups were treated for 2 weeks,with a 1-month follow-up.Clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment by comparing Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)scores before and after intervention.Spinal parameters including maximum lumbar curvature angle,pelvic tilt angle,and maximum vertebral rotation angle were assessed using the DIERS formetric 3D evaluation system.Results(1)The total effective rate was 94.12%(32/34)in the observation group and 91.18%(31/34)in the control group,and both groups achieved ideal therapeutic efficacy,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(2)After treatment,the VAS scores of patients in the two groups significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving VAS scores,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).At the 1-month follow-up after treatment,the VAS score of the observation group significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the JOA and ODI scores of the patients in the two groups significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the JOA and ODI scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).At 1-month follow-up after treatment,JOA and ODI scores of the observation group significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the maximum angle of lumbar flexion,pelvic torsion angle,and maximum rotation angle of the vertebral body of the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly better than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).At the 1-month follow-up after treatment,the maximum angle of lumbar flexion,pelvic torsion angle,and maximum vertebral rotation angle of the observation group were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of Long's spinal manipulation therapy and four postures of rotational tendon-releasing maneuve significantly improves spinal alignment,reduces pain and disability,and enhances quality of life in patients with LDH,demonstrating notable clinical efficacy.
7.Super-elderly treatment resistant depression patient treated with modified electroconvulsive therapy: a case report
Shan CHONG ; Na'na XIONG ; Tengteng FAN
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):84-88
The paper reported a case of super-elderly patient with treatment-resistant depression who underwent modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT). The patient was an 87-year-old female presented to the hospital with an 8-year history of depressive disorder marked by intermittent episodes, who exhibited poor response to various antidepressants while achieved a significant improvement after receiving MECT. In the past two years, the patient experienced a recurrence of depression following life stress events. The condition showed improvement with the administration of MECT. However, after discontinuation of MECT, the depression relapsed multiple times, prompting rehospitalization for continued MECT to sustain clinical benefits. The patient demonstrated overall tolerable adherence to MECT. Based on research of domestic and international, this paper explored treatment options for super-elderly patients with treatment-resistant depression, aiming to provide insights into the application of MECT in the management of depression among super-elderly patients with depression. [Funded by National Key Research and Development Project (number, 2019YFC0118502)]
8.Association between vitamin D levels and sleep in children and adolescents
PENG Chan, LI Fan, LI Yanyan,LI Yan, XIONG Jingfan, YAO Ping
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):239-243
Objective:
To explore the association between vitamin D levels and sleep in children and adolescents,so as to provide a reference for promoting the sleep health of children and adolescents.
Methods:
From October to December, 2021, 4 827 primary and middle school students aged 6-17 in Shenzhen were selected by multistage cluster random sampling method, and their demographic information, family background, lifestyle and sleep status were obtained by facetoface questionnaire survey, and their fasting venous blood in the morning was collected to detect the serum 25(OH)D level. The relationship between serum vitamin D level and sleep characteristics was analyzed by binary Logistic regression, and stratified analysis was carried out according to gender.
Results:
The proportion of vitamin D deficiency was 41.1%, and the proportion of sleep deficiency was 19.4%. With the increase of vitamin D level, daily sleep duration of children and adolescents tended to increase (r=0.10,P<0.01). After adjusting for covariates such as gender and age, it was found that children and adolescents with insufficient vitamin D levels were more likely to experience sleep insufficiency, social jetlag, and late sleep on weekdays, with ORs being 1.32(95%CI=1.12-1.56), 1.35(95%CI=1.19-1.54), and 1.26(95%CI=1.05-1.52)(P<0.05). Sexstratified analysis showed that, among boys, vitamin D deficiency was associated with sleep deficiency, social jetlag, and late bedtime on weekdays and weekends[OR(95%CI)=1.42(1.14-1.77),1.25(1.04-1.49),1.39(1.06-1.82),1.86(1.19-2.92),P<0.05]. In girls, however, serum vitamin D levels were only associated with social jetlag with OR being 1.47 (95%CI=1.21-1.79, P<0.05).
Conclusion
Vitamin D levels are associated with various sleep characteristics in children and adolescents, with this association being more pronounced among boys.
9.Effect and mechanism of Bufei Decoction on improving Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in rats by regulating IL-17 signaling pathway.
Li-Na HUANG ; Zheng-Ying QIU ; Xiang-Yi PAN ; Chen LIU ; Si-Fan LI ; Shao-Guang GE ; Xiong-Wei SHI ; Hao CAO ; Rui-Hua XIN ; Fang-di HU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3097-3107
Based on the interleukin-17(IL-17) signaling pathway, this study explores the effect and mechanism of Bufei Decoction on Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in rats. SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Bufei Decoction low-dose group(6.68 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Bufei Decoction high-dose group(13.36 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and dexamethasone group(1.04 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. A pneumonia model was established by tracheal drip injection of K. pneumoniae. After successful model establishment, the improvement in lung tissue damage was observed following drug administration. Core targets and signaling pathways were screened using transcriptomics techniques. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression of core targets interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and chemokine CXC ligand 6(CXCL6). Western blot was used to assess key proteins in the IL-17 signaling pathway, including interleukin-17A(IL-17A), nuclear transcription factor-κB activator 1(Act1), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), and downstream phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65). Apoptosis of lung tissue cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL). The results showed that, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significant pathological damage in lung tissue. The mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CXCL6, as well as the protein levels of IL-17A, Act1, TRAF6, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, were significantly increased, and the number of apoptotic cells was notably higher, indicating successful model establishment. Compared with the model group, both low-and high-dose groups of Bufei Decoction showed reduced pathological damage in lung tissue. The mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CXCL6, and the protein levels of IL-17A, Act1, TRAF6, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, were significantly decreased, with a significant reduction in apoptotic cells in the high-dose group. In conclusion, Bufei Decoction can effectively improve lung tissue damage and reduce inflammation in rats with K. pneumoniae. The mechanism may involve the regulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway and the reduction of apoptosis.
Animals
;
Interleukin-17/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Klebsiella pneumoniae/physiology*
;
Klebsiella Infections/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Lung/drug effects*
10.Effect modification of amino acid levels in association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and metabolic syndrome: A nested case-control study among coking workers
Jinyu WU ; Jiajun WEI ; Shugang GUO ; Huixia XIONG ; Yong WANG ; Hongyue KONG ; Liuquan JIANG ; Baolong PAN ; Gaisheng LIU ; Fan YANG ; Jisheng NIE ; Jin YANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):325-333
Background Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the role of amino acids in PAH-induced MS remains unclear. Objective To explore the impact of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS among coking workers, and to determine potential modifying effect of amino acid on this relationship. Methods Unmatched nested case-control design was adopted and the baseline surveys of coking workers were conducted in two plants in Taiyuan in 2017 and 2019, followed by a 4-year follow-up. The cohort comprised 667 coking workers. A total of 362 participants were included in the study, with 84 newly diagnosed cases of MS identified as the case group and 278 as the control group. Urinary levels of 11 PAH metabolites and plasma levels of 17 amino acids were measured by ultrasensitive performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between individual PAH metabolites and MS. Stratified by the median concentration of amino acids, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was employed to assess the mixed effects of PAHs on MS. Due to the skewed data distribution, all PAH metabolites and amino acids in the analysis were converted by natural logarithm ln (expressed as lnv). Results The median age of the 362 participants was 37 years, and 83.2% were male. Compared to the control group, the case group exhibited higher concentrations of urinary 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OHPhe), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPhe), and hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPhe) (P=0.005, P=0.049, and P=0.004, respectively), as well as elevated levels of plasma branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and aromatic amino acid (AAA) (P<0.05). After being adjusted for confounding factors, for every unit increase in lnv2-OHPhe in urine, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.57 (1.11, 2.26), and for every unit increase in lnvOHPhe, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.82 (1.16, 2.90). Tyrosine, leucine, and AAA all presented a significant nonlinear correlation with MS. At low levels, tyrosine, leucine, and AAA did not significantly increase the risk of MS, but at high levels, they increased the risk of MS. In the low amino acid concentration group, as well as in the low BCAA and low AAA concentration groups, it was found that compared to the PAH metabolite levels at the 50th percentile (P50), the log-odds of MS when the PAH metabolite levels was at the 75th percentile (P75) were 0.158 (95%CI: 0.150, 0.166), 0.218 (95%CI: 0.209, 0.227), and 0.262 (95% CI: 0.241, 0.282), respectively, However, no correlation between PAHs and MS was found in the high amino acid concentration group. Conclusion Amino acids modify the effect of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS. In individuals with low plasma amino acid levels, the risk of developing MS increases with higher concentrations of mixed PAH exposure. This effect is partly due to the low concentrations of BCAA and AAA.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail