The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR /Cas9) immune system is an adaptive immune system widely distributed in bacteria and archaea. It precisely defends against invasion by exogenous phages, viruses, and plasmids through sequence-specific endogenous immune response mechanisms. As the most prominent member of this family, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has evolved into the most widely applied, flexible, and efficient technical platform in the field of genome engineering due to its exceptional genome modification capabilities. Within the CRISPR/Cas9 system, the Cas9 protein, precisely guided by a single-stranded guide RNA (gRNA), can specifically recognize target DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks. This activates the cell’s DNA repair mechanisms, enabling gene knockout, knock-in, or modification. Demonstrating significant advantages in specificity, flexibility, and operability, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has shown immense potential in the medical field, opening new avenues for modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. On one hand, this technology can be used to construct precise disease models and tailor personalized treatment plans. It enables in-depth elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action targets and signaling pathways of TCM formulas and active components, thereby unraveling the scientific secrets of their complex mechanisms of action. On the other hand, it demonstrates powerful tool value in improving TCM germplasm resources, identifying and screening superior varieties, evaluating the controllability of TCM quality, and producing innovative drugs, providing technical support for the standardization and precision of TCM. Simultaneously, the high-throughput omics data generated by CRISPR technology is driving artificial intelligence (AI) to construct virtual disease models and drug prediction systems. This empowers the intelligent screening of effective TCM components, the precise prediction of potential targets, and the exploration of “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” through formula combinations. This synergistic innovation between CRISPR and AI aligns perfectly with precision medicine’s urgent demand for personalized, efficient drug development, injecting new momentum into the modernization and transformation of TCM. This paper first systematically reviews and explains the developmental trajectory, structural basis, and action mechanisms of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, tracing its scientific evolution from a bacterial immune system to a gene-editing tool. It then comprehensively outlines the current state of convergence between precision medicine concepts and modernization research in TCM, analyzing the synergistic points and potential spaces for their integration. Against the backdrop of rapid precision medicine advancement, this paper emphasizes how CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology empowers in-depth analysis of TCM mechanisms—including specific applications in disease model construction, therapeutic target validation, and multi-target network regulation studies. It further elaborates on its multidimensional practical contributions to modernizing TCM, spanning key domains such as germplasm resource innovation, bioactive compound biosynthesis, quality standardization control, and novel TCM drug development. Finally, this paper envisions the future landscape of deep integration between CRISPR technology and AI: from data-driven intelligent drug screening to high-throughput precision discovery of effective TCM components, and further to intelligent model construction based on “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” mechanisms. The synergistic convergence of these multidimensional technologies will pioneer new scientific paradigms and translational pathways for TCM modernization, propelling TCM toward leapfrogging development in the era of precision medicine.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveFrozen shoulder (FS) is a debilitating musculoskeletal disorder characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the glenohumeral joint capsule, leading to pain and severely restricted range of motion. Given the limited efficacy of current pharmacotherapies, there is an urgent need for novel anti-fibrotic agents. Guyanxiao Tincture (GYX), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has shown clinical benefits in alleviating FS symptoms. However, its bioactive constituents and the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain poorly defined. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of GYX against FS and to elucidate the mechanisms by which GYX attenuates capsular fibrosis. MethodsA Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of FS was established by immobilizing the unilateral shoulder with a plaster cast for 21 d. Following model induction, animals were administered with GYX or its serum-identified bioactive component, icariside F2. The absorbed prototype compounds of GYX in FS rat serum were profiled using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Therapeutic effects were assessed by measuring shoulder range of motion (ROM), histopathological evaluation of the capsule via hematoxylin-eosin staining, and quantification of transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF-β1) content by ELISA. To explore the underlying mechanisms, transcriptomic profiling of the shoulder capsule was performed using RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression and localization were examined through immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to identify key regulatory hubs. In vitro, primary shoulder capsule fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF‑β1 to induce a fibrotic phenotype and then treated with icariside F2. The expression of alpha cardiac muscle 1 (ACTC1), α‑smooth muscle actin, and collagen I was subsequently measured. ResultsSerum pharmacochemistry analysis identified icariside F2 as the predominant circulating bioactive component of GYX in FS rats. Both GYX and icariside F2 treatment significantly improved the ROM and ameliorated histopathological lesions, including the attenuation of synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and excessive collagen deposition in the shoulder capsule. Consistently, elevated TGF‑β1 levels in the model group were markedly reduced after the interventions. RNA sequencing revealed that actin ACTC1 was dramatically upregulated in the fibrotic capsule, accompanied by the enrichment of fibrosis-associated pathways such as TGF‑β signaling, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interaction. Protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated that ACTC1 directly interacts with core fibrotic genes, including Col1a1, Col1a2, Thbs2, and Fn1. Critically, icariside F2 administration significantly reversed the aberrant overexpression of ACTC1 and suppressed the activation of the aforementioned fibrosis-related pathways in vivo. In TGF‑β1-stimulated fibroblasts, icariside F2 dose-dependently downregulated ACTC1 at both the mRNA and protein levels and concurrently decreased the expression of the fibrotic markers α‑smooth muscle actin and collagen I. Immunofluorescence and Western blot further confirmed that icariside F2 attenuated stress fiber formation and collagen production in vitro. ConclusionGYX and its bioactive component icariside F2 effectively alleviate the progression of frozen shoulder by inhibiting capsular fibrosis. Mechanistically, the therapeutic action is functionally linked to the suppression of ACTC1 and its downstream profibrotic signaling cascade, highlighting ACTC1 as a promising therapeutic target for the management of frozen shoulder.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological distribution,microbiological characteristics,drug-resistance status,and risk factors for mortality in adult intensive care unit(ICU)patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.Methods This multi-center prospective cohort study included ICU patients with suspected infection from 67 hospitals across 16 Chinese provinces/municipalities between July 1,2021 and December 31,2022.Clinical data and microbiological results were collected,and patients were divided into survival and non-survival groups according to their survival status and drug-resistance situation.Risk factors for mortality and drug resistance in ICU patients with Klebsiella pneumonia infection were determined through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results A total of 2964 ICU-infected patients were enrolled,with 12 175 microbial specimens submitted for testing.Among these,487 specimens tested positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae.Ultimately,314 patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection were identified,primarily from lung infections,with a drug-resistance rate of 78.3%.The in-hospital mortality rate of ICU patients infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae was 19.8%.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that older age(P=0.027),high drug-resistance rate(P=0.028),and low clinical-effectiveness rate(P<0.001)were independent risk factors for mortality in ICU patients infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae.Drug-resistance analysis showed that,compared with non-resistant cases,ICU patients with drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection had lower pathogen-clearance rates(P=0.003),clinical-effectiveness rates(P=0.004),and antibiotic-effectiveness rates(P<0.010),and higher mortality rates(P=0.006).Patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae abdominal infection(P=0.003)and urinary tract infection(P=0.007)had higher drug-resistance incidences.There were no statistically significant differences in clinical-effectiveness rate,Klebsiella pneumoniae clearance,drug-resistance incidence,mortality rate,or hospital-stay length between patients with lung infection and those with non-lung infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae(P>0.05).Compared with patients with non-bloodstream infection,patients with bloodstream infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae had lower clinical-effectiveness rates(P=0.027)and higher mortality rates(P=0.021).Conclusions Older age,high drug-resistance rate,and low clinical-effectiveness rate are independent risk factors for mortality in ICU patients infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae.ICU patients with bloodstream infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae may have lower clinical-effectiveness rates and higher mortality rates.ICU patients with abdominal and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are more likely to develop drug resistance.

Facing of mounting resource constraints and rising demands for personalization in medical education,regional anatomy teaching urgently requires transformation.In this paper,we focus on the regional anatomy of the thoracic wall,in order to explore a novel AI-driven teaching paradigm.Anchored in the core principle of"virtual-real integration with cadaveric dissection as the cornerstone,"the paradigm redefines educational objective and constructs an intelligent,closed-loop teaching model integrating students,computers,and instructors.Leveraging the robust support of digital intelligence(e.g.,DeepSeek),this paradigm incorporates interactive method including group collaboration,branching instruction,and gamified assessments.It achieves a comprehensive intelligent transformation of the entire teaching process-from goal setting and plan customization to activity implementation,task completion,outcome exchange,multidimensional evaluation,and reflective iteration.This new paradigm centers on medical students and leverages digital intelligence to activate deep personalized learning potential.It seamlessly integrates fundamental anatomical knowledge with clinical scenarios(e.g.,key anatomy in breast cancer surgery,flap design in breast reconstruction),and significantly enhances clinical decision-making abilities,scientific research and innovative thinking,as well as medical humanistic literacy,paving a new path for intelligent medical education.

Objective To explore the factors that influence major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in atrial fibrillation(AF)patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation(RFA),as well as to compare the prognosis of patients with advanced AF to that of the general population.Methods We prospectively recruited AF patients who underwent RFA treatment at Peking University Third Hospital between January 2021 and March 2023.General patient data were collected through the hospital's inpatient system,and MACE were tracked through outpatient visits and telephone follow-ups.Patients were categorized into three age groups:Group 1(under 65 years),Group 2(65 to 75 years),and Group 3(over 75 years).In this study,MACE was defined as include cardiovascular death,all-cause death,readmission for heart failure,acute coronary syndrome(ACS),grade 2 or higher bleeding and stroke.Results A total of 431 patients were included in this study,with an average age of(66.17±12.22)years.Among these patients,259 were male(60.09％),and the mean of CHA2DS2-VASc score was(1.79±1.30).The median follow-up period was 16.0(11.3,21.3)months,during which 28(6.50％)patients experienced MACE,with ACS and stroke being the most common events.Variables were selected using LASSO regression,and a LASSO-Cox regression model was constructed.Age(HR 1.06,95％CI 1.02-1.10,P=0.006)and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HR 3.70,95％CI 1.27-8.68,P=0.008)were identified as independent predictors of MACE after RFA for AF.Subgroup analysis revealed that patients under 65 had significantly better prognoses compared to older AF patients(P=0.030 compared with group 2;P=0.021 compared with group 3).Conclusions Age and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are independent risk factors for MACE in AF patients undergoing RFA.The prognosis for younger patients is better than that for older patients,while the prognosis for advanced patients is comparable to that of patients aged 65-75 years.

Aim To explore the mechanism of the effect of siRNA-mediated MAGE-3 silencing on intesti-nal flora,gastric mucosal PTEN expression and liver metastasis in rats with gastric cancer based on MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.Methods Thirty rats were randomly divided into the normal(CO)group,model(MO)group,and MAGE-3 silenced(SM)group,with 10 rats in each group.The model of MO group and SM group was established by MNNG gavage meth-od.After successful modeling,the SM group was intri-toneally injected with 20 μg·kg-1 shRNA MAGE-3 lentiviral vector.The number of intestinal flora in rats was detected by selective medium of intestinal flora,the expression of PTEN in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry,liver metastasis was detected by HE staining,and the protein expression of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was detected by Western blot.The regulatory effect of siRNA-mediated MAGE-3 si-lencing on MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was verified in vitro.Results Compared with CO group,the con-tents of Enterococcus and Escherichia coli,the protein expressions of P-MEK1,P-ERK1 and P-ELK1 in MO group increased(P＜0.05),while the contents of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and the expression of PTEN decreased(P＜0.05).In SM group,the con-tents ofEnterococcus,Escherichiacoli,P-MEK1,P-ERK1 and P-ELK1 protein expressions decreased(P＜0.05),while the contents of Lactobacillus,Bifidobac-terium and PTEN expression increased(P＜0.05).Compared with group CO,the protein expressions of P-MEK1,p-ERK1 and P-ELK1 in group MO were not significantly different(P＞0.05),while the protein expressions of P-MEK1,p-ERK1 and P-ELK1 in group SM were reduced compared with group MO(P＜0.05).Conclusions siRNA-mediated MAGE-3 si-lencing can significantly improve intestinal flora,pro-mote the expression of PTEN in gastric mucosa,and inhibit liver metastasis in rats with gastric cancer.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Insulin is an important protein hormone that participates in multiple metabolic pathways.Biosynthetic insulin has been widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Currently,the number of reported cases of insulin overdose both at home and abroad is gradually increasing,and insulin homicide is no longer a means of"committing murder without leaving a trace".At present,there are no systematic protocols for the identification of insulin overdose in the field of forensic medi-cine in China.This article introduces the causes,toxicological characteristics,forensic examination,labo-ratory testing methods and indicator reference of insulin overdose.Based on the identification practice and research results and referring to relevant studies on insulin overdose at home and abroad,this pa-per aims to provide recommendations and references for the formulation of forensic identification guide-lines for insulin overdose cases.