1.Clinical Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of 1293 Non-Severe Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treated by the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases:A Multicenter,Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):966-974
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and economic value of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases (abbreviated as the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol) in adult patients with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on real-world clinical data. MethodsA retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized for non-severe CAP from September 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2024 across 10 TCM hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were classified into an exposure group and a non-exposure group based on whether they received Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol. The non-exposure group received only conventional western medicine, while the exposure group additionally received differentiated CHM for at least five consecutive days. Outcomes were compared between two patient groups, including cough resolution rate, sputum resolution rate (assessed by volume, color, and consistency), incidence of abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP), incidence of abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing clinical efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, smoking status, history of hypertension, and pneumonia severity score (CURB-65), and the efficacy of treatment for cough and sputum was analyzed within each subgroup. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using cough resolution rate as the outcome measure, evaluating the pharmacoeconomics of the two groups. ResultsA total of 1688 patients were included with 1293 in the exposure group and 395 in the non-exposure group. Compared to the non-exposure group, the exposure group demonstrated significantly higher resolution rates of cough, sputum volume, color, and consistency, as well as a significantly lower incidence of abnormal CRP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abnormal WBC count and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the cough resolution rate in the exposure group was 1.83 times that of the non-exposure group, while the probabilities of resolution in sputum volume, color, and consistency were 1.37, 2.09, and 1.56 times those of the non-exposure group, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure group achieved significantly higher cough resolution rates across most subgroups except for populations with a CURB-65 score ≥2 or those with a history of hypertension (P<0.05). Specifically, among females, patients aged ≥18 and <65 years, non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those with a CURB-65 score of 0, the exposure group showed a higher cough resolution rate than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, total hospitalization cost, length of stay, antibiotic cost, and CHM cost all differed significantly between groups (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 10,788.80 CNY/case in the exposure group, while 22,513.80 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. This implies that, compared with the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 17,302.27 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution. When the willingness-to-pay threshold ranged from 0 to 50,000 CNY, the probability of economic advantage was consistently higher in the exposure group than in the non-exposure group. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine, the addition of CHM in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol can effectively improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammatory markers, promote clinical recovery, and is more cost-effective in treating adults with non-severe CAP.
2.Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方)in the Treatment of Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung Syndrome:A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Yeqing JI ; Ye MA ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):975-984
ObjectiveTo observe the real‑world effectiveness and economic outcomes of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方, WQF) in the treatment of adult community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) with phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome. MethodsBased on a multicenter, real-world retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with non‑severe CAP and phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome in 10 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were divided into an exposure group (those who received oral WQF) and a non‑exposure group (those who did not). The following outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, which were remission rates of clinical symptoms including cough, expectoration (sputum volume, color, consistency), and chest pain, levels of inflammatory markers including C‑reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), and the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension, and the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CURB‑65) score, comparing the two groups in terms of cough remission rate, chest pain remission rate, and chest CT absorption rate. For health economic evaluation, cost‑effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the cost‑effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 647 patients in the exposure group and 1491 patients in the non-exposure group were included in the final statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, gender, marital status, smoking history, bronchoscopy history, and comorbidities between the groups (P>0.05), but age, CURB-65 score, and antibiotic use. The exposure group had significantly higher remission rates of cough and sputum consistency than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and logistic regression, the cough remission rate in the exposure group was 1.49 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in the reduction rates of CRP and WBC, and in the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the cough remission rate in the exposure group was significantly better than that in the non-exposure group except for patients aged ≥65 years, smokers, hypertensive patients, those using other type antibiotics or not using antibiotics, and those with a CURB-65 score ≥1 (P<0.05). Among smokers, the chest pain remission rate in the exposure group was 4.38 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference in chest CT absorption rate was found between groups across subgroups of gender, age, hypertension status, or antibiotic type (P>0.05). In terms of economic evaluation, CER was 10,877.60 CNY/case in the exposure group and 16,773.10 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. Compared to the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 15,034.26 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution, indicating a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded results consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis, confirming the robustness of the findings. ConclusionWQF demonstrates significant efficacy in improving cough symptoms in the treatment of adult CAP with phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, and also exhibits favorable economic benefits.
3.Clinical Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of 1293 Non-Severe Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia Treated by the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases:A Multicenter,Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):966-974
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and economic value of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Dominant Diseases (abbreviated as the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol) in adult patients with non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on real-world clinical data. MethodsA retrospective real-world cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized for non-severe CAP from September 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2024 across 10 TCM hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were classified into an exposure group and a non-exposure group based on whether they received Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol. The non-exposure group received only conventional western medicine, while the exposure group additionally received differentiated CHM for at least five consecutive days. Outcomes were compared between two patient groups, including cough resolution rate, sputum resolution rate (assessed by volume, color, and consistency), incidence of abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP), incidence of abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count, and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing clinical efficacy. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to age, gender, smoking status, history of hypertension, and pneumonia severity score (CURB-65), and the efficacy of treatment for cough and sputum was analyzed within each subgroup. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using cough resolution rate as the outcome measure, evaluating the pharmacoeconomics of the two groups. ResultsA total of 1688 patients were included with 1293 in the exposure group and 395 in the non-exposure group. Compared to the non-exposure group, the exposure group demonstrated significantly higher resolution rates of cough, sputum volume, color, and consistency, as well as a significantly lower incidence of abnormal CRP (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of abnormal WBC count and radiographic resolution rate of pulmonary infiltrates (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the cough resolution rate in the exposure group was 1.83 times that of the non-exposure group, while the probabilities of resolution in sputum volume, color, and consistency were 1.37, 2.09, and 1.56 times those of the non-exposure group, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the exposure group achieved significantly higher cough resolution rates across most subgroups except for populations with a CURB-65 score ≥2 or those with a history of hypertension (P<0.05). Specifically, among females, patients aged ≥18 and <65 years, non-smokers, those without hypertension, and those with a CURB-65 score of 0, the exposure group showed a higher cough resolution rate than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). From an economic perspective, total hospitalization cost, length of stay, antibiotic cost, and CHM cost all differed significantly between groups (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 10,788.80 CNY/case in the exposure group, while 22,513.80 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. This implies that, compared with the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 17,302.27 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution. When the willingness-to-pay threshold ranged from 0 to 50,000 CNY, the probability of economic advantage was consistently higher in the exposure group than in the non-exposure group. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine, the addition of CHM in accordance with the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol can effectively improve clinical symptoms, reduce inflammatory markers, promote clinical recovery, and is more cost-effective in treating adults with non-severe CAP.
4.Efficacy and Economic Evaluation of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方)in the Treatment of Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung Syndrome:A Multicenter Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study
Yeqing JI ; Ye MA ; Zhichao WANG ; Fanchao FENG ; Mingzhi PU ; Hong LYU ; Xiaodong HU ; Gaohua FENG ; Xiaoqian FANG ; Guicai ZHANG ; Yanfen TANG ; Yeqing ZHANG ; Yao ZHUFU ; Wenpan PENG ; Hao WANG ; Cheng GU ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Shuang YANG ; Xinyu SUN ; Qi ZHAO ; Aojie GUO ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Jia LIU ; Hailang HE ; Xianmei ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):975-984
ObjectiveTo observe the real‑world effectiveness and economic outcomes of Weishi Qingjin Formula (苇石清金方, WQF) in the treatment of adult community‑acquired pneumonia (CAP) with phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome. MethodsBased on a multicenter, real-world retrospective cohort study, clinical data were collected from hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with non‑severe CAP and phlegm‑heat obstructing the lung syndrome in 10 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in Jiangsu province. Patients were divided into an exposure group (those who received oral WQF) and a non‑exposure group (those who did not). The following outcomes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, which were remission rates of clinical symptoms including cough, expectoration (sputum volume, color, consistency), and chest pain, levels of inflammatory markers including C‑reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC), and the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, smoking status, presence of hypertension, and the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CURB‑65) score, comparing the two groups in terms of cough remission rate, chest pain remission rate, and chest CT absorption rate. For health economic evaluation, cost‑effectiveness analysis was used to calculate the cost‑effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER). Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 647 patients in the exposure group and 1491 patients in the non-exposure group were included in the final statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, gender, marital status, smoking history, bronchoscopy history, and comorbidities between the groups (P>0.05), but age, CURB-65 score, and antibiotic use. The exposure group had significantly higher remission rates of cough and sputum consistency than the non-exposure group (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders using propensity score matching and logistic regression, the cough remission rate in the exposure group was 1.49 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference was observed between groups in the reduction rates of CRP and WBC, and in the rate of pulmonary inflammatory absorption on chest CT (P>0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the cough remission rate in the exposure group was significantly better than that in the non-exposure group except for patients aged ≥65 years, smokers, hypertensive patients, those using other type antibiotics or not using antibiotics, and those with a CURB-65 score ≥1 (P<0.05). Among smokers, the chest pain remission rate in the exposure group was 4.38 times that of the non-exposure group (P<0.01). No significant difference in chest CT absorption rate was found between groups across subgroups of gender, age, hypertension status, or antibiotic type (P>0.05). In terms of economic evaluation, CER was 10,877.60 CNY/case in the exposure group and 16,773.10 CNY/case in the non-exposure group. Compared to the exposure group, the non-exposure group incurred an additional 15,034.26 CNY to achieve one case of cough resolution, indicating a more favorable cost-effectiveness profile. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis yielded results consistent with the cost-effectiveness analysis, confirming the robustness of the findings. ConclusionWQF demonstrates significant efficacy in improving cough symptoms in the treatment of adult CAP with phlegm-heat obstructing the lung syndrome, and also exhibits favorable economic benefits.
5.Targeted fluorescent imaging probes for detecting the spatial distribution of VEGF in the retinas of rats with radiation retinopathy
Yunhe DING ; Bin WANG ; Feng LIU ; Zhiyang ZHANG ; Haibei DONG ; Wenwen GUO ; Haitao YIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):567-572
AIM: To detect the distribution and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in radiation retinopathy(RR)through fluorescence targeted imaging.METHODS:Covalent binding of fluorescein FITC with VEGF antibody ranibizumab to prepare targeted fluorescent imaging probe ranibizumab-FITC. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups based on the principle of weight balance: a normal control group(Con group), a low-dose radiation group(10 Gy group), and a high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group). Medical linear accelerators and lead blocks were used to locally irradiate the rat eyeballs for modeling. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of VEGF-A in each group and to screen for appropriate modeling dose. The inverted fluorescence microscope and the confocal microscope were used to observe the distribution of VEGF and imaging probes in the retinas of control and RR model group rats, and to verify the effectiveness of targeted probes.RESULTS:The expression level of VEGF-A in the retina of rats in the high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group)was higher than that in the normal control group(Con group). In early RR, VEGF expression was observed to be associated with microaneurysms and abnormal microvessels in the retina. VEGF accumulation was observed at the site of capillary wall damage. When retinal capillary endothelial damage occurred, targeted probes gathered on the outer surface of the vessel wall.CONCLUSION:The expression level of VEGF in the retina of RR model rats is elevated, and fluorescent targeted molecular imaging probes can detect the spatial distribution of VEGF at the microvascular lesions in the retina of RR rats.
6.Clinical management of patients with hepatitis D
Xu WU ; Jing DOU ; Feng GUO ; HUXIBAIHETI ; Xiaozhong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):272-277
Hepatitis D virus (HDV), as a defective virus, relies on the envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to complete replication and transmission. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients comorbid with HDV infection may experience significant acceleration of liver disease progression and a significantly higher risk of serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with the patients with CHB alone, which poses a serious threat to the life and health of patients. At present, the coverage rate of HDV screening needs to be improved, and some patients with HBV/HDV co-infection have not been found in time. Therefore, strengthening the understanding of HDV among clinicians, expanding the scope of HDV screening, identifying patients with infection in a timely manner, and performing standardized antiviral therapy and long-term follow-up management are of great significance for improving the prognosis of patients, reducing disease burden, improving the quality of life of patients, and achieving the global goal of “eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030”.
7.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
8.Platelet-derived growth factor BB-loaded chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffold for repairing alveolar bone defects
Xiangyu BAI ; Feng HUO ; Yan HAO ; Zecheng WANG ; Xiaoyu GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):329-337
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that platelet-derived growth factor BB can stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and accelerate the calcification process of osteoblast-like cells.However,its clinical application has problems such as short half-life and easy decomposition.Loading the growth factor onto a suitable biomaterial scaffold can enable its slow and continuous release and maintain an effective concentration,which has become a hot topic in current research.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds loaded with platelet-derived growth factor BB on the repair of alveolar bone defect in rats.METHODS:(1)Chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds(referred to as CS/rGO scaffolds)and chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds loaded with different mass concentrations(5,10,15,and 20 mg/L)of platelet-derived growth factor BB(referred to as CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-5,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-10,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15,and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-20 scaffolds)were prepared respectively.The five groups of scaffolds were co-cultured with rat periodontal ligament stem cells.The cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK-8 assay and Transwell chamber assay,respectively,to screen the appropriate growth factor loading mass concentration for subsequent experiments.CS/rGO scaffolds(or extracts)and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffolds(or extracts)were co-cultured with rat periodontal ligament stem cells,and the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenic ability of the cells were detected.(2)The alveolar bone defect model was prepared in front of the bilateral maxillary first molars of 16 SD rats,and the rats were randomly divided into 4 intervention groups:the blank control group did not receive any intervention,the simple scaffold group was implanted with CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold,the control group was implanted with CS/rGO scaffold and rat periodontal ligament stem cell complex,and the experimental group was implanted with CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold and rat periodontal ligament stem cell complex,with 4 rats in each group.Twelve weeks after surgery,the bone repair of the alveolar bone defect was observed by Micro CT scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-5,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-10,CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15,and CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-20 scaffolds could promote the proliferation and migration of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.Among them,the CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold had the most significant effect on promoting cell proliferation and migration,and this scaffold was used for subsequent experiments.Compared with the CS/rGO scaffold,the CS/rGO/PDGF-BB-15 scaffold could promote the osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.(2)Micro CT scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the experimental group had the best alveolar bone defect repair effect,and a large amount of new bone tissue and blood vessel formation could be seen.(3)The chitosan/reduced graphene oxide scaffold loaded with platelet-derived growth factor BB can effectively promote the repair of rat alveolar bone defects by promoting the proliferation,migration,angiogenic and osteogenic differentiation of rat periodontal ligament stem cells.
9.Potential drug targets for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:large sample analysis from European databases
Ying GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Chunfang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1549-1557
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors.Although observational studies have found some correlation between plasma proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,the susceptibility to confounding and reverse causation makes it difficult to clarify whether these proteins are pathogenic factors of rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential of plasma proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis through Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins in the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS:A large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the causal relationships between 1 553 circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis based on the Decode database(developed by Decode Genetics in Iceland,which contains genomic data from the Icelandic population),the MR-Base platform(developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom,specifically designed to provide genetic and phenotypic data for Mendelian randomization analyses),and the GWAS Catalog platform(developed by the European Institute of Bioinformatics,which provides data for genome wide association studies worldwide).The causal effects were estimated using the Wald ratio and inverse variance weighting methods,with Bonferroni correction applied to control for false positives caused by multiple testing.To ensure the robustness of the results,sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the positive causal relationship between circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,and Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning were used to exclude confounding effects and horizontal pleiotropy.Additionally,external validation was carried out using new plasma protein datasets to reduce the likelihood of false discoveries.Finally,small-molecule compounds associated with candidate proteins were identified using the Drug Signatures Database(DsigDB),and molecular docking was performed to predict the binding patterns and energies between proteins and compounds,identifying the most stable and likely binding molecules and mechanisms.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sensitivity analyses,including Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning,identified four plasma proteins with reliable causal relationships with rheumatoid arthritis:FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3.Their genetic effects were estimated as follows:FCRL3[odds ratio(OR)=1.12,95%confidence interval(CI):1.07-1.17],IL6R(OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.96),ICOSLG(OR=2.42,95%CI:1.67-3.52),and TNFAIP3(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.88-2.56).Furthermore,molecular docking analysis revealed that the small-molecule compound benzo[a]pyrene exhibited favorable binding with these candidate proteins,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.(2)This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the genetic causal relationships of FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3 in rheumatoid arthritis.These proteins not only serve as potential molecular biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis risk screening and disease prevention,but also offer key candidate targets for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and developing targeted therapies.Although the study is based on European populations,its findings offer important insights for biomedical research in China.By incorporating Mendelian randomization methods to analyze genetic causality,future research on rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese population could provide more accurate causal inferences,offering theoretical support for localized risk assessment and treatment strategies.
10.Construction and evaluation of a neuralized intestinal mucosal tissue engineering model in vitro
Mingqi WANG ; Shiya FENG ; Yinhe HAN ; Pengxin YU ; Lina GUO ; Zixuan JIA ; Xiuli WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):892-900
BACKGROUND:In vitro construction of tissue-engineered intestinal models plays an important role in intestinal regeneration and intestinal disease research.The interaction of intestinal nervous system and intestinal epithelial barrier to maintain body homeostasis is a hot topic in the bionic construction of tissue-engineered intestinal tract.OBJECTIVE:To construct a bionic model that can mimic the enteric nervous system in vivo.METHODS:Using fibroin protein with villus structure as scaffold,human induced neural stem cells solidified with collagen were added to intestinal epithelial cells(Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12)for 3-day culture to construct a co-culture system of intestinal epithelial cells and nerve cells(co-culture group).Human induced neural stem cells or intestinal epithelial cells cultured alone that were inoculated with fibroin scaffolds were set as controls.Cell morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy and hematoxylin-eosin staining.Cell activity was detected by Live/Dead cell staining.Human induced neural stem cell differentiation was detected by β-microtubulin immunofluorescence staining.Intestinal epithelial histological properties and barrier function were detected by microvillin,sucrase-isomaltase,tight junction protein 1,E-calmodulin,and mucin-2 immunofluorescence staining.The function of mucus secretion from intestinal epithelial cells was detected by Alcian blue staining.Alkaline phosphatase staining was performed to detect differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells,at the same time,sucrase-isomaltase,tight junction protein 1,and alkaline phosphatase mRNAs were detected by RT-qRCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The neuralized intestinal mucosal co-culture model with villi structure was successfully constructed,and neural stem cells and intestinal epithelial cells on the fibroin scaffold showed good cellular activities.After neuralization,the activity of alkaline phosphatase and sucrase-isomaltase in intestinal epithelial cells was enhanced,while the expression level of tight junction protein 1 was up-regulated.To conclude,the neuralized bionic intestinal epithelial model is beneficial to the maturation of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells and the formation of barrier function.

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