1.Research progress in early caries management
ZHAO Mei ; LIANG Yutong ; HE Jinzhi ; CHENG Lei
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):585-594
Early caries confined to the enamel layer represent a critical window for achieving noninvasive intervention in caries management. Caries management has shifted from the traditional “drill-and-fill” model toward a modern paradigm centered on caries risk and lesion management. Based on contemporary concepts, this review systematically summarizes recent advances in early caries management, including caries risk assessment, early diagnosis, treatment strategy selection, and follow-up monitoring, while highlighting the major challenges currently being faced, and further reviewing and discussing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in early caries management. In terms of risk management, conventional systems including the American Dental Association, Caries Management by Risk Assessment, Cariogram, and the Caries-Risk Assessment Tool remain mainstays in clinical practice. However, AI offers predictive capability through higher-dimensional data processing and the integration of numerous influencing factors, with the potential to improve the accuracy of risk stratification. For diagnosis, visual inspection, tactile examination, and bitewing radiography remain fundamental methods, yet their sensitivity for early caries—particularly proximal lesions—is limited. The application of optical technologies, including quantitative light-induced fluorescence, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared light transillumination, fiber-optic transillumination, and laser-induced fluorescence, enables digital characterization of caries lesions, providing a data foundation for demineralization assessment, lesion activity evaluation, and AI model development. The management of early caries primarily relies on noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches. Remineralization therapy is suitable for superficial lesions, resin infiltration offers the dual advantages of inhibiting lesion progression and improving aesthetics, and microabrasion and bleaching may serve as adjunctive aesthetic treatments. Emerging modalities such as laser, ozone, and photodynamic therapy have also demonstrated potential. Treatment decision-making should comprehensively consider lesion activity, patient caries risk status, demineralization depth, patient compliance, and treatment preferences. However, precise quantification of demineralization depth remains challenging, and standardized decision-making criteria are still lacking. Follow-up management should be individualized based on risk stratification, with attention to lesion changes, patient compliance, and the risk of recurrence. In summary, intelligent and precision-based approaches are expected to define the future of early caries management, and the application of AI in risk prediction, image analysis, and clinical decision support is anticipated to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of early caries diagnosis and treatment.
2.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
3.A panel study on effects of short-term exposure to ambient particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide on serum reproductive hormones in healthy adults
Yan FANG ; Xinghou HE ; Erlu ZHAO ; Bin ZHANG ; Yutong ZHU ; Tong WANG ; Xiaoming SONG ; Hongbing XU ; Wei HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(6):709-716
Background Air pollution has widespread adverse health effects on human health, but research on its impact on reproductive health and related physiological mechanisms remains insufficient. Objective To investigate the associations between short-term exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone in healthy adults. Methods A total of 152 healthy adults were recruited for a panel study, undergoing four follow-up visits from September 2019 to January 2020. Basic demographic information and serum samples were collected. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Concurrently, environmental data in the study area were monitored, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), NO2, particle number concentrations in the 5-560 nm size fraction (PNC5_560), and meteorological variables. Linear mixed-effects models were constructed to estimate the effects of short-term exposure to these particulate matter on serum reproductive hormone levels. Results The participants had an average age of (23.9±2.4) years, with 102 women. For each interquartile range (IQR) increment in pollutant moving average concentrations, PM2.5, PNC5_25, PNC100_560, BC, and NO2 were associated with relative decreases in female serum AMH levels by 10.2%-16.9%, 46.2%-58.0%, 16.9%-21.2%, 14.8%-26.5%, and 11.3%-17.6%, respectively. These negative associations were stronger in females with waist-to-hip ratio > 0.76 and physical activity levels ≤ 1217 metabolic equivalents (MET) min per week. Similarly, in males, an IQR increase in the same pollutants was associated with relative decreases in serum free testosterone by 11.1%-17.2%, 35.2%, 10.5%-18.9%, 18.7%-24.2%, and 10.3%-26.0%, respectively. These effects were more pronounce in male with a waist-to-hip ratios > 0.81 and physical activity levels ≤ 1498 MET-min per week. Conclusion Short-term exposure to particulate matter and NO2 may reduce serum levels of AMH and testosterone in healthy adults. Furthermore, these adverse effects appears to be stronger in adults with higher waist-to-hip ratios.
4.The effect and mechanism of Huangkui capsule pretreatment of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on improving renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Yawei YAO ; Jiahui HE ; Hao WANG ; Yutong WANG ; Ruiyan WANG ; Xingyu WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):237-245
Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (HUC-MSC)-derived exosomes (Exo) pretreated with Huangkui capsules on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods HUC-MSCs were cultured in media containing different concentrations of Huangkui capsules for 24 hours to determine cell viability and select an appropriate concentration for subsequent experiments. HUC-MSCs were pretreated with 50 μg/mL Huangkui capsules for 24 hours, and Exo were extracted using an exosome extraction kit. The morphology was observed under a transmission electron microscope, particle size was measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and the expression of exosomal membrane surface marker proteins was detected by Western blot. Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) were randomly divided into hypoxia/reoxygenation group (M group), hypoxia/reoxygenation + Exo group (E group), and hypoxia/reoxygenation + Huangkui capsules pretreated Exo group (H group). Western blotting was used to measure the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins, and real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of ERS-related gene messenger RNA (mRNA). Mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R group), ischemia-reperfusion + Exo group (E group), and ischemia-reperfusion + Huangkui capsules pretreated Exo group (H group). Renal histological assessment, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measurement and inflammatory factor detection were performed 24 hours later. Results Both Exo and Huangkui capsules prereated Exo had a bilayer membrane structure and a cup-shaped morphology; their average particle sizes were 116.8 nm and 81.3 nm, respectively. Both expressed CD9, CD63, TSG101. Compared with the M group, the E group had decreased relative expression of transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) proteins, increased mRNA relative expression, increased relative expression of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) protein, and decreased mRNA relative expression. Compared with the E group, the H group had decreased relative expression of ATF6, PERK, CHOP proteins, and decreased mRNA relative expression of ATF6 and PERK (all P<0.05). Animal experimental results showed that compared with the Sham group, the I/R group had increased renal tubular injury scores, Scr, BUN, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. Compared with the I/R group, the E and H groups had decreased renal tubular injury scores and Scr, BUN, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α levels. Compared with the E group, the H group had decreased renal tubular injury scores and Scr, BUN, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions Huangkui capsules pretreatment HUC-MSC-derived Exo may alleviate renal IRI by inhibiting ERS.
5.Treatment of IgA Nephropathy by Tonifying Kidney and Invigorating Spleen as Well as Detoxifying and Relieving Sore-throat Based on PIgR-CR1-mediated Mucosal-renal Axis
Fan LI ; Hongan WANG ; He NAN ; Mingyu HE ; Chengji CUI ; Yinping WANG ; Yutong LIU ; Shoulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):237-244
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in China, which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM, IgAN is classified into consumptive disease, hematuria, and edema categories, with the location in the kidney and involving the lung, liver, and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue, a master of TCM, believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN, and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN, achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections, and polymeric Ig receptor (PIgR) is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria, and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 (CR1) exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells, clearing immune complexes, and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore, regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation, this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.
6.Treatment of IgA Nephropathy by Tonifying Kidney and Invigorating Spleen as Well as Detoxifying and Relieving Sore-throat Based on PIgR-CR1-mediated Mucosal-renal Axis
Fan LI ; Hongan WANG ; He NAN ; Mingyu HE ; Chengji CUI ; Yinping WANG ; Yutong LIU ; Shoulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):237-244
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in China, which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM, IgAN is classified into consumptive disease, hematuria, and edema categories, with the location in the kidney and involving the lung, liver, and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue, a master of TCM, believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN, and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN, achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections, and polymeric Ig receptor (PIgR) is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria, and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 (CR1) exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells, clearing immune complexes, and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore, regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation, this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.
7.Incidence,Mortality and Disease Burden of Malignant Tumors in Cancer Registration Areas of Hebei Province in 2020
Shuo ZHANG ; Daojuan LI ; Yanyu LIU ; Yanfang FU ; Yutong HE
China Cancer 2025;34(2):89-97
[Purpose]To analyze the incidence,mortality and disease burden of malignant tumors in the cancer registration areas of Hebei Province in 2020.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of cancer in 2020 were collected from the cancer registries of Hebei Province,and the quality of data was evaluated.The crude incidence(mortality)rate,age-specific incidence(mortality)rates and age-standardized incidence(mortality)rates by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW)were calculated and analyzed.The disability-ad-justed life years(DALY)were calculated and analyzed according to the Excel disease burden cal-culation template recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO).[Results]In 2020,the crude incidence rate,ASIRC,ASIRW of malignant tumors in the cancer registration areas of Hebei Province were 229.36/105,147.06/105 and 143.74/105,respectively.The incidence rate in men was higher than that in women.The incidence rates in urban and rural areas were 230.26/105 and 228.84/105,and the age-standardized incidence rates reached a peak in the age group of 80~84 years old.The crude mortality rate,ASMRC,ASMRW were 146.38/105,85.33/105 and 84.79/105,respectively.The mortality rate in men was higher than that in women.The age-standardized mor-tality rate rose with age,reaching a peak in the age group of 85+years old,and the crude mortality rates in urban and rural areas were 143.82/105 and 147.84/105,respectively.The DALY of ma-lignant tumors in the cancer registration areas of Hebei Province were 345 030 person-years,reaching a maximum in the age group of 45~59 years old,with a DALY rate of 15.00/103,and the highest in the age group of 70~79 years old.Lung cancer had the heaviest disease burden,with DALY of 83 684 person-years,accounting for 24.25%of all malignant tumors,followed by stomach,liver,female breast,and colorectal cancers.The DALY in urban and rural areas were 122 062 and 222 993 person-years,respectively,and the trends in DALY rates were basically stable.[Conclusion]The disease burden of malignant tumors in Hebei Province is relatively heavy,cancer prevention and control should be further strengthened and focused on urban men and the elderly to reduce disease burden of malignant tumors in the future.
8.Prevalence Characteristics and Disease Burden of Lung Cancer in Hebei Cancer Registration Areas from 2012 to 2020
Yanfang FU ; Daojuan LI ; Yanyu LIU ; Zhiqiang YAN ; Yaxian PANG ; Yutong HE
China Cancer 2025;34(6):452-463
[Purpose]To analyze the prevalence characteristics and disease burden of lung cancer in Hebei cancer registration areas from 2012 to 2020.[Methods]Lung cancer data were collected from the Hebei Provincial Cancer Registry from 2012 to 2020.The crude incidence/mortality rates,age-standardized incidence/mortality rates by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and by world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW)were calculated.The Joinpoint model was used to calculate the annual percentage change(APC)and average annual percentage change(AAPC).Years of life lost(YLL)and years lived with disability(YLD)and the disability-adjusted life years(DALY)were calculated.[Results]From 2012 to 2020,the ASIRW of lung cancer in Hebei can-cer registration areas was 33.13/105,44.56/105 for men and 22.54/105 for women,respectively;the incidence rates of urban and rural areas were 29.05/105 and 33.52/105,respectively.The incidence rates increased with ages,reaching a peak in the age group of 80~84 years old.There was a de-creasing trend in the ASIRW of lung cancer(AAPC=-3.99%,P<0.05).From 2012 to 2020,the ASMRW of lung cancer was 25.80/105,36.56/105 for men and 15.96/105 for women,respectively;the mortality rates of urban and rural areas were 25.14/105 and 26.12/105,respectively.The mor-tality rates increase with ages,reaching a peak in the age group of 85 and above years old.There was a decreasing trend in the mortality of lung cancer(AAPC=-4.65%,P<0.001)from 2012 to 2020.The DALY of lung cancer in Hebei Province from 2012 to 2020 was 484 194 person-years,with male accounting for 66.77%,female accounted for 33.23%,the DALY rate of lung cancer was 3.31‰,of which 35.57%in urban areas and 64.43%in rural areas.[Conclusion]Lung can-cer incidence and mortality rate in Hebei cancer registration areas from 2012 to 2020 showed a decreasing trend.The disease burden is gradually increasing with age in middle-aged and el-derly population.
9.Guidelines for Medical Examination for Cancer in Health Examination Agency(2025 Edition)
Wanqing CHEN ; Zhijian XU ; Qiang ZENG ; Ni LI ; Wei CAO ; Kexin CHEN ; Feng SUN ; Yuping LIU ; Yutong HE ; Peng WANG ; Shiqi TANG ; Qun ZHANG ; Kaifeng PAN ; Jie HE
China Cancer 2025;34(9):667-697
Cancer incidence in China has been rising steadily,with a particularly heavy burden from several high-prevalence malignancies.Medical examination for cancer plays a critical role in the early detection of cancer,precancerous lesions,and precursor conditions,thereby facilitating timely diagnosis and intervention.Such examination also addresses the growing demand for person-alized cancer screening services among diverse population groups.The development of evidence-based,context-specific cancer screening guidelines is essential to enhance the standardization,quality,and equity of preventive screening practices across the country,ultimately improving out-comes in early cancer detection and treatment.Guided by the Department of Medical Emergency Response of the National Health Commission,the Guidelines for Medical Examination for Cancer in Health Examination Agency(2025 Edition)were developed under the leadership of the National Cancer Center.A multidisciplinary panel of experts formulated the guidelines in accordance with the principles and methodology of the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Deve-lopment.The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on key clinical domains:target cancers and populations,overall screening workflow,screening protocols,diagnostic technolo-gies,result interpretation,follow-up procedures,and quality control.The primary objective is to standardize cancer screening practices in health examination agency and strengthen China's ca-pacity for prevention and control of high-burden cancers.
10.Expert consensus on liquid biopsy-based multi-cancer early detection(2025 edition)
Chen WANQING ; Chen KEXIN ; He YUTONG ; Jia WEIHUA ; Liu ZHIHUA ; Ma HONGXIA ; Miao XIAOPING ; Pan KAIFENG ; Wu CHEN ; Xia CHANGFA ; Xing JINLIANG ; Xu YONGJIE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(14):727-742
Cancer stands as a significant global public health challenge,and cancer screening serves as a pivotal strategy for reducing its mortality.Presently,only a limited number of cancer types have appropriate screening methods available.Traditional single-cancer screen-ing approaches are fraught with limitations,including invasiveness,low accuracy,and poor patient compliance.Multi-cancer early detection(MCED)leveraging liquid biopsy technology enables non-invasive and efficient early detection of multiple cancers by analyzing biomarkers such as cell-free DNA,cell-free RNA,proteins,and metabolites in blood and other bodily fluids.This innovative approach substantially broadens the spectrum of detectable cancers and enhances population coverage,showcasing immense potential for improving existing can-cer screening strategies.This expert consensus comprehensively reviews the progress of liquid biopsy-based MCED,biomarker selection and detection technologies,the criteria for cancer type selection,research design and clinical utility evaluation,as well as implementation path-ways.The overarching goal of this consensus is to offer scientific guidance for further research and the widespread adoption of MCED,thereby facilitating the continuous optimization of cancer screening strategies.


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