1.Prognostic risk classification of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: Data-driven exploration and prospect
Ying WANG ; Yuqing ZHAO ; Jinjin LIU ; You DENG ; Hong YOU ; Jingjie ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):427-431
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), as one of the most common chronic liver diseases in the world, poses a severe challenge to precision diagnosis and treatment due to its complex pathogenesis and highly heterogeneous disease progression. Existing clinical classification systems cannot meet the needs for comprehensively analyzing the complexity of the disease and the heterogeneity of its adverse outcomes. In recent years, data-driven prognostic risk classification methods have gradually emerged, optimizing the ability for predicting adverse outcomes and enhancing the accuracy of identifying different endpoint outcomes. However, such paradigm of “classify first, associate outcomes later” suffers from a “black-box” nature, and there are various indicators for classification, leading to limited stability and generalizability in clinical application. Future research needs to integrate or establish large-scale population cohorts, develop outcome-oriented prognostic risk classification models, incorporate dynamic data, refine classification algorithms, and validate their generalizability across multiple populations, thereby providing reliable support for the precision diagnosis and treatment of MAFLD.
2.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
3.Current status and influencing factors of astigmatism among children and adolescents aged 4-18 years in Yangpu District, Shanghai
Mengjia ZHANG ; Zuxian SUN ; Ying ZHAO ; Hong WANG ; Xiqian ZHU ; Jia WANG ; Jianxiu FENG ; Jie XIAO ; Minmin JIANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1448-1456
AIM:To investigate the current status of astigmatism and its associated factors among children and adolescents from kindergarten through senior high school in Yangpu District, Shanghai, and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of refractive errors.METHODS:A cluster sampling method was employed. From September to November 2024, students from 14 randomly selected schools in Yangpu District, Shanghai, were enrolled as study subjects. Autorefraction and ocular biometry were performed under non-cycloplegic conditions, and questionnaire surveys were administered. Comparisons of astigmatism degree, detection rate, and axis were made across age groups, educational stages, and sexes. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with astigmatism.RESULTS:A total of 7 233 students aged 4-18 y were enrolled including 3 731 males, 3 502 females, with the mean age 10.13±4.18 y, astigmatism -0.76±0.82 D, and the detection rate(≤-1.00 D)was 29.23%. Both the degree and detection rate of astigmatism were correlated with age and educational stage, peaking in senior high school, with the most pronounced changes observed during primary school. Besides age, astigmatic refractive power was influenced by spherical equivalent(β=0.105, P<0.001), mean keratometry(β=-0.118, P<0.001), sex(with boys as the reference, girls: β=0.054, P<0.001), frequent sustained near work for 30-40 min(with “almost never” as the reference, β=-0.030, P=0.038), preterm birth(β=-0.023, P=0.044), maternal myopia(β=-0.028, P=0.020), and homework completion time on rest days(β=-0.035, P=0.041). The detection rate of astigmatism was associated with maternal myopia(OR=1.130, P=0.039), male sex(OR=0.773, P<0.001), shorter sleep duration on school days(OR=0.909, P=0.028), shorter sleep duration on rest days(OR=0.937, P=0.046), preterm birth(OR=1.382, P=0.012), frequent excessive head lowering(OR=1.216, P=0.045), homework completion time on rest days(OR=1.043, P=0.046), higher spherical equivalent(OR=0.891, P<0.001), and higher mean keratometry(OR=1.188, P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The degree and detection rate of astigmatism among children and adolescents from kindergarten to senior high school in Yangpu District, Shanghai are correlated with educational stage, and primary school may represent a critical period for astigmatism prevention and control. Male sex, maternal myopia, preterm birth, high-intensity near work, and insufficient sleep and other factors may be associated with the onset and progression of astigmatism. It is recommended that education and health departments strengthen visual health screening during primary school, while promoting behavioral interventions such as scientific eye-use habits and adequate sleep across different educational stages to delay the onset and progression of astigmatism.
4.Association of different blood lipid components with the severity of hepatic steatosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Jinjin LIU ; Xinyu ZHAO ; Yibin CHEN ; Dong XU ; Tingting XIAO ; Ying WANG ; Yuqing ZHAO ; Zhengzhao LU ; Cheng HUANG ; Xiaofei TONG ; Hong YOU ; Jingjie ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2059-2066
ObjectiveTo clarify the independent and synergistic effects of dyslipidemia in the progression of hepatic steatosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). MethodsA total of 7 697 participants who underwent physical examination in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2022 to December 2024 were enrolled, and finally 2 177 patients with MAFLD were enrolled as subjects. Transient elastography was used to quantify the severity of hepatic steatosis (grades S1-S3). The multivariable ordinal Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent and synergistic associations of serum triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with the severity of hepatic steatosis, and their interactions and potential nonlinear relationships with metabolic factors were also examined. One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAn increase in TG (odds ratio [OR]=1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48 — 2.10, P<0.001) and a reduction in HDL-C (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.11 — 1.65, P=0.003) were independently associated with a greater severity of hepatic steatosis, with the strongest association when both abnormalities coexisted (OR=2.40, 95%CI: 1.87 — 3.07, P<0.001). The dose-response relationship analysis further revealed a nonlinear threshold effect of TG on hepatic steatosis at the threshold of 1.51 mmol/L (Pnonlinearity=0.001), below which the severity of steatosis increased more rapidly with the increase in TG concentration (P=0.001). The subgroup analysis showed that the association between the reduction in HDL-C and the severity of steatosis was observed only in males, young adults (aged <45 years), and metabolically healthier subgroups (without diabetes, obesity, hyperuricemia or hypertension). Significant interactions were observed between the presence or absence of obesity and the abnormal levels of TG and HDL‑C (both Pinteraction<0.05). The association of the increase in LDL-C with steatosis was confined to specific subgroups (without obesity or hyperuricemia). ConclusionThe increase in TG and the reduction in HDL-C are independently associated with the severity of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. The synergistic effect of blood lipids and their interactions with metabolic factors may further refine risk stratification, so as to provide a basis for precise management of MAFLD.
5.Differences in mercury dissolution from HgS-containing traditional medicines under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Ming ZHANG ; Yuan-can XIAO ; Jing ZHAO ; Hai-ying TONG ; Xiao-yu WANG ; Wen-bin ZHOU ; Hong-tao BI ; Li-xin WEI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2607-2611
AIM To investigate the variations in mercury dissolution from HgS-containing traditional medicines in three kinds of simulated gastrointestinal dissolution media.METHODS 39 batches of 15 types of HgS-containing traditional medicines were collected,total mercury content and dissolved mercury concentrations in simulated gastric fluid,simulated intestinal fluid,and L-cysteine-containing simulated intestinal fluid were measured.The maximum daily intake of total mercury and soluble mercury was calculated based on the maximum daily clinical dosage.RESULTS Among the 15 types of medicines,the maximum daily intake of total mercury varied by 156 times,the daily intake of soluble mercury varied by 3 502 times in simulated gastric fluid,313 times in simulated intestinal fluid,and 10 663 times in L-cysteine-containing simulated intestinal fluid,approximately.CONCLUSION For the 15 types of HgS-containing traditional medicines,the daily maximum intake of soluble mercury showed greater variations than that of total mercury.Soluble mercury concentration is more closely correlated with intestinal absorption of mercury and thus represents a more rational quality control indicator for HgS-containing traditional medicines.
6.Evaluation of chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula
Qing-gang ZHANG ; Dai-liang ZHANG ; Hong QI ; Shu-wen DING ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Yun-lun LI ; Ji-fu HE ; Huan-ying GUO ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3555-3565
AIM To evaluate the chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula.METHODS HPLC characteristic chromatograms were established,the analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic YMC-Triart C18 column(4.6 mm× 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.Puerarin was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of 3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin apioside,magnolflorine,paeoniflora,daidzin,baicalin,palmatine,berberine,wogonoside and benzoylpaeoniflorin,after which the content detemination was made by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS).RESULTS The characteristic chromatograms of 9 batches of formula granules and 15 bacthes of traditional decoctions demonstrated the similarities of more than 0.90 at the detection wavelengths of 192,210,240,260,280,300,320,360 nm,along with similar total peak areas.Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 97.27%-101.64%with the RSDs of 0.36%-1.11%,the result obtained by QAMS and external standard method demonstrated no significant differences(P>0.05).The contents of various constituents in the formula granules approximated those in the traditional decoctions.CONCLUSION The consistent kinds and contents of various constituents are obversable in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula,which can provide a reference for the reasonable clinical application of this formula.
7.Synthesis of A New Naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Glyphosate
Rong-Rong ZHAO ; Hong-Lin LIU ; Ying-Ping HUANG ; Cui-Wen DENG ; Song-Yan LI ; Shui-Lian YU ; Mao-Sheng TAO ; Yi-Qun TIAN ; Xi YUAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):903-913
Widespread utilization of glyphosate has led to environmental residues,posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health.Traditional methods for detection of glyphosate are limited by specialized equipment and operational techniques,resulting in inefficient responses.Therefore,it is urgent to develop a convenient,sensitive and accurate detection method for detection of glyphosate.Herein,a new naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"fluorescent probe was synthesized using 2-chloroaniline and dansyl chloride as raw materials through a one-step process,which showed a good linear relationship between the glyphosate concentration in concentration range of 0.003-70 μmol/L and the fluorescence intensity(R2=0.995),with a detection limit of 2.73 nmol/L(S/N=3).Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the fluorescent probe and glyphosate.The results indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the probe and the secondary amine(—NH—)of glyphosate,inducing a photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect which enhanced the fluorescence intensity by 11.2 times.The probe showed good anti-interference ability towards coexisting metal ions,anions and pesticides in water.When applied to determination of glyphosate in the samples such as tap water,river water(Xiangxi River Reservoir),soil,soybeans,and corn,the spiking recoveries ranged from 94.7%to 109.9%,demonstrating the high accuracy and broad applicability of this detection method.A portable test strip based on this fluorescent probe was developed for rapid semi-quantitative analysis of glyphosate.The developed method was rapid,sensitive,and portable,providing theoretical and technical support for on-site measurement of environmental contaminants.
8.Dioscin inhibits IL-17+γδT cells to exert an anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect
Lin-mei PU ; Hao-hong ZHANG ; Chao-yu CHU ; Yuan-yuan NI ; Zhao WU ; Qing-yan MO ; Hong-yun WANG ; Ying XU ; Chun-ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2082-2088
Aim To explore the mechanism by which dioscin regulates IL-17+γδT cells in the treatment of arthritis.Methods A collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was established in DBA/1 mice using bovine type Ⅱ collagen.The mice were randomly divid-ed into the CIA model group,methotrexate(MTX)positive control group,and dioscin low-dose(Dioscin-L),medium-dose(Dioscin-M),and high-dose(Dios-cin-H)groups.After intervention,the therapeutic effects were evaluated using scoring methods.Joint pathological damage was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The levels of anti-collagen-spe-cific antibodies and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 were measured by ELISA.The expressions of γδT cells and their subtypes,as well as the secretion level of IL-17,were detected by flow cytometry.Results Dioscin significantly reduced the arthritis severity score in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mice,alleviated joint pathological damage,inhibited the production of IL-17 by splenic lymphocytes and the levels of anti-col-lagen-specific antibodies total IgG and IgG3,and de-creased the proportion of γδT cells in the lymph nodes,splenic γδT cells,and the Vδ4+T-cell subset.The level of IL-17 produced by the Vδ4 subtype in the lymph nodes of the intervention groups was lower than that in the model group,but the difference was not sta-tistically significant.Conclusion Dioscin has signifi-cant therapeutic effect on CIA,and its mechanism may be through the inhibition of γδT cells,but it is unlikely to be related to IL-17 derived from γδT cells.
9.The anti-heart failure mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in diabetic cardiomyopathy via ERK1/2 path-way
Jian JI ; Ya-hong HUANG ; Ying-min LU ; Dong-mei YUE ; Xiao-hui ZHENG ; Jin-chun ZHANG ; Zhao-xia WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(4):543-547
Objective:To investigate the anti-heart failure mechanism of N-acetylcysteine(NAC)in diabetic cardiomyop-athy independent from coronary artery factors.Methods:A total of 40 diabetic mice after heart failure model construction were randomly divided into two groups,NAC group(n=20,NAC 100mg·kg-1·d-1)and control group(n=20,Saline 100 mg·kg-1·d-1).Echocardiography was performed to detect left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),mitral left ventricular early-dias-tolic peak flow velocity/left ventricular late-diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A),isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT)and cardiac output(CO)after 4 weeks.Terminal uridine nick-end labeling(TUNEL)was performed to detect apoptosis in-dex,and Western Blot was performed to detect the expression of extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)1/2 after 6 weeks in two groups.Results:Compared to those in control group,mice in NAC group had significant higher LVEF[(40.5±3.4)%vs.(36.9±3.2)%],E/A[(1.5±0.1)vs.(1.4±0.1)]and CO[(10.3±0.6)ml/min vs.(9.9±0.5)ml/min](P<0.05 or<0.01);and significant lower LVESV[(23.1±1.3)μl vs.(24.7±1.5)μl],apoptosis index[(31.2±0.5)%vs.(45.1±0.9)%]and the expression of ERK1/2[(2.2±0.2)vs.(3.9±0.1)](P<0.001 all).Conclusion:NAC exerts anti-heart failure effect by attenuating apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via regulating ERK1/2 pathway.
10.International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025).
Sheng-Sheng ZHANG ; Lu-Qing ZHAO ; Xiao-Hua HOU ; Zhao-Xiang BIAN ; Jian-Hua ZHENG ; Hai-He TIAN ; Guan-Hu YANG ; Won-Sook HONG ; Yu-Ying HE ; Li LIU ; Hong SHEN ; Yan-Ping LI ; Sheng XIE ; Jin SHU ; Bin-Fang ZENG ; Jun-Xiang LI ; Zhen LIU ; Zheng-Hua XIAO ; Jing-Dong XIAO ; Pei-Yong ZHENG ; Shao-Gang HUANG ; Sheng-Liang CHEN ; Gui-Jun FEI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):502-518
Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

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