1.Relationship between plasma proteins and pulmonary arterial hypertension and potential therapeutic targets
Cuicui ZHANG ; Huanyu CHEN ; Qiao YU ; Yuxuan HUANG ; Gengzhen YAO ; Xu ZOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1331-1340
BACKGROUND:Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a destructive cardiopulmonary disease for which there is no cure.An association between plasma proteins and pulmonary arterial hypertension has been suggested,but the causal relationship has not been specifically elucidated.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the causal relationship between plasma proteome and pulmonary arterial hypertension using a two-sample Mendelian randomization method,thereby searching for potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension.METHODS:Plasma Protein Gene-Wide Association Analysis Statistics for 4 907 Aptamer Measurements in 35 559 Icelanders from the Icelandic Database;Genome-wide association analysis statistics for pulmonary arterial hypertension were obtained from the Finn Gen database,version R9,including 234 cases and 265 626 controls.Analyses were performed using Mendelian randomization and Bayesian co-localization analysis,the findings were examined using sensitivity analyses,and protein-protein interaction network maps were constructed to explore the causal relationship between plasma proteins and pulmonary arterial hypertension.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of inverse variance weighting,maximum likelihood and Wald ratio methods showed 19 proteins causally associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension(P<0.05).Among them,10 plasma proteins,including Beta-1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase manic fringe(odds ratio[OR]=0.12,95%confidence interval[CI]0.02-0.61,P=0.01)and interferon alpha/beta receptor 1(OR=0.45,95%CI 0.24-0.84,P=0.012),might be associated with a reduced risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension.In contrast,nine plasma proteins,such as glucoside xylosyltransferase 1(OR=3.48,95%CI 1.51-8.00,P=0.003)and plasminogen(OR=42.78,95%CI 2.49-734.31,P=0.01),might be associated with an increased risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension.After the false discovery rate was corrected,19 proteins remained significantly associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension.(2)Multiple sensitivity analyses such as the MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out method showed no horizontal multiplicity or heterogeneity in the results of the study,indicating the stability of the study's results.(3)Bayesian co-localization analysis showed that six plasma proteins,including plasminogen(PPH4=1.0)and glucoside xylosyltransferase 1(PPH4=0.94),had PPH4>0.8,suggesting that plasma proteins and the genome-wide association study of pulmonary arterial hypertension had similar causal variance in terms of genetic association.(4)By constructing a protein-protein interaction network map,plasminogen,Annexin A1,fibrinogen gamma chain and matrix metalloproteinase 7 were found to be core proteins.(5)The article used Mendelian randomization analysis to reveal a potential causal association between 4 907 plasma proteins and pulmonary arterial hypertension,suggesting that plasma proteins may be potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension.The core proteins identified in the study also provide a theoretical basis for further in-depth study of the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.Secondly,analyses using the large-scale international databases of Iceland and FinnGen provide new research directions and treatment ideas for pulmonary arterial hypertension in specific populations and environments,as well as ideas and methods that can be used to prevent and treat pulmonary arterial hypertension in China.
2.Analyses of the epidemiological characteristics of multiple pathogens in people aged 14 years and above with acute respiratory infection in Huangpu District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2024
Yun ZHANG ; Yinzi CHEN ; Zhenzi ZUO ; Yu WANG ; Fujie SHEN ; Yuliang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Chenyan JIANG ; Yijun WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):116-121
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 8 major respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases with acute respiratory infections at fever clinics in Huangpu District, Shanghai from 2015 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in Huangpu District. Individuals meeting the case definition of ILI from 2015 to 2024 was registered. Their nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for pathogen detection. A total of 8 respiratory viruses were tested, including Influenza A virus (Flu A), Influenza B virus (Flu B), adenovirus (ADV), enterovirus/human rhinovirus (EV/HRV), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), human coronavirus (HCoV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, a total of 344 ILI cases were tested, of which 192 out of 344 cases (55.81%) were tested positive for single respiratory pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, 1 557 ILI cases were tested, with 572 out of 1 557 cases (36.74%) being positive for single pathogen. From 2023 to 2024, the positive rate of single pathogen in ILI cases was significantly lower than that in 2015‒2019 (χ2=42.66, P<0.001). Specifically, the positive rate of Flu A (χ2=74.43, P<0.001) decreased, while that of HPIV (χ2=8.66, P=0.003) increased, both with statistically significant differences. According to the seasonal pattern, the epidemic intensity of Flu A decreased in summer, while that of HPIV increased in summer and autumn. Demographic results showed statistically significant differences in the positive rates of EV/HRV between genders (χ2=22.38, P<0.001), with males exhibiting a higher positive rate than females. No statistically significant differences were identified in the positive rates of single pathogen among different age groups (χ2=4.42, P=0.110). Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were noted when comparing the positive rates of EV/HRV, Flu A, Flu B and HPIV across different age groups (P<0.05). EV/HRV was more commonly detected in the 15‒<25 age group (10.93%), while Flu A and HPIV had the highest positive rates in the ≥60 age group (21.24% and 4.77%). Flu B had the highest positive rate in the 25‒<60 age group (11.26%). 52.63% of cases with co-infections occurred during winter, with the primary pathogens involved being EV/HRV (9 cases) and HCoV (6 cases). The most prevalent combination of co-infection was Flu A with EV/HRV. ConclusionThe prevalence of respiratory pathogens among ILI cases from 2023 to 2024 exhibited notable fluctuations compared to that from 2015 to 2019. Therefore, influenza surveillance should be strengthened, and attention should also be paid to the prevalence of respiratory pathogens such as HPIV. These findings have profound implications for future research, surveillance, vaccine planning, and public health policy making.
3.Influencing factors for calcium salt deposition in patients with alveolar echinococcosis
Zitong XIONG ; Zhiyi LIN ; Yanxin HUANG ; Fuzhong FANG ; Zhengzhan WU ; Zirui XIN ; Chunxia HU ; Jiayu ZHOU ; Yuan YAO ; Hongwei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):372-379
ObjectiveTo investigate the imaging features of calcium salt deposition and serological markers in patients with alveolar echinococcosis through a retrospective analysis, as well as independent risk factors for the degree of calcium salt deposition in lesions, and to provide a basis for assessing disease process. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the imaging and clinical data of 107 patients with alveolar echinococcosis who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from December 2023 to June 2025, and according to the volume of calcium salt deposition, they were divided into non-deposition group with 16 patients, mild deposition group with 52 patients, moderate deposition group with 16 patients, and severe deposition group with 23 patients. A one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The four groups were further combined into the low deposition group (no/mild deposition) and the high deposition group (moderate/severe deposition). A binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent influencing factors for calcium salt deposition, and a predictive model was established. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive performance of the model, and the Bootstrap method was used for internal validation. ResultsThere were significant differences between the four groups in sex distribution, involvement of other sites, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, fibrinogen, uric acid, sodium ion, chloride ion, and calcium ion (all P<0.05). The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the four groups in sex, involvement of other sites, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, sodium ion, chloride ion, and calcium ion (all P<0.1). The multi-collinearity diagnosis showed that the VIF values for all continuous variables ranged from 1.104 to 1.760, suggesting that collinearity did not affect modeling. An ordinal logistic regression model was established based on sex, involvement of other sites, calcium ion, lymphocyte percentage, and uric acid. The multivariate analysis showed that lymphocyte percentage (odds ratio [OR]=1.106, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.041 — 1.174, P=0.001) and blood calcium level (OR=0.005, 95%CI: 0.000 —0.230, P=0.007) were independent influencing factors for the degree of calcium salt deposition. The regression equation was established as Logit(P)=8.231 + 0.100 × lymphocyte percentage -5.344 × calcium ion. The ROC curve analysis showed that the model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.716, with a Youden index of 0.353, a sensitivity of 1.000, and a specificity of 0.353. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model had poor calibration (χ2=20.688, P=0.008). The Bootstrap method with 1000 repeated samples showed that the estimated values of lymphocyte percentage (OR=1.106, 95%CI: 1.049 — 1.186, P=0.002) and calcium ion (OR=0.005, 95%CI: 0.000 — 0.214, P=0.010) were consistent with the original model, and the confidence intervals did not include 1, which further supported the reliability of the model. ConclusionBoth lymphocyte percentage and blood calcium level are independent influencing factors for calcium salt deposition in alveolar echinococcosis, and the degree of calcium salt deposition in alveolar echinococcosis lesions increases with the reduction in blood calcium level and the increase in lymphocyte percentage.
4.Hepatitis B cirrhosis comorbid with Staphylococcus lugdunensis bloodstream infection: A case report
Shuyun HUANG ; Bukun ZHU ; Wei ZHANG ; Liqiong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):409-413
As a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Staphylococcus lugdunensis has stronger virulence and pathogenicity than other Staphylococcus bacteria and is comparable to Staphylococcus aureus. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of related case reports, A patient with hepatitis B cirrhosis and Staphylococcus lugdunensis bloodstream infection was admitted to our department and was followed up for more than 2 years, and the patient was analyzed in terms of clinical features, pathogenicity, invasion, and the application of related antibiotics.
5.Analysis of components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves
Huan LIU ; Zirong YI ; Ting HUANG ; Xiuhong LIU ; Yunyao YE ; Yuming MA ; Mengqi HU ; Nan ZHANG ; Wenhao YANG ; Yang LIU ; Guopeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):889-894
OBJECTIVE To analyze the prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves, so as to provide a reference for clarifying the pharmacological material basis of its prevention and treatment of central nervous system dis eases. METHODS The ethanol extract of L. litseifolius leaves, as well as the gastric lavage fluid and perfusion solution were prepared. Using rats as subjects, plasma samples of intestinal wall metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism and hepatic metabolism were prepared via in situ intestinal perfusion and closed intestinal loop method; while comprehensive metabolic plasma samples, brain tissue samples, and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected after intragastric administration. UPLC-HRMS technology was utilized to analyze and identify chemical components and prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves. RESULTS A total of 66 chemical constituents were identified in L. litseifolius leaves, primarily consisting of flavonoids, organic acids, and others. A total of 16, 13, 11, and 5 prototype components were identified in intestinal wall metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism, hepatic metabolism, and comprehensive metabolic plasma samples, respectively. Additionally, 4 prototype components were detected in brain tissue and 9 in cerebrospinal fluid. Phloridzin, trilobatin, phloretin-2- O -malonyl hexoside, and phloretin were identified as common components across all sample types. CONCLUSIONS Prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves, such as phloridzin, trilobatin, phloretin, and other components may serve as the pharmacological material basis for their therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases.
6.Scoping review of medication-related risk factors for falls in older adults
Liyu QIN ; Xufeng LONG ; Hongya CAO ; Keyuan LIANG ; Mingmei HUANG ; Hongliang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):960-964
OBJECTIVE To systematically review medication-related risk factors for falls in older adults, to provide references for ensuring medication safety among older adults. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI for relevant literature published from database inception to November 1, 2025. Relevant studies on medication-related falls in older adults, both domestic and international, were included. Drug factors influencing falls in older adults were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 22 studies were included. Four major classes of fall-risk-increasing drugs were identified: psychotropic medications [12 studies, odds ratio (OR) range 1.500-5.790], cardiovascular system drugs (5 studies, OR range 1.236-4.784), analgesics (3 studies, OR range 1.500-4.490), and hypoglycemic agents (3 studies, OR range 2.070-2.751). Additionally, anticholinergic burden (1 study, OR was 2.610) and polypharmacy (7 studies, OR range 2.902-25.897 for the use of ≥4 medications) were identified as significant risk factors for falls. CONCLUSIONS Falls in older adults are significantly associated with psychotropic medications, cardiovascular system drugs, analgesics, and hypoglycemic agents, among which psychotropic medications pose the highest risk. Anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy are also important risk factors. In clinical practice, interventions should be implemented through deprescribing and risk monitoring to effectively reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
7.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.
8.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
9.Differential analysis of saponins in Platycodon grandiflorus from different origins based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Tingting ZHANG ; Jingjing HUANG ; Jinglei LIANG ; Tao PANG ; Wansheng CHEN ; Feng ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(4):189-199
Objective To establish a highly efficient and sensitive technical system for the identification and analysis of platycodin-type saponins, systematically compare the differences in platycodin-type saponins among Platycodon grandiflorum from different producing areas, and provide scientific references for the screening of high-quality Platycodon grandiflorum resources, authenticity evaluation, and construction of standardized quality control systems. Methods A total of 45 batches of P. grandiflorum medicinal materials from 3 producing areas (Anhui, Henan, and Jilin, with 15 batches per area) were selected as research objects. Qualitative identification and semi-quantitative analysis of saponin components were performed based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology. Meanwhile, two multivariate statistical methods, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were combined to analyze the differences in platycodin-type saponins of Platycodon grandiflorus from different producing areas. Results A total of 28 saponin components were identified from Platycodon grandiflorus of the three producing areas. PCA results showed that there were minor differences in platycodin-type saponins between Henan Platycodon grandiflorus and Jilin Platycodon grandiflorus, while Anhui P. grandiflorum exhibited significant differences from both. PLS-DA further screened 15 major differential compounds. Among them, the contents of 6 components including 3''-O-acetylpolygalacin D2 and platycodin H in Anhui Platycodon grandiflorus were higher than those in Henan and Jilin Platycodon grandiflorus; platycodigenic acid A had the highest content in Jilin Platycodon grandiflorus; the contents of platycodin D3, polygalacin J, and polygalacin D were relatively higher in Henan Platycodon grandiflorus. Conclusion This study clarified the characteristic differences in core components of Platycodon grandiflorus from the three major producing areas, which provided an important theoretical basis for the screening of high-quality Platycodon grandiflorus resources, elucidation of the mechanism underlying its authenticity, and construction of a standardized quality control system.
10.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.

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