1.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
2.Effect and Mechanisms of Ermiao Formula Analogs and Their Active Components in Treating Dampness-heat Type Gouty Arthritis: A Review
Xueping ZHAO ; Xinya ZHANG ; Le YANG ; Ye SUN ; Xin SUN ; Hui SUN ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Guangli YAN ; Xijun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):276-285
Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate(MSU) deposition due to purine metabolism disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls under the category of "dampness-heat Bi syndrome", with core pathogenesis involving dampness-heat accumulation and dysfunction of the spleen and kidney. The dampness-heat syndrome is the most common and the primary syndrome type during acute attacks. In Western medicine, GA is associated with purine metabolism imbalance and inflammation triggered by MSU crystals, involving pathways such as NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and Toll-like receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) signaling. Clinically, colchicine and similar drugs are commonly used to treat GA, although long-term use carries potential side effects. Ermiao Formula analogs originate from ancient prescriptions, including Ermiao, Sanmiao, and Simiao compound formulas. All contain Atractylodis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. Ermiaowan follow a 1∶1 formulation ratio. Sanmiaowan add Cyathulae Radix. Simiaowan further incorporate Coicis Semen. These formulas are rich in active ingredients, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and sterols, and treat GA through multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mechanisms. Ermiaosan primarily exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or regulating immune responses to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, while also suppressing xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to decrease uric acid production. Sanmiaowan enhance uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects through the guiding herb Cyathulae Radix, while also protecting cartilage from damage. Simiaowan utilizes Coicis Semen to regulate intestinal flora, alleviate dampness-heat symptoms, and exert multi-pathway anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering effects. The active ingredients contribute differently to uric acid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, and bone repair, resulting in varying therapeutic effects due to differences in formula composition. In summary, formulas derived from Ermiaosan demonstrate significant efficacy in treating dampness-heat type GA. This review summarizes their research progress and mechanisms, providing a reference for clinical application, new drug development, and further studies.
3.Construction and validation of a prognostic risk assessment model for lung adenocarcinoma based on miR-34 family target genes
Lingyu GU ; Ang GELEMA ; Dan YANG ; Huifeng WANG ; Lixin WANG ; Hui DONG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):118-126
ObjectiveTo establish a tumor prognostic risk assessment model related to target genes of the miR-34 family. MethodsTarget genes of the miR-34 family were screened, and the scores of miR-34 target genes were assessed in 16 tumor types. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the tumor type with the strongest correlation between miR-34 target gene scores and overall survival (OS). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to elucidate the functional roles and signaling pathways of miR-34 target genes. A prognostic risk model based on the miR-34 target genes was constructed using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to validate whether the target genes bind to miR-34 and measure their RNA expression levels in the relevant tumors. Additionally, the risk score was integrated with other clinical indicators to develop a nomogram prediction model for patient survival. ResultsA total of 65 target genes of the miR-34 family were screened. The cancer type exhibiting stronger correlation between the target gene scores and OS was lung adenocarcinoma (P = 0.003, HR= 5.150). Furthermore, miR-34 target genes were predominantly enriched in oxidative stress pathways and various tumor-related processes. Three genes, LDHA, GALNT7, and SATB2, were identified as core components of the prognostic analysis model for lung adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the constructed nomogram model demonstrated robust predictive performance. ConclusionThe risk model and prognosis model of lung adenocarcinoma constructed based on the key target genes of miR-34 have good predictive performance.
4.Analysis of clinical factors related to complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Hui YANG ; Xiaofeng MU ; Linan SONG ; Wenjie NI ; Lei DING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):6-11
Objective To explore the clinical factors influencing complete response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Methods Clinical data of LARC patients treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Beijing Shijitan Hospital between January 2013 and December 2024 were retrospectively collected. All patients received nCRT, after which surgery or a watch-and-wait approach was adopted based on treatment response. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors influencing complete response. A clinical prediction model was constructed based on the multivariable analysis results, and its predictive performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 113 eligible patients were included. After nCRT, 19 patients (16.8%) achieved complete response, including 3 with clinical complete response and 16 with pathological complete response. Univariable analysis indicated that pretreatment clinical N stage, extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen were associated with complete response after nCRT (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified pretreatment extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen as independent influencing factors for complete response (P<0.05). A prediction model incorporating these independent factors yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.813 (95% confidence interval: 0.713-0.913), with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 60.6%, demonstrating good predictive performance. Conclusion Pretreatment extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen are independent factors influencing complete response after nCRT in LARC patients. The prediction model combining these factors may assist in evaluating treatment efficacy following nCRT in LARC patients.
5.Comparison of dosimetry and radiobiology between volumetric modulated arc therapy and helical tomotherapy for craniospinal irradiation
Yongqing GE ; Xiunan WANG ; Hui YANG ; Xiaofeng MU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):113-119
Objective To compare the dosimetric and radiobiological differences of helical tomotherapy (HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in craniospinal irradiation. Methods The CT images of 15 patients who received craniospinal irradiation in our hospital were selected. The target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were contoured, and HT and VMAT plans were designed. The dosimetric parameters of the two plans were compared. A Matlab program based on equivalent uniform dose was developed to calculate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). The NTCP values of the two plans were compared. Results The homogeneity index of the target volume in the HT group was better than that in the VMAT group, with values of 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.24, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). However, there was no significant difference in the conformity index of the target volume (P>0.05). There were significant differences in key indicators (Dmean, V5, Dmax) of the lungs, liver, lens, and eyeballs between the two groups (P<0.05). Regarding OARs, the NTCP values of the lens, optic chiasm, lungs, and liver in the HT and VMAT groups were as follows: 0.04 ± 0.03 vs. 0.1 ± 0.06 in the left lens, 0.04 ± 0.06 vs. 0.1 ± 0.07 in the right lens, 0.16 (0.14-0.17) vs. 0.21 (0.18-0.24) in the optic chiasm, 3.89 × 10−4 (2.45 × 10−4-7.3 × 10−4) vs. 8.95 × 10−4 (5.19 × 10−4-1.75 × 10−3) in the lungs, and 3.45 × 10−8 (6.0 × 10−9-1.036 × 10−7) vs. 9.54 × 10−8 (1.70 × 10−8-2.056 × 10−7) in the liver; the HT group was superior to the VMAT group, and all differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The NTCP values of the heart in the two groups were 1.35 × 10−8 (6.34 × 10−9-2.06 × 10−9) vs. 5.06 × 10−9 (2.29 × 10−9-7.9 × 10−9), significantly lower in the VMAT group than in the HT group (P<0.05). Conclusion HT has high homogeneity and consistency. The two plans have their own advantages in OAR protection. For OARs with no significant differences in physical dosimetry, NTCP results can be used as a reference. Therefore, comparing the dosimetric parameters and OAR NTCP of HT and VMAT plans can help select the optimal clinical treatment strategy.
6.Preliminary application of histological evaluation of donor pancreas biopsy tissue in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Jiao WAN ; Hui GUO ; Jiali FANG ; Guanghui LI ; Luhao LIU ; Yunyi XIONG ; Wei YIN ; Tong YANG ; Junjie MA ; Zheng CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):250-256
Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of donor pancreas needle biopsy in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 7 cases undergoing donor pancreas biopsy were collected retrospectively. All cases underwent donor pancreas biopsy before or during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Frozen section or paraffin sectioning techniques were used for tissue preparation, and hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were performed to histologically evaluate the donor pancreas. The quality of donor pancreas was comprehensively assessed by combining histological findings with the donor's clinical data. Postoperative follow-up data of 5 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients were collected to summarize the safety of donor pancreas biopsy and the prognosis of transplant recipients. Results The 7 pancreas donors were aged 28 to 62 years, with a body mass index ranging from 20.76 to 27.68 kg/m2. Liver ultrasound indicated fatty liver in 3 cases, while pancreatic ultrasound did not reveal any significant abnormalities. Among them, biopsy was performed on 2 donors after completion of pancreatic procurement and processing, and the frozen section histology showed moderate acute pancreatitis changes (edema of acinar cells, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration). Combined with a serum amylase level elevated more than 3 times the upper limit of normal value, these two donor pancreases were finally discarded. The remaining 5 cases underwent biopsy immediately after pancreatic vascular anastomosis during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, and histological evaluation was performed on paraffin-embedded sections. No biopsy-related complications (such as bleeding, pancreatic fistula, etc.) occurred after transplantation. One recipient died of severe infection 2 months after transplantation, while the other 4 recipients were followed up for more than 5 years, with well-functioning transplant kidneys and pancreases. Conclusions Donor pancreas biopsy is relatively safe, and the risk of biopsy-related complications after transplantation is controllable. Comprehensive assessment of donor pancreas quality by combining histological evaluation with the donor's clinical indicators is conducive to improving the accuracy of donor pancreas selection and organ utilization.
7.From CROSS to SANO: Evidence-based breakthroughs and clinical practice challenges in organ-preservation strategies for esophageal cancer in the era of neoadjuvant therapy
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):347-352
Organ preservation after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer has gained significant attention. While the CROSS trial established neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery as standard care, approximately 30% of patients achieve pathological complete response (pCR), prompting exploration of active surveillance (AS). The landmark SANO phase Ⅲ trial (2025) demonstrated non-inferior 2-year overall survival (74% AS vs. 71% surgery), with 31% of patients avoiding surgery. Multimodal assessment (endoscopic deep biopsy+endoscopic ultrasound+PET-CT) reduced residual disease misdiagnosis to 10%. The Asian-led NEEDS trial is evaluating definitive chemoradiotherapy with salvage surgery. Although immunotherapy boosts pCR rates to 40%-55%, challenges persist, including 8%-12% false-negative cCR assessments, limited long-term data, and East-West histological disparities. The 2024 NCCN guidelines conditionally recommend AS (Category 2B, prioritized for squamous cell carcinoma), emphasizing centralized implementation. Future directions involve circulating tumor DNA and radiomics for risk stratification to advance precise organ-preserving strategies.
8.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
9.Temporal trends in the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption among primary and secondary school students in rural central and western China, 2015-2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):332-336
Objective:
To analyze the trends of the frequency of meat, egg, and milk consumption among rural primary and junior high school students in central and western China covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide basis for formulating more targeted nutrition intervention policies and health education strategies.
Methods:
Using data from six rounds of monitoring and evaluation (2015-2021 and 2023), the study included 323 870 students from grade 3 to 9 across 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in central and western China. The consumption frequencies of meat, egg, and milk over the past week were collected via questionnaires. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze temporal trends, and multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption and to test for interaction effects between the year and gender, region, and grade level.
Results:
From 2015 to 2023, the proportion of students consuming meat, egg, and milk ≥1 time/day increased from 23.20 %, 10.71%, and 0.74% to 35.53%, 22.09%, and 26.63%, respectively. Trend tests indicated a significant upward trend for the daily intake of all three food categories for meat, egg and milk over the years ( Z =67.18, 64.90, 93.14, all P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that the daily meat intake was lower in the central region than in the western region ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.76-0.78), whereas the daily intake of eggs ( OR=1.19, 95%CI =1.17-1.22) and milk ( OR= 1.27 , 95%CI =1.24-1.29) was higher in the central region (all P <0.05). Compared with grade 3-4 students, junior high school students had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk≥1 time/day ( OR =0.95, 0.77, 0.77, all P <0.05), with a declining trend as grade increased. Girls also had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk ≥1 time/day than boys ( OR =0.95,0.93,0.91, all P < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed between year and region, as well as between year and grade (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
From 2015 to 2023, the NIPRCES improved the intake level of among rural students, but the situation of relatively insufficient intake of egg and milk among females, junior high school students and those in the western region still exists.
10.Mechanism of Wumeiwan on Inhibiting Fatty Acid Metabolism Reprogramming in Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on Multi-omics Analysis
Gang XIAO ; Shusen YANG ; Mingming SI ; Yanyan YANG ; Hailiang WEI ; Shuguang YAN ; Hui LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):21-30
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Wumeiwan suppresses the development and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC) through the regulation of fatty acid metabolic reprogramming, thereby providing new experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of CRC. MethodsA total of 120 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Wumeiwan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups(54, 27, 13.5 g·kg-1), and the mesalazine group(0.01 g·kg-1), with 20 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all mice were subjected to azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) treatment to establish an inflammation-associated CRC model. One week after AOM injection, mice in the treatment groups received intragastric administration of the designated drugs, while the blank and model groups received an equal volume of purified water, continuing until 20 d after the intervention endpoint. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe colonic histopathological alterations, and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) was performed to evaluate neovascularization and tumor invasion. Metabolomics combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) and metabolite set enrichment analysis(MSEA) was applied to identify key CRC-related metabolic pathways, which were further validated by transcriptomic Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment and gene heatmap analysis. Subsequently, Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of core proteins in these pathways, and immunofluorescence was used to analyze their localization and co-expression patterns in tissues, thereby elucidating the mechanism of Wumeiwan from multiple biological dimensions. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight and a significant increase in the disease activity index(DAI) score(P<0.05), with pronounced colonic mucosal damage accompanied by aggravated tumor invasion. Compared with the model group, Wumeiwan intervention markedly improved body weight loss and reduced DAI score, attenuated mucosal injury, and significantly decreased VEGF expression level(P<0.05). Multi-omics analysis revealed that differential metabolites and genes across groups were commonly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and other lipid-related pathways. Relative to the blank group, the model group showed significant upregulation levels of fatty acid synthesis-related genes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP1), fatty acid synthase(FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), as well as saturated fatty acids(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, treatment with Wumeiwan significantly reduced the expression of key genes involved in fatty acid metabolic pathways, including SREBP1, FASN, and SCD1(P<0.05). Western blot results further confirmed that proteins in this pathway were significantly elevated in the model group, whereas they were markedly downregulated following Wumeiwan treatment(P<0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated enhanced co-localization of SREBP1 with the cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF) marker α-smooth muscle actin(SMA) in the model group, whereas this co-localization signal was attenuated after Wumeiwan intervention(P<0.05). ConclusionWumeiwan can improve survival outcomes and alleviate colonic pathological damage in CRC mice, its therapeutic mechanism may be closely associated with the regulation of fatty acid metabolic reprogramming mediated by the SREBP1/FASN/SCD1 signaling pathway.


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