1.Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and syndrome differentiation-based treatment of Wilson disease
Wenjie HAO ; Wenming YANG ; Ting CHENG ; Hailin JIANG ; Han WANG ; Meixia WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):522-528
Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism, and decoppering therapy and symptomatic treatment are the main Western medicine therapies for WD. This article systematically reviews the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of WD in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and points out that abnormal natural endowment is the core etiology and pathogenesis of WD, with internal accumulation of copper toxicity as the manifestation, liver/spleen/kidney dysfunction as the root cause, and intermingled “toxin, stasis, phlegm, and deficiency” as the key pathogenesis. Literature research and clinical observation are conducted to summarize the common TCM syndromes of WD, including stagnation of liver Qi, internal retention of damp-heat, phlegm-stasis-heat accumulation syndrome, liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency, and syndrome of deficiency damage and phlegm stasis. This article proposes the corresponding therapies and representative prescriptions for each syndrome and discusses the advantages of treatment by stage and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy. This article aims to provide a systematic reference for the syndrome differentiation-based treatment of WD in clinical practice of TCM, thereby giving full play to the advantages of TCM in the treatment of this disease.
2.Preclinical mouse models for studying cholangiocarcinoma
Shanru Yang ; Chaodi Bao ; Yuan Li ; Yangxiang Ou ; Yifan Jiang ; Wenjie Xu ; Dongfang Zheng ; Na Li ; Mengjie Yang ; Fuyan Wang ; Xin Hou
Liver Research 2026;10(1):22-34
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy characterized by tumor cells originating in the liver or bile ducts, exhibiting features of cholangiocyte differentiation. It poses a significant clinical challenge due to the limited diagnostic and therapeutic options available. Robust animal models are essential for advancing our understanding of CCA pathogenesis and developing effective treatments. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CCA mouse models, highlighting various approaches, including chemical induction, genetically engineered models, and tumor xenografts. Each model is discussed in terms of its establishment techniques, pathological characteristics, and research significance, with a focus on intrahepatic CCA. Chemical induction models, such as diethylnitrosamine- and azoxymethane-induced models, offer insights into tumorigenesis processes, whereas genetically modified models involving alterations in key genes such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, tumor protein 53, and isocitrate dehydrogenase serve as important tools for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying CCA. Xenograft models, including patient-derived xenografts, bridge the gap between experimental research and clinical applications, allowing for precise therapeutic evaluations. By comparing these models, this review underscores their respective advantages and limitations, paving the way for future studies aiming to optimize and innovate CCA modeling strategies.
3.Effect of the multidisciplinary management model on the prognosis of patients with portal hypertension
Changxiang LAI ; Qiyuan TANG ; Zhiyu LI ; Yujin JIANG ; Xuan ZHOU ; Wenjie XIAN ; Ruikun CHEN ; Xiaojuan WU ; Qing HE ; Fang WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2068-2074
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) management model in improving the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. MethodsA total of 86 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension who were admitted to Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital from May 2022 to July 2024 were enrolled, and according to whether the MDT treatment regimen was implemented, they were divided into execution group with 51 patients and non-execution group with 35 patients. Baseline clinical data were collected, and the patients were observed in terms of gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver cancer, and death from admission to the end of follow-up (January 2025). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves for the cumulative incidence rates of endpoint events (gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver cancer, and death), and the Log-rank test was used for comparison between groups. The Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the effect of MDT management on the prognosis of patients. ResultsThere were significant differences between the execution group and the non-execution group in diameter of the portal vein (t=1.216, P=0.017) and ascites (χ2=4.515, P=0.034) at baseline. The patients were followed up for 14.6±6.2 months, and the survival curve analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the cumulative incidence rate of gastrointestinal bleeding between the two groups (χ2=4.573, P=0.024), while there were no significant differences in the incidence rates of other outcome events between the two groups (all P>0.05). The Cox regression analysis showed that the execution group had a reduced risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (hazard ratio=0.262, 95% confidence interval: 0.110 — 0.630, P=0.003). ConclusionImplementation of the MDT treatment regimen can significantly reduce the short-term risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension, while its long-term benefits require further follow-up verification.
4.Analysis on the correlation of serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein levels with joint function and systemic inflammatory response in patients with knee osteoarthritis complicated by cartilage injury
Leyang LI ; Ning JIANG ; Wenjie ZHENG ; Hao SU ; Xin WANG ; Yujie SUN
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):688-693
Objective:To correlate serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels with joint function and systemic inflammatory response in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) complicated by cartilage injury.Methods:This study is a retrospective analysis. It selected 258 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were treated at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023. All patients underwent arthroscopic examination. Based on the presence of cartilage injury, 118 patients with cartilage injury were included in the Group A, while 140 patients without cartilage injury were included in the Group B. Joint function (WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, Lysholm Knee Function Score), serum levels of BMP-2 and COMP, and systemic inflammatory responses [levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] were compared between the two groups. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of serum BMP-2 and COMP levels for KOA complicated by cartilage injury. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between the aforementioned serum markers and the patients' WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, Lysholm Knee Function Score, as well as serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α.Results:Group A had significantly lower serum BMP-2 levels and Lysholm Knee Function Scores compared with Group B [(9.18 ± 1.65) ng/L vs. (11.43 ± 2.51) ng/L, t = 8.34, P < 0.001; (80.06 ± 8.34) vs. (86.94 ± 7.21), t = 7.11, P < 0.001]. Group A exhibited higher serum levels of COMP, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as a higher WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, with all differences being statistically significant [(6.88 ± 2.34) μg/L vs. (5.04 ± 1.01) μg/L, t = -8.34, P < 0.001; (43.18 ± 7.81) ng/L vs. (35.96 ± 5.02) ng/L, t = -8.96, P < 0.001; (34.03 ± 6.68) ng/L vs. (28.75 ± 5.61) ng/L, t = -6.90, P < 0.001; (13.17 ± 1.89) ng/L vs. (11.24 ± 1.01) ng/L, t = -10.44, P < 0.001; (137.18 ± 18.95) vs. (121.14 ± 13.58), t = -7.90, P < 0.001]. ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve values for serum BMP-2 and COMP levels in diagnosing KOA complicated by cartilage injury were 0.773 and 0.811, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between serum BMP-2 levels and the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, as well as serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α ( r = -0.52, -0.42, -0.40, -0.57, all P < 0.05). Additionally, serum BMP-2 levels showed a positive correlation with the Lysholm Knee Function Score ( r = 0.51, P < 0.05). Serum COMP levels and the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index were positively correlated with serum IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels ( r = 0.48, 0.45, 0.37, 0.54, all P < 0.05) and were negatively correlated with the Lysholm Knee Function Score ( r = -0.51, P < 0.05). Conclusions:Serum BMP-2 and COMP levels have certain diagnostic value in patients with KOA complicated by cartilage injury. Moreover, these indicators are correlated with joint function and systemic inflammatory responses. Therefore, they hold promise as potential indicators for assessing disease progression in patients with KOA.
5.Prediction of Preterm Labor Using Uterine Electromyography in Women with Threatened Preterm Labor after Tocolytic Therapy
Qiang HUANG ; Feizhou JIANG ; Wenjie HOU ; Leilei HE ; Kun YU ; Li CHEN ; YIhui GU ; Jingtong ZHANG ; Yueming ZHANG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(4):346-350
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of transabdominal uterine electromyography for pre-term labor after tocolysis in women with threatened preterm labor.Methods:A total of 48 pregnant women at 28-34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and admitted to The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soo-chow University from January to September 2023 were included.According to the response to tocolysis and whether the pregnancy was prolonged for at least 48 h,women were divided into two groups:non-preterm birth within 48 h(n=35)and preterm birth within 48 h(n=13).Uterine electromyography parameters and difference were compared before and after tocolytic therapy in two groups.Univariate Logistic regression was performed to predict the related factors of preterm birth within 48 h after the using of tocolysis in pregnant women with threat-ened preterm birth by uterine electromyography,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was per-formed to evaluate their performance.Results:Compared to before treatment with tocolysis,after therapy,in the non-preterm birth within 48 h group,significant reductions in contraction frequency,area,duration and amplitude were observed(P<0.05).In the preterm birth within 48 h group,only contraction frequency decreased significant-ly(P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression indicated that contraction frequency,contraction duration,and contrac-tion area were predictive factors for premature birth within 48 h after tocolysis(P<0.05).When the duration of u-terine contractions lasting for 104.55 s or more the sensitivity and specificity of predicting premature birth within 48 h are 92.3%and 68.6%,respectively.Conclusions:Uterine electromyography may predict the premature birth within 48 h after tocolytic treatment in preterm labor,which may provide reference for subsequent corticosteroid therapy or transfer of high-risk pregnant patients.
6.Effects of magnolol on autophagy of interstitial Cajal cells and intestinal motility in acute necrotizing pancreatitis rats
Yangqin CHEN ; Haowen JIANG ; Wenjie QI ; Bin MIAO
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2025;25(2):119-125
Objective:To explore the effects of magnolol on autophagy in intestinal Cajal cells and intestinal motility in rats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP).Methods:Forty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups by a random number table: control group, ANP group and magnolol intervention group, with 15 rats in each group. The ANP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein. The magnolol intervention group received a tail vein injection of 20 μg/kg magnolol ethanol solution 30 minutes after modeling. After 12 hours, ileal tissues were collected for pathological examination and scoring. Intestinal transit rate was measured using the carbon powder propulsion method, and isolated intestinal muscle strips were prepared to assess amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contraction. Oxidative stress markers in intestinal tissues, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, were measured using xanthine oxidase, thiobarbituric acid, and enzymatic reduction assay kits, respectively. Cajal cells were isolated from intestinal smooth muscle tissues, and the expression of autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ, LC3Ⅰ, p62) and p-Kit was detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to trace autophagy in Cajal cells.Results:The pathological scores of ileal tissues in the control, ANP, and magnolol intervention groups were (0.33±0.52), (4.83±0.41), and (3.50±0.55), respectively. The score in ANP group was significantly higher than that in the control group, while the score in the magnolol intervention group was lower than that in the ANP group, with statistically significant differences (all P value <0.05). Intestinal transit rate, amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contraction in the ANP group were significantly slower than those in the control group, while these parameters in the magnolol intervention group were significantly improved compared to the ANP group, with statistically significant differences (all P value <0.05). SOD activity in the control, ANP, and magnolol intervention groups were (73.8±8.1), (42.8±7.2), and (71.2±10.4) N/mg prot, respectively; NO levels were (1.72±0.26), (3.19±0.43), and (1.94±0.23) μmol/g prot; and MDA levels were (1.15±0.38), (3.84±0.30), and (1.68±0.33) nmol/mg prot. SOD activity in the ANP group was significantly lower than that in the control group, while NO and MDA contents were significantly higher. In the magnolol intervention group, SOD activity was significantly higher, and NO and MDA contents were significantly lower than those in the ANP group, with statistically significant differences (all P value <0.01). The levels of Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio, and p-Kit in the intestinal Cajal cells of ANP group were significantly higher than those in the intestinal Cajal cells of control group, while the p62 level was significantly lower. In the intestinal Cajal cells of magnolol intervention group, the levels of Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio, and p-Kit were significantly lower while the p62 level was significantly higher than those in the intestinal Cajal cells of ANP group, with statistically significant differences (all P value <0.01). The numbers of c-Kit/GFP-LC3 double-positive Cajal cells in the control group, ANP group, and magnolol intervention group were (9.59±5.06), (11.27±8.30), and (10.27±6.30), respectively. The ANP group had significantly more double-positive cells than the control group, while the magnolol intervention group had significantly less double-positive cells than the ANP group, with statistically significant differences (all P value <0.05). Conclusions:Excessive oxidative stress and autophagy in Cajal cells are important mechanisms underlying ANP-induced intestinal motility dysfunction. Magnolol can improve intestinal motility in ANP by antagonizing oxidative stress and reducing autophagy in Cajal cells. p-Kit may play a regulatory role in this process.
7.Prediction of Preterm Labor Using Uterine Electromyography in Women with Threatened Preterm Labor after Tocolytic Therapy
Qiang HUANG ; Feizhou JIANG ; Wenjie HOU ; Leilei HE ; Kun YU ; Li CHEN ; YIhui GU ; Jingtong ZHANG ; Yueming ZHANG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(4):346-350
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of transabdominal uterine electromyography for pre-term labor after tocolysis in women with threatened preterm labor.Methods:A total of 48 pregnant women at 28-34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and admitted to The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soo-chow University from January to September 2023 were included.According to the response to tocolysis and whether the pregnancy was prolonged for at least 48 h,women were divided into two groups:non-preterm birth within 48 h(n=35)and preterm birth within 48 h(n=13).Uterine electromyography parameters and difference were compared before and after tocolytic therapy in two groups.Univariate Logistic regression was performed to predict the related factors of preterm birth within 48 h after the using of tocolysis in pregnant women with threat-ened preterm birth by uterine electromyography,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was per-formed to evaluate their performance.Results:Compared to before treatment with tocolysis,after therapy,in the non-preterm birth within 48 h group,significant reductions in contraction frequency,area,duration and amplitude were observed(P<0.05).In the preterm birth within 48 h group,only contraction frequency decreased significant-ly(P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression indicated that contraction frequency,contraction duration,and contrac-tion area were predictive factors for premature birth within 48 h after tocolysis(P<0.05).When the duration of u-terine contractions lasting for 104.55 s or more the sensitivity and specificity of predicting premature birth within 48 h are 92.3%and 68.6%,respectively.Conclusions:Uterine electromyography may predict the premature birth within 48 h after tocolytic treatment in preterm labor,which may provide reference for subsequent corticosteroid therapy or transfer of high-risk pregnant patients.
8.Effect of remimazolam on LPS-induced microglial M1 polarization by regulating TLR4
Feng JIANG ; Jin LI ; Wenjie LIU ; Gaofeng ZHANG ; Yang YUAN ; Fei SHI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(1):100-104
Objective To evaluate the role of remimazolam in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced M1 microglial polarization and its relationship with Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4).Methods BV2 mi-croglia cells were randomly divided into 5 groups(n=20):control group,LPS group(1 μg/ml for 24 h),remimazolam+LPS group(remimazolam group,pretreated with 100 μg/ml remimazolam for 20 min followed by LPS),remimazolam+LPS+Neoseptin-3 group(agonist group,50 pmol Neoseptin-3 dissolved in DMSO),and remimazolam+LPS+DMSO group(agonist control group).The contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.The expres-sion of M1 microglia markers,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and TLR4 at mRNA.Immu-nofluorescence staining was employed to identify the location of iNOS.Results When compared to the control group,the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant and the expression of iNOS[(14.757±0.986)%vs(1.561±0.08)%]and TLR4 at mRNA and protein levels were sig-nificantly higher in the other four groups(P<0.05).Remimazolam treatment reversed the increa-ses of the TNF-α and IL-1β contents in the supernatant and mRNA and protein expression of iNOS[(3.767±0.364)%vs(14.757±0.986)%]and TLR4 induced by LPS(P<0.05).In addi-tion,remimazolam agonist Neoseptin-3 restored the effects of LPS on above molecules[iNOS:(6.827±0.642)%vs(3.767±0.364)%,all P<0.05].But,there were no statistical differences in above molecules between the agonist group and agonist control group(P>0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which remimazolam inhibits LPS-induced M1 microglial polarization is related to down-regulation of TLR4 expression.
9.Application of automated interactive voice response systems in post-diagnosis management of chronic disease patients: a scoping review
Wenjie WANG ; Yuxing XIE ; Yuwei MO ; Ning JIANG ; Yimin LI ; Li NING
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(9):1141-1146
Objective:To summarize the current status of the application of automated interactive voice response systems (AIVRS) in post-diagnosis management of chronic disease patients.Methods:A computer search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine disc, and VIP, covering the literature from establishing these databases to May 25, 2024. Two researchers screened the literature and extracted data based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results:A total of 16 articles were included. The content of AIVRS in post-diagnosis management of chronic disease patients mainly includes self-care guidance, medication management, and decision support. The outcome indicators primarily focus on feasibility evaluation and effect evaluation.Conclusions:AIVRS is feasible in post-diagnosis management of chronic disease patients. However, there are still shortcomings, such as technical limitations, performance issues, and the use of unimodal data to assess patient outcome indicators. Future research could strengthen the theoretical foundation of AIVRS in post-diagnosis management interventions, appropriately add interactive modules, and provide real-time guidance to improve the effectiveness of AIVRS in post-diagnosis management.
10.Clinical characteristics of juvenile dermatomyositis in anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody-positive patients and risk factors for severity: a national multicenter retrospective study
Huiyuan YANG ; Wanzhen GUAN ; Ling2 YANG ; Haimei LIU ; Xiaoqing3 LI ; Haiguo YU ; Meiping LU ; Jun YANG ; Xiaohui LIU ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jihong XIAO ; Xiaozhong LI ; Guomin LI ; Hong CHANG ; Sheng HAO ; Yue DU ; Daliang XU ; Ling WU ; Wenjie ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinhui JIANG ; Shaohui ZHU ; Dongmei ZHAO ; Xuemei TANG ; Li SUN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1299-1305
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe disease in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein (NXP) 2 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 219 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM patients admitted to 23 children′s hospitals across China from July 2011 to July 2023. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups based on classification criteria for severe dermatomyositis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared between the 2 groups using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for severe disease. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to calculate optimal cut-off values. Results:Among the 219 patients, 108 were male and 111 were female, with an age at onset of 6.3 (3.5, 9.4) years. The severe group comprised 69 patients, and the non-severe group 150 patients. The severe group had significantly higher rates of fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, as well as elevated levels of ferritin-to-albumin ratio (FAR), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anti-Ro52 antibody positivity ( OR=13.26, 95% CI 1.37-128.29) and elevated FAR ( OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.09-2.31) as independent risk factors for severe anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM (both P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a FAR cutoff value of 6.82 predicted severe disease with an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.94, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.85, and specificity of 0.70. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy, and the severe group received higher proportions of steroid pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin, biologics, and adjuvant treatments compared to the non-severe group (all P<0.05). In terms of outcomes, 2 patients (2.9%) in the severe group died (due to neurological involvement and intestinal perforation, respectively), while the remaining patients achieved complete clinical response or remission. All patients in the non-severe group achieved remission. Conclusions:The primary clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM included fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, and elevated levels of CK, AST, LDH, and FAR. Furthermore, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and a FAR>6.82 were identified as independent risk factors.


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