Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of the patients with follicular cysts and menstrual disorders.Methods A total of 178 women with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders were recruited,who were aged 23-53(38.62±6.35)years and came to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology,Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between August 2022 and July 2024.The participants were divided into three groups according to the age,with 27 women in the age group of 21-30 years(Group 1),77 in the age group of 31-40 years(Group 2),and 74 in the age group of>40 years(Group 3).The age and menstruation of these patients were collected,the body height,weight,follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),progesterone(Po),total testosterone(TT),prolactin(PRL),anti-müllerian hormone(AMH)and thyroid function[blood routine and blood clotting for patients with abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB)]were measured,and the diameter of ovarian cyst and the thickness of endometrium were examined.The clinical characteristics of the patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders were described and compared with each other among the three age groups.Results ① Among 178 patients,61(34.3%)patients presented with complaints of cessation of regular menstruation or amenorrhea and 117(65.7%)with complaints of AUB.Out of 178 patients,13(7.3%)patients developed anemia due to AUB,and all the patients were treated with medication.② Follicular cysts disappeared in 1 month for 124(69.7%)patients,disappeared in 2 months for 176(98.9%)patients,and disappeared in 3 months for 178(100%)patients.A total of 177(99.4%)patients had follicular cysts with a diameter less than 5 cm,and only 1(0.6%)patient had follicular cysts with a diameter≥5 cm.③ The overall prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)in patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders was 82.0%,and the prevalence of DOR was 70.2%for the patients under 40 years old.The prevalence of DOR in three age groups was 37.0%(10/27),81.8%(63/77),and 98.6%(73/74),respectively.The prevalence of DOR gradually increased with age.④ The median AMH values for Group 1,Group 2,and Group 3 were 1.55,0.51,and 0.15 ng/mL,respectively.The FSH level in Group 3 was significantly higher than that in Groups 1 and 2(adjusted P<0.05),while the AMH level was significantly lower than that in Groups 1 and 2(adjusted P<0.05).The AMH level in Group 2 was lower than that in Group 1(adjusted P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders are recommended to receive medication treatment,rather than just expecting treatment.The prevalence of DOR in patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders is significantly higher than that in normal women,even in women younger than 40 years old.Therefore,it is essential to evaluate the ovarian reserve of these patients while treating menstrual disorders,particularly for young women with fertility needs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) by inhibiting the activation of Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and pyroptosis mediated via NLRP3/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including the control, DGP model, EA, and MCC950 groups. The DGP model was established by a one-time high-dose intraperitoneal injection of 2% streptozotocin and a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 8 weeks. EA intervention was conducted at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) with sparse-dense wave for 15 min, and was administered for 3 courses of 5 days. After intervention, the blood glucose, urine glucose, gastric emptying, and intestinal propulsive rate were observed. Besides, HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes in gastric antrum tissues, and TUNEL staining was utilized to detect DNA damage. Protein expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), pro-caspase-1, caspase-1 and GSDMD were measured by Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to assess the activity of GSDMD-N. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were detected by using a biochemical kit. RESULTS: DGP rats showed persistent hyperglycemia and a significant decrease in gastrointestinal motility (P<0.05 or P<0.01), accompanied by pathological damage in their gastric antrum tissues. Cellular DNA was obviously damaged, and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins were significantly elevated, along with enhanced fluorescence signals of GSDMD-N and increased LDH release (P<0.01). EA mitigated hyperglycemia, improved gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats and alleviated their pathological injury (P<0.05). Furthermore, EA reduced cellular DNA damage, lowered the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1 and GSDMD, suppressed GSDMD-N activity, and decreased LDH release (P<0.05 or P<0.01), demonstrating effects comparable to MCC950. CONCLUSION EA promotes gastrointestinal motility and repairs the pathological damage in DGP rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Gastroparesis/physiopathology* ; Signal Transduction ; Male ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology* ; Phosphate-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; Rats ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Diabetes Complications/physiopathology* ; Gasdermins

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* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To assess relationships between cold spells and genitourinary hospitalization risk. METHODS: Hospitalization records for genitourinary system diseases (GUDs) from 16 districts in Beijing (2013-2018) were analyzed. Cold spells were defined based on varying intensity thresholds. A two-stage analytical method was employed: first, generalized linear models assessed district-specific associations between cold spells and hospitalizations; second, random-effects meta-analysis aggregated the district-level results. Subgroup analyses were performed by admission type (emergency vs. outpatient), age, and sex. RESULTS: A total of 271,579 GUD-related hospitalizations were recorded. Cold spells (p1day2，daily mean temperature below the 1 ^st percentiles of the daily mean temperature distribution from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, lasting for two or more consecutive days) were linked to a significant rise in hospitalization risks: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32-1.56) for all GUDs, 1.35 (95% CI: 1.23-1.49) for urinary system diseases, and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.28-1.67) for renal failure, when compared to non-cold spell days. Emergency admissions showed higher risk increases than outpatient admissions. CONCLUSION Extreme cold spells significantly elevate hospitalization risks for GUDs. This highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate cold-related health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Humans ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Cold Temperature/adverse effects* ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Child ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Beijing/epidemiology* ; Female Urogenital Diseases/etiology* ; Male Urogenital Diseases/etiology* ; Infant, Newborn ; Risk Factors

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.

Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Animals ; Male ; Liver/injuries* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Mice ; Rats

Gardeniae Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine, has significant pharmacological activities such as clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting bile secretion and protecting liver injury. It is widely used in clinical practice for treating conditions like fever-induced restlessness, damp-heat jaundice, dysuria with pain, and fire-toxin sores. Gardeniae Fructus has been included in "list of items that are both food and medicine", so it is also used as an ingredient in food and health products. However, recent toxicological studies have shown that Gardeniae Fructus has certain potential hepatotoxicity, and its improper use may pose a risk. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the dual regulatory effects and their scientific connotations of Gardeniae Fructus on efficacy and toxicity. Based on the current progress in clinical, pharmacological and toxicological researches, this paper will discuss the characteristics and possible mechanisms of the dual effects of efficacy and toxicity of Gardeniae Fructus, and propose thoughts on the rational clinical use and scientific supervision of Gardeniae Fructus.
Animals ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Fruit/chemistry* ; Gardenia/chemistry* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Liver/drug effects*

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of the patients with follicular cysts and menstrual disorders.Methods A total of 178 women with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders were recruited,who were aged 23-53(38.62±6.35)years and came to the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology,Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between August 2022 and July 2024.The participants were divided into three groups according to the age,with 27 women in the age group of 21-30 years(Group 1),77 in the age group of 31-40 years(Group 2),and 74 in the age group of>40 years(Group 3).The age and menstruation of these patients were collected,the body height,weight,follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),progesterone(Po),total testosterone(TT),prolactin(PRL),anti-müllerian hormone(AMH)and thyroid function[blood routine and blood clotting for patients with abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB)]were measured,and the diameter of ovarian cyst and the thickness of endometrium were examined.The clinical characteristics of the patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders were described and compared with each other among the three age groups.Results ① Among 178 patients,61(34.3%)patients presented with complaints of cessation of regular menstruation or amenorrhea and 117(65.7%)with complaints of AUB.Out of 178 patients,13(7.3%)patients developed anemia due to AUB,and all the patients were treated with medication.② Follicular cysts disappeared in 1 month for 124(69.7%)patients,disappeared in 2 months for 176(98.9%)patients,and disappeared in 3 months for 178(100%)patients.A total of 177(99.4%)patients had follicular cysts with a diameter less than 5 cm,and only 1(0.6%)patient had follicular cysts with a diameter≥5 cm.③ The overall prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)in patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders was 82.0%,and the prevalence of DOR was 70.2%for the patients under 40 years old.The prevalence of DOR in three age groups was 37.0%(10/27),81.8%(63/77),and 98.6%(73/74),respectively.The prevalence of DOR gradually increased with age.④ The median AMH values for Group 1,Group 2,and Group 3 were 1.55,0.51,and 0.15 ng/mL,respectively.The FSH level in Group 3 was significantly higher than that in Groups 1 and 2(adjusted P<0.05),while the AMH level was significantly lower than that in Groups 1 and 2(adjusted P<0.05).The AMH level in Group 2 was lower than that in Group 1(adjusted P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders are recommended to receive medication treatment,rather than just expecting treatment.The prevalence of DOR in patients with follicular cysts complicated by menstrual disorders is significantly higher than that in normal women,even in women younger than 40 years old.Therefore,it is essential to evaluate the ovarian reserve of these patients while treating menstrual disorders,particularly for young women with fertility needs.

AIM To investigate the improvement effect of Qinhuo Formula on obese mice induced by high-fat diet.METHODS Obese mice model was induced by feeding with high-fat diet.The mice successfully established were randomly divided into model group,orlistat group(15.6 mg/kg)and low and high dose groups of Qinhuo Formula(13.5 and 22.5 g/kg),and normal mice were taken as control group,with 10 mice in each group,and the drugs were continuously intervened for 8 weeks.After the drug administration,the body weight,abdominal circumference,fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance were measured,and area under the curve(AUC)of oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT),Lee's index and fat index were calculated.The serum levels of TC,TG,LDL-C and HDL-C were detected by blood biochemical analyzer.Serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.HE staining was used to observe the white fat of epididymis and the pathological changes of liver tissue.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB in liver tissue.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the body weight,abdominal circumference and Lee's index of mice in each dose group of Qinhuo Formula decreased(P＜0.01);OGTT-AUC decreased(P＜0.01);visceral fat index decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);the levels of serum TG,TC,IL-6 and IL-1 β decreased(P＜0.01);the diameter of epididymal adipocytes decreased,arranged tightly and regularly,the lipid droplet cavities in liver tissue decreased,and the morphology of hepatocytes recovered;the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Qinhuo Formula can effectively improve glucose-lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation in obese mice,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.