1.Efficacy and safety of sequential or combined therapy with tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in entecavir-treated patients with low-level viremia
Yijing ZHANG ; Lingying HUANG ; Bowu CHEN ; Wanchun ZHU ; Man LI ; Jie SHEN ; Yueqiu GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):66-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of sequential tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) therapy versus the regimen of entecavir (ETV) combined with TAF in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients experiencing low-level viremia (LLV) after ETV therapy, as well as their impact on virologic response, liver and renal function, and blood lipid levels. MethodsA total of 217 CHB patients with LLV after ETV treatment who were admitted to Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled, and according to the treatment regimen, they were divided into TAF group (180 patients receiving sequential TAF therapy) and combined group (37 patients receiving ETV+TAF therapy). The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to match the patients at a ratio of 1∶1, and finally 37 patients were included in each group to balance the baseline confounding factors. The two groups were compared in terms of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) clearance rate, hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) clearance rate, liver and renal function parameters (liver stiffness measurement [LSM], platelet count [PLT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and creatinine [Cr]), blood lipid levels (total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]), and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison within each group; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAfter 48 weeks of treatment, compared with the TAF group, the combined group had significantly higher HBV DNA clearance rate (86.49% vs 59.46%, χ²=6.852, P=0.009) and HBeAg clearance rate (59.46% vs 35.14%, χ²=4.391, P=0.036). After treatment, compared with the TAF group, the combined group had significantly lower levels of LSM (7.01±1.50 kPa vs 7.90±1.68 kPa, t=2.404, P=0.019), AST (18.02±2.28 U/L vs 21.12±2.85 U/L, t=5.166, P<0.001), and ALT (19.85±3.86 U/L vs 22.00±3.90 U/L, t=2.383, P=0.020) and significantly higher levels of PLT [(218.35±42.60)×109/L vs (192.82±44.13)×109/L, t=2.532, P=0.014] and Cr (70.92±6.54 μmoL/L vs 67.60±6.13 μmoL/L, t=2.253, P=0.027). After treatment, there was a slight increase in the level of TC in both the TAF group (5.60±0.89 mmol/L vs 5.18±0.85 mmol/L, t=2.076, P=0.041) and the combined group (5.45±0.80 mmol/L vs 5.02±0.83 mmol/L, t=2.269, P=0.026). There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the TAF group and the combined group (21.62% vs 18.92%, χ²=0.084, P=0.772). ConclusionFor ETV-treated CHB patients experiencing LLV, compared with sequential TAF therapy, the ETV+TAF combined therapy can effectively increase virologic response rate, alleviate liver fibrosis, and improve liver function, whereas sequential TAF therapy has less impact on renal function. Sequential or combined therapy with TAF may induce a slight increase in the level of TC, which should be taken seriously in clinical practice.
2.The Role of Histone Lactylation in Diseases and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xin ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Zhao-Huan LI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):887-904
Histone lactylation is a recently identified post-translational modification, wherein lactate mediates the enzymatic addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Since its discovery, extensive research has demonstrated that histone lactylation is widely present in human tissues and plays a pivotal role in regulating the transcription of specific genes. Subsequent studies have further established this modification as a widespread epigenetic mark with significant physiological implications. With advancing research, accumulating evidence confirms that lactylation at distinct histone sites elicits diverse biological effects—such as promoting cell proliferation, driving inflammatory responses, and enhancing fibrosis—all of which profoundly influence disease progression and serve as key drivers of disease onset and development. Conversely, inhibiting histone lactylation can alter disease outcomes, positioning histone lactylation as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, studies have revealed crosstalk between histone lactylation and other post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, which collectively regulate disease progression. Notably, lactylation occurs not only on histones but also on non-histone proteins. Histone lactylation activates specific gene transcription and reshapes metabolic epigenetics, while non-histone lactylation directly modulates enzyme activity, signal transduction, and protein stability. These two facets form a synergistic network through shared lactate pools, common modifying enzyme systems, and pathway crosstalk, thereby constructing a multi-dimensional regulatory framework—namely, the “histone lactylation-metabolism hub-non-histone lactylation” axis. This architecture bridges metabolism and epigenetics, and deciphering its topological structure may provide novel targets for precise intervention in diseases driven by lactate-mediated signaling hijacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in clinical practice, has been shown to regulate histone lactylation by modulating lactate metabolism and lactylation-related enzymes, thereby influencing disease progression. Moreover, certain TCM formulations exhibit potential as alternative therapies for drug-resistant diseases, underscoring the significance of further exploring TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation in future therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying histone lactylation, systematically delineate the associations between site-specific histone lactylation and various diseases, present a comprehensive landscape of the “lactate-histone lactylation and functional protein lactylation” axis, and summarize the mechanistic basis and research advances in TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation for disease treatment. Additionally, we discuss current challenges in histone lactylation research and propose future directions, ultimately aiming to deepen understanding and broaden perspectives on the roles and therapeutic potential of histone lactylation in disease.
3.Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Action, and Modern Application of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A Review
Jie GAO ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Yinuo LI ; Youcai YUAN ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):327-335
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos refers to the dried flower buds or flowers about to open of Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Its dried flower buds or early blooming flowers are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) as official medicinal materials. As a Chinese medicine with "heat-clearing and detoxifying" properties and a classic medicinal-edible resource, it is mainly produced in northern authentic producing regions such as Shandong, Henan, and Hebei in China. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos contains abundant bioactive substances that are considered safe and effective, with functions including relieving sore throat, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and immune regulation. In recent years, with the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the rapid development of the "big health" industry, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has become a research hotspot in the fields of natural medicines and functional foods due to its multi-target pharmacological activities and broad application potential. To date, chemical constituents identified from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos include organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes, triterpenoid saponins, and volatile oils. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Lonicerae Japonicae Flos possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. In terms of modern applications, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has developed into a full industrial chain covering pharmaceuticals, health products, daily chemical products, and food additives, demonstrating high medicinal and health value. Strengthening the development of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos-based health products is of great significance. Based on relevant domestic and international literature, this paper systematically reviews the innovative applications of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in traditional medicine, modern clinical formulations, health foods, and daily chemical products from the perspectives of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and modern applications, aiming to further deepen basic research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes and proposes suggestions for promoting applied research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, in order to provide a scientific basis for its sound development and to offer references for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of medicinal and edible resources.
4.Research progress on biological agents in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
Jie GAO ; Xinlan LIN ; Zhaoqian WANG ; Qingting ZHANG ; Jingjing LI ; Feng ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):320-324
The pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is usually insidious and has not been fully elucidated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anti-rheumatic drugs (ARDs) are usually given to improve the condition. however, some patients still have poor results or adverse reactions from conventional treatments. Biological agents have significantly changed therapeutic strategies in the field of rheumatology since their clinical application was initiated and are gradually becoming the main therapeutic option for patients with AS. The current research progress on biologics in the treatment of AS in terms of the current treatment status, clinical problems, and solution strategies were reviewed, which could provide theoretical basis and reference with clinical value, and promote the precise treatment of AS in the future.
5.Postoperative Stage-based Functional Protection Strategies for Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Lungs Governing Qi"
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei HOU ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):86-93
Lung cancer (LC) is a significant global public health issue, with both its incidence and mortality rates ranking among the highest worldwide. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually, posing a serious threat to the life and health of LC patients. Radical surgical resection is the primary treatment for malignant lung tumors. However, postoperative multidimensional functional impairments, including respiratory, mucosal, and psychological functions, are common. These impairments not only reduce patients' quality of life and affect their treatment tolerance and duration, but also negatively correlate with prognosis, facilitating disease recurrence and metastasis. At present, postoperative functional dysfunction after LC surgery remains a key clinical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a lack of standardized and regulated postoperative rehabilitation treatment management and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation and treatment strategies for LC. Focusing on the core underlying pathogenesis of "Qi sinking" after LC surgery, and guided by the classical TCM theory of "lungs governing Qi", this study, based on the core concept of the "five perspectives on treatment" theory, innovatively proposes the respiratory dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking in the chest" during the rapid rehabilitation phase, mucosal dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Yin deficiency and Qi sinking" during the postoperative adjuvant treatment phase, and the psychological dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking with emotional constraint" during the consolidation phase. Accordingly, stage-specific dynamic functional protection strategies are constructed. In the rapid rehabilitation phase, the strategy emphasizes tonifying Qi and uplifting sinking Qi, with differentiation and treatment based on the principle of ''descending before ascending''. In the adjuvant treatment phase, the approach focuses on nourishing Yin and uplifting Qi, with prescription combinations that integrate unblocking and tonification. In the consolidation phase, the strategy aims to resolve constraint and uplift Qi, with clinical treatment emphasizing a combination of dynamic and static methods. At each stage of functional rehabilitation, clinical differentiation and treatment should support healthy Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors simultaneously. This study is the first to propose the concept of postoperative functional protection in TCM, offering a new approach for TCM differentiation and treatment in the full-cycle, stage-based, and dynamic protection of postoperative function in LC patients. It is expected to contribute to the construction and development of an integrated TCM-Western medicine comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment in China.
6.A Hierarchical Strategy for Differentiation and Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Oral Ulcers Related to Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Based on Yin Deficiency and Qi Collapse
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Ming LIN ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):116-125
Tumor treatment-related adverse reactions are a major focus of clinical concern, among which recurrent aphthous oral ulcers (RAU) associated with targeted therapy for lung cancer (LC) are among the most painful and distressing for patients. Currently, modern medical interventions show limited efficacy, and there is an urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. This study differentiates RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC from chemotherapy-related and ordinary oral ulcers, elucidates the pathophysiological basis of such ulcers, and traces the theoretical origin of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse". Based on the new system of "five perspectives on diagnosis and treatment" for tumor prevention and treatment, with a focus on the core and symptom perspectives and rooted in the traditional concept of "lung dominating Qi", we innovatively propose the concept of "medicine-induced ulcer" and are the first to introduce the theory of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" into the syndrome differentiation and treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC (i.e., medicine-induced ulcer). We propose that "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" is the core pathogenesis of medicine-induced ulcers, in which the collapse of formless Qi is the key to their onset, while the deficiency and stasis of tangible Yin and blood constitute the root of recurrence. A hierarchical strategy for syndrome differentiation and treatment is established: first treating the collapse of formless Qi, then replenishing tangible deficiencies, and concurrently preventing recurrence. We emphasize that treatment should address both root and manifestation, with appropriate prioritization. In the acute phase, while relieving symptoms and promoting ulcer healing by nourishing Qi, uplifting collapse, and generating body fluids, attention should also be paid to nourishing spleen Yin, facilitating the circulation of nutritive Qi, and alleviating stasis to target the root pathogenesis and reduce recurrence. A verified case is presented to support this approach. This study enriches the theoretical framework and clinical methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC, promotes symptom management of treatment-related adverse reactions through integrated TCM and Western medicine, and provides theoretical support for the construction and development of a comprehensive differentiation and treatment system for lung cancer prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
7.Feasibility study on automatic dicentric chromosome detection and dose estimation using an artificial intelligence-based chromosome image scanning and processing system
Junchao FENG ; Chang LIU ; Yulong LIU ; Jie LI ; Yu GAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(4):571-577
Objective To compare the results obtained from an artificial intelligence (AI)-based chromosome image scanning and processing system, the Metafer 4 chromosome scanning and analysis system, and manual analysis of dicentric chromosomes, and to explore the feasibility of applying AI technology for dicentric chromosome detection and biological dose estimation. Methods Healthy human elbow vein blood was collected and subjected to 60Co in vitro irradiation. Chromosome samples were prepared using conventional methods. The slides were scanned and automatically analyzed using the AI-based system and the Metafer 4 system. The results were manually analyzed and confirmed. Results The number of cells was comparable between the AI-based system and the Metafer 4 system. However, the scanning speed of the AI-based system was 4.5 seconds per image, which was significantly faster than the 7.3 seconds per image of the Metafer 4 system (t = −6.19, P < 0.05). At a confidence level of 0.7, the AI-based system demonstrated a true positive rate of 96.7% and a false positive rate of 6.5%, which were significantly better than the true positive rate (45.4%-54.5%) and false positive rate (22.2%-29.2%) of the Metafer 4 system (all P < 0.05). In the biological dose estimation, the deviation of the dose-response curve was ≤ ± 10% in the automatic analysis using the Metafer 4 system. Due to the use of the manual dose-response curve, the deviation of the AI-based System was ≤ ± 15%. However, there were no significant differences in the estimated doses when the two systems were compared with the manual analysis (P > 0.05). Conclusion Both the AI-based chromosome image scanning and processing system and the Metafer 4 chromosome scanning and analysis system greatly improved the analysis speed of chromosome aberrations. However, the scanning speed, true positive rate, and false positive rate of the AI-based system were superior to those of the Metafer 4 system. Therefore, the AI-based system is more suitable for rapid and high-throughput biological dose estimation in large-scale radiation accidents.
8.Assessment of the implementation of Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of 252Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015)
Yuze YANG ; Hongfang WANG ; Haoxian YANG ; Quan WU ; Mingsheng LI ; Bala HARI ; Yongzhong MA ; Zechen FENG ; Bin BAI ; Jie GAO ; Wei ZHOU ; Weixu HUANG ; Zhengjie SHI ; Hezheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):660-665
Objective To track and evaluate the implementation and application of the occupational health standard Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of 252Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015) by radiation health technical service agencies, medical institutions, health supervision agencies, and radiotherapy facility design units, and to provide a scientific basis for the further revision and implementation of this standard. Methods Following the Guideline for health standards tracking evaluation (WS/T 536-2017) and the project implementation plan, relevant practitioners were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey. The survey primarily focused on their awareness, standard training, application, and revision suggestions of GBZ/T 201.4-2015. The results were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 168 evaluation questionnaires were collected from relevant practitioners in 28 provinces. Only 31.6% of the respondents reported being “well familiar” or “ familiar” with the standard, 27.4% of the respondents believed that the standard was widely used, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard could meet the needs of their work. Only 14.9% of the respondents had received relevant training on the standard, more than half of the respondents had not applied the standard within the past 10 years, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard "needs to be revised". Conclusion Due to the small number of californium-252 neutron afterloading radiotherapy devices in operation on the market, the overall awareness of the standard is low, suggesting that relevant authorities need to strengthen training and publicity of the standard, and that certain sections of the standard need to be revised or merged.
9.Research and development of sterile electrode acupuncture needle for single use based on medicine-engineering integration and its clinical application.
Wanying XIA ; Tianxin LI ; Lingli QIN ; Yue GAO ; Hanxi DAI ; Jie ZHANG ; Jinsheng YANG ; Lu ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(10):1527-1532
The sterile electrode acupuncture needle for single use is an innovative product that combines traditional acupuncture with modern electronic technology, and it has obtained Class Ⅱ medical device registration certificate. This acupuncture device consists of a needle body and a handle. The diameter of the needle body ranges from 0.16 mm to 0.55 mm, and the length from 7 mm to 150 mm. The spiral spray technology is adopted to modify the micron-level insulating coat on stainless steel needle body. The needle holder is connected to the electroacupuncture device (conductive), the micro-film insulated needle body (non-conductive) and the membrane-free needle tip (conductive) can provide a precise electrical stimulation for different tissue layers of acupoints (such as deep nerves and fascia). The intradermal stimulation test, cytotoxicity test and hypersensitivity reaction test have showed a favorable biocompatibility, laying a solid and reliable safety for clinical application. This acupuncture device is suitable for the in-depth invasive stimulation at the sites of human body surface in combination with electroacupuncture equipment in medical institutions.
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10.APOA5 gene polymorphisms,serum LPS,Spd-L1 and PCT in severe acute pancreatitis patients with secondary infectious pancreatic necrosis
Fei LIU ; Liqian ZHANG ; Naikun GAO ; Zhifei QIAO ; Lei WANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Fulong LI ; Jie YAO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(5):662-666
OBJECTIVE To explore the APOA5 gene polymorphisms,serum lipase(LPS),soluble programmed death ligand 1(sPD-L1)and procalcitonin(PCT)in the severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)patients with secondary infectious pancreatic necrosis(IPN).METHODS A total of 122 patients with SAP who were treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from Jan.2020 to Nov.2023 were recruited as the research subjects and were divided into the secondary group with 31 cases and the non-secondary group with 91 cases according to the status of secondary IPN.The APOA5 gene polymorphisms were detected for the two groups of patients by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP).The levels of LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT as well as Ranson score were compared between he two groups.The association of the serum LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT with Ranson score was observed by Spearman analysis.The value of the joint detection of LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT in diagnosis of secondary IPN in the SAP patients was analyzed by means of receiver oper-ating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS The frequencies of AA genotype and A allele at rs619054 locus of APOA5 gene were higher in the secondary group than in the non-secondary group(P<0.05),and the frequency of G allele of the secondary group was lower than that of the non-secondary group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the levels of serum LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT as well as Ranson score between the secondary group and the non-secondary group(P<0.05).Spearman analysis showed that the Ranson score was positively correlated with the levels of serum LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT(r=0.738,0.701,0.721,P<0.05).ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of the joint detection of the three indexes was higher than that of the single detection in diagnosis of secondary IPN in the SAP patients(P<0.05),with the sensitivity 90.30%,the specifici-ty 84.60%.CONCLUSIONS The SAP patients with secondary IPN show the high expressions of LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT.The joint detection of the indexes may facilitate the diagnosis of the secondary IPN in the SAP patients.There is association between the levels of LPS,sPD-L1 and PCT and the Ranson score.The rs619054 locus of APOA5 gene may be involved in pathogenesis of secondary IPN in the SAP patients.

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