1.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
2.Change in the number of peripheral blood regulatory T cells in patients with chronic kidney disease and its correlation with vascular calcification
Di ZHANG ; Hui WU ; Jing CHEN ; Liyu LIN ; Shaomin GONG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xiaoqiang DING ; Han ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):285-292
Objective To explore the number of peripheral blood regulatory T cells (Treg) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its correlation with vascular calcification. Methods This was a single-center, cross-sectional, and observational study. Non-dialysis patients with CKD treated at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from March 2021 to March 2022 were enrolled. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was assessed using lateral abdominal X-ray. Number of Treg and cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the related factors for AAC in CKD patients. Results A total of 83 patients were included, aged 17–86 years, with 57 males (68.7%). The distribution of CKD stages was as follows: stage G1 in 7 patients (8.4%), stage G2 in 17 patients (20.5%), stage G3 in 21 patients (25.3%), stage G4 in 19 patients (22.9%), and stage G5 in 19 patients (22.9%). No AAC was observed in patients with stages G1 and G2, while the prevalence of AAC in patients with stages G3, G4, and G5 was 23.8%, 21.1%, and 26.3%, respectively. Compared with stage G1 patients, those with stages G3–5 showed decreased number of peripheral blood Treg and elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17F (P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for number of peripheral blood Treg in predicting AAC in CKD patients was 0.766 (95%CI 0.652–0.879, P=0.002). Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased number of Treg was related factor for AAC in CKD patients (OR=0.957, 95%CI 0.922–0.992, P=0.018). Conclusion As CKD progresses, number of peripheral blood Treg significantly decreases, which is correlated with AAC in CKD patients.
3.Perioperative immune dynamics and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery
Zhiyuan CHENG ; Xinyi LIAO ; Juan WU ; Ping YANG ; Tingting WANG ; Qinjuan WU ; Wentong MENG ; Zongcheng TANG ; Jiayi SUN ; Jia TAN ; Jing LIN ; Dan LUO ; Hao WANG ; Chaonan LIU ; Jiyue XIONG ; Liqin LING ; Jing ZHOU ; Lei DU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):31-43
Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10
/L vs preoperative 3.07×10
/L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10
/L vs preoperative 3.05×10
/L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10
/L vs preoperative 2.99×10
/L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.
4.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
5.Guidelines for the Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing
Weina ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Bin LI ; Jing XIE ; Yan DONG ; Wei LONG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Tong WEI ; Sihong LIU ; Yang WU ; Hongtao LI ; Lin TONG ; Guangkun CHEN ; Fei DONG ; Rui WANG ; He LU ; Meng LI ; Jingpeng DENG ; Tengfei WANG ; Xiaoying LI ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):1-11
Guidelines for Digital Ancient Books of TCM Indexing(T/CIATCM 119-2024)is based on the theoretical knowledge,disciplinary methods,and practical applications of TCM classical cataloging.Taking digital ancient books of TCM as the object,it systematically reveals the content of TCM knowledge,which is an essential indexing processing standard for building an intelligent retrieval system for TCM ancient books,and can provide support for the deep development and innovative utilization of TCM knowledge.It can not only promote the co-construction and sharing of ancient book resources in the TCM industry,but also promote the standardization construction and application of TCM information.This standard specifies the principles,methods,and examples of free indexing of digital ancient books of TCM based on their original content.It is applicable to the indexing and processing of digital ancient books of TCM for TCM professional libraries and related institutions,and to the data processing and construction of various types of TCM ancient book databases.
6.Clinical characteristics and survival analysis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma combined with multiple primary malignancies
Libin ZHANG ; Xiufang QIU ; Shuyuan MAO ; Ting XU ; Honghong ZHANG ; Xinyi HONG ; Ting LIN ; Zihan CHEN ; Jing WANG ; Zijie WU ; Youliang WENG ; Sufang QIU
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(12):1183-1190
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) complicated by multiple primary malignancies (MPCs) in a real-world setting.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on 238 NPC patients with MPCs who received radical radiotherapy at Fujian Cancer Hospital between January 1st, 2004 and December 31st, 2023. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and cumulative survival rate. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank / Breslow tests, and univariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.Results:A total of 246 primary malignant tumors were identified in 238 patients, involving 12 organ systems and 39 tumor types. The most common coexisting malignancies occurred in the respiratory and intrathoracic organs [25.2% (62/246)], followed by digestive organ malignancies [22.8% (56/246)], malignancies of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx [22.8% (56/246)], and thyroid and other endocrine gland malignancies [15.4% (38/246)]. The median OS was 186 months, and the 3-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative survival rates were 90.84%, 85.25%, and 69.45%, respectively. Poorer survival was associated with male sex, age>48 years at onset, locally advanced disease (stage IVA), synchronous MPCs and/or digestive system malignancies, fewer total cycles of chemotherapy, and lack of concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy.Conclusions:In patients with NPC, MPCs most frequently involve the respiratory system, digestive system, and head and neck organs (including the thyroid). Male sex, older age, locally advanced primary NPC, synchronous and/or digestive system MPCs, fewer chemotherapy cycles, and lach of concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated with poorer prognosis.
7.Analysis on the current status of outpatient benefit policies for patients with hypertension and diabetes in urban and rural residents
Pei-lin WU ; Jing LIANG ; Yan-qing MIAO ; Dong-hua TIAN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(2):24-29
Objective:To analyze the current policy design of outpatient benefit policies for patients with hypertension and diabetes(H&D)in urban and rural residents in China,and to provide references for optimizing the outpatient benefit mechanism for patients with H&D.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the basic features of General Outpatient Benefit(GOB),Outpatient Medication Guarantee Mechanisms for Hypertension and Diabetes(OMGM-H&D)and Outpatient Benefit for Patient with Chronic and Special Diseases(OB-C&S),focusing on deductibles,policy reimbursement ratios,and maximum payment limits.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the data.Results:A total of 334 regions were surveyed,of which 253 regions(75.34%)had implemented all three policies.Regional analysis revealed significant differences(P<0.001)in reimbursement ratios for GOB and the OMGM-H&D between the eastern,central,and western regions,with the western region having notably higher ratios than the eastern and central regions.However,no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the reimbursement ratios for OB-C&S across regions. Regarding deductibles,no significant regional difference (P>0.05) was found for GOB,but significant differences (P<0.05) existed for the OMGM-H&D and OB-C&S. Additionally,the annual maximum payment limits for all three policies showed significant regional variations (P<0.001). Conclusions:The outpatient benefits policy for patients with H&D have achieved full coverage nationwide among urban and rural residents in China,but regional equity in benefit levels requires improvement. It is recommended to strengthen data feedback mechanisms and promote provincial-level pooling of medical insurance.
8.Comparative study on the predictive abilities of multiple inflammatory markers for the poor outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage
Qin HUANG ; Ziwei SONG ; Hongla KUANG ; Zhi ZHANG ; Yuping ZHU ; Lin WU ; Daojun HONG ; Jing LIN ; Min ZHU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(2):103-108
Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between multiple inflammatory markers and poor outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage,and to compare their predictive abilities.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 1,2015 to March 31,2023.According to the Modified Rankin Scale at 90 days after onset,the patients were divided into good outcome(mRS≤2 points)and poor outcome(mRS score≥3 points).Clinical information,laboratory examinations and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.Inflammatory markers include neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio(MHR),systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio(WMR),lymphocyte to monocyte ratio(LMR),and systemic coagulation-inflammation index(SCI).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the predictors of poor prognosis after intracerebral hemorrhage,and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was constructed to compare their predictive ability.Results A total of 510 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were included.Of those,297(58.2%)had good outcome,and 213(41.8%)had poor outcome.Comparison of baseline characteristics demonstrated that patients with poor prognosis had higher levels of white blood cells,neutrophils,high-density lipoprotein,fibrinogen,NLR,PLR,SIRI,SII,WMR at admission,larger baseline hematoma volume and baseline perihematomal edema volume,a higher proportion of lobar hemorrhage,older age,and lower levels of platelets,lymphocytes,LMR,and SCI(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that NLR(OR:1.081,95%CI:1.032~1.1131,P=0.001),SIRI(OR:1.089,95%CI:1.014~1.169,P=0.019),SII(OR:1.000,95%CI:1.000~1.001,P=0.011),WMR(OR:2.627,95%CI:1.267~5.445,P=0.009)were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with ICH.In ROC analysis,the area under the curve of NLR(0.729,95%CI:0.685~0.774)was higher than SIRI(0.692,95%CI:0.645~0.738),SII(0.688,95%CI:0.641~0.735)and WMR(0.65,95%CI:0.602~0.698)for predicting poor outcomes.Conclusion NLR,SIRI,SII and WMR at admission are independently associated with poor outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage,and NLR has the strongest predictive ability.
9.Comparison of left ventricular reverse remodeling and prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis and mixed aortic valve disease
Meng SUN ; Lu-lin CHEN ; Jing-yun BAI ; Li-jie YAN ; Jing-jing LIU ; Xian-wei FAN ; Xue-jie LI ; Juan HU ; Jin-tao WU ; Hai-tao YANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):71-78
Objective To evaluate the effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)on left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)and outcomes in patients with mixed aortic valve disease(MAVD)and predominant aortic stenosis(AS).Methods Patients undergoing TAVR at our center between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled consecutively.Propensity score matching(PSM)(1∶1 ratio)was used to reduce selection bias.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)was used to monitor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and other structural parameters over time.The study outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes.Linear mixed-effects models and logistic regression were utilized for comparing echocardiographic changes across groups and identifying independent risk factors for no-LVRR,respectively.Results After PSM,126 patients were included.MAVD group exhibited larger structural parameters(left ventricular end-systolic/end-diastolic diameter and volume,left ventricular mass index)and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(all P<0.05).However,more pronounced improvements in left ventricular structure and hemodynamics were observed during follow-up.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was an independent predictor of left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)after TAVR,whereas persistent moderate or greater mitral regurgitation(MR)and paravalvular leak(PVL)significantly reduced the incidence of LVRR.During a median follow-up period of 23 months,a total of 31 endpoint events occurred,and there was no statistically significant difference in long-term prognosis between the two groups(Log-rank P=0.330).Conclusions Compared to patients in the AS group,those in the MAVD group exhibited more severe left ventricular remodeling before TAVR.However,more significant LVRR was observed during postoperative follow-up.Additionally,the long-term prognosis was comparable between the two groups.
10.Efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Guang-an LIU ; Wang-long WU ; Lin-xiao ZHOU ; Jing CUI ; Bo SHAO ; Ruo-xi ZHANG ; Feng LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):266-271
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Methods This retrospective study included 392 patients diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent catheter radiofrequency ablation at Suzhou Kowloon Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2019 to December 2023.Of these,256 patients were treated with high-power,short-duration ablation,and 136 patients with low-power,long-duration ablation.The following parameters were compared:radiofrequency ablation time,total procedure time,single-circle pulmonary vein isolation rate,immediate procedural success rate,number of ablation points,and perioperative complications(including pericardial tamponade,pseudoaneurysm,arteriovenous fistula,stroke,etc.).Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3,6,and 12 months post-surgery to evaluate the 12-month sinus rhythm maintenance rate.Results The ablation time in the high-power group was significantly shorter than that in the low-power group[(14.6±2.3)min vs.(30.3±4.2)min,P<0.001],as was the total procedure time[(113.8±24.8)min vs.(128.5±26.7)min,P=0.001].There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pulmonary vein isolation rate(97.7%vs.94.9%,P=0.823),number of ablation points[(71.2±8.0)vs.(74.3±14.3),P=0.168],or perioperative complications(3.1%vs.4.4%,P=0.571).Regarding the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm at 12 months post-operation,the high-power group showed a higher rate than the low-power group,but no statistically significant difference was observed(82.8%vs.79.4%,P=0.399).Conclusions High-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation can improve procedural efficiency in the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Its efficacy and safety are similar to those of the low-power,long-duration technique.

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