1.Association of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes with blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular prognosis in post-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: a prospective cohort study
Huangyu XU ; Qian LI ; Haozhe XIONG ; Weidong HONG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Xinrong FAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):91-102
Objective:
Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields.
Methods:
We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data.
Results:
A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914].
Conclusion
The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.
2.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
3.Efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yingjie LU ; Ziqiang HONG ; Hongchao LI ; Gang JIN ; Wenhao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Bin LIU ; Zijiang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):693-699
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of proximal gastrectomy (PG) versus total gastrectomy (TG) for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched for literature comparing the efficacy and safety of PG and TG for the treatment of Siewert type Ⅱ/Ⅲ AEG. The search period was from database inception to March 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 23 articles were included, including 16 retrospective cohort studies, 5 prospective cohort studies, and 2 randomized controlled trials. The total sample size was 2 826 patients, with 1 389 patients undergoing PG and 1 437 patients undergoing TG. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with TG, PG had less intraoperative blood loss [MD=−19.85, 95%CI (−37.20, −2.51), P=0.02] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [MD=−1.23, 95%CI (−2.38, −0.08), P=0.04]. TG had a greater number of lymph nodes dissected [MD=−6.20, 95%CI (−7.68, −4.71), P<0.001] and a lower incidence of reflux esophagitis [MD=3.02, 95%CI (1.24, 7.34), P=0.01]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two surgical approaches in terms of operative time, postoperative survival rate (1-year, 3-year, 5-year), and postoperative overall complications (P>0.05). Conclusion PG has advantages in terms of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, while TG has advantages in terms of the number of lymph nodes dissected and the incidence of reflux esophagitis. There is no significant difference in long-term survival between the two surgical approaches.
4.Exploring Common Principles and Characteristic Differences in Stir-frying Through Varied Processing Techniques
Hong LIU ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Yanwen DENG ; Xingmei LU ; Shuo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):282-290
As the core technology of processing, the stir-frying method of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) realizes the regulation of efficacy of medicinal substances through the coordination of fire gradient and excipients. This study aims to systematically analyze the influence of different stir-frying degrees(stir-frying until yellow, stir-frying to brown, stir-frying to charcoal) and excipient types(solid excipients such as rice, wheat bran, soil, liquid excipients such as rice wine, vinegar, honey) on the physicochemical properties, efficacy and toxicity of TCM, summarizing their common regulatory mechanisms and characteristics. Then, the three-dimensional regulatory common mechanisms and five-dimensional regulatory specificity mechanisms of different stir-frying processes were obtained. The three-dimensional regulatory common mechanisms are as follows:①Thermal effects break down inherent barriers of medicinal materials and improve the dissolution of components. ②Inducing Maillard reaction, carbonization and other reactions of medicinal materials to promote the transformation of components. ③Combining the catalytic and harmonizing effects of excipients to achieve targeted enrichment of efficacious substances and precise control of toxic components. The five-dimensional regulatory specificity mechanisms manifest as:①The efficacy gradient pattern where stir-frying until yellow strengthens the spleen, stir-frying to brown aids digestion, and stir-frying to charcoal stops bleeding. ②According to the polarity difference and intrinsic properties, the liquid excipients form a directional synergistic mechanism of wine processing enhances ascending nature, ginger processing to warm and disperse, salt processing directs effects to the kidneys, vinegar processing targets the liver, honey processing imparts sweetness and moderation. ③Through porous structure and interfacial properties, solid excipients give the synergistic effect of rice processing for diarrhea relief, bran processing for stomach tonification, soil processing for warming the middle warmer, and clam powder/talcum powder/sand processing for texture optimization. ④Thermal effects induce decomposition/oxidation/polymerization and other reactions to reshape the material basis, directing changes in the efficacy. ⑤The targeted distribution of efficacy is regulated by component enrichment and meridian-guiding effect, and the meridian tropism is changed. The system, driven by thermal effect, excipient synergy and physicochemical reconstruction, integrates five-dimensional regulation of fire, solvent, interface, composition and distribution. It systematically explains the inherent law of efficacy-substance-process of traditional stir-frying, and provides theoretical basis and practical guidance for standardizing TCM processing and enhancing the efficacy.
5.Primary splenic lymphoma misdiagnosed as Sjögren’s syndrome with liver cirrhosis: A case report
Chengcheng LI ; Yuhong LIU ; Lu WANG ; Hong PENG ; Xinhua LUO ; Hong LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1883-1887
Primary splenic lymphoma is a rare malignant neoplasm, with similar clinical manifestations to Sjogren’s syndrome and liver cirrhosis, which often leads to misdiagnosis. This article reports a case of primary splenic lymphoma misdiagnosed as Sjogren’s syndrome with liver cirrhosis, in order to improve the understanding of primary splenic lymphoma, Sjogren’s syndrome, and liver cirrhosis and avoid misdiagnosis and treatment delay.
6.An anti-complement homogeneous polysaccharide from Houttuynia cordata ameliorates acute pneumonia with H1N1 and MRSA coinfection through rectifying Treg/Th17 imbalance in the gut-lung axis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Xinxing LI ; Wenxin DING ; Yan LU ; Haiyan ZHU ; Weilian BAO ; Yang LIU ; Jiaren LYU ; Lishuang ZHOU ; Hong LI ; Jiyang LI ; Daofeng CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3073-3091
The coinfection of respiratory viruses and bacteria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite the development of vaccines and powerful antibiotics. As a macromolecule that is difficult to absorb in the gastrointestinal tract, a homogeneous polysaccharide from Houttuynia cordata (HCPM) has been reported to exhibit anti-complement properties and alleviate influenza A virus (H1N1)-induced lung injury; however, the effects of HCPM without in vitro antiviral and antibacterial activities on more complicated pulmonary diseases resulting from viral-bacterial coinfection remains unclear. This study established a representative coinfection murine pneumonia model infected with H1N1 (0.2 LD50) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 107 CFU). HCPM significantly improved survival rate and weight loss, and ameliorated gut-lung damage and inflammatory cytokine production. Interestingly, the therapeutic effect of HCPM on intestinal damage preceded that in the lungs. Mechanistically, HCPM inhibited the overactivation of the intestinal complement (C3a and C5a) and suppressed the activation of the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway, which contributes to the regulation of the Treg/Th17 cell balance in the gut-lung axis. The results indicate the beneficial effects of an anti-complement polysaccharide against viral-bacterial coinfection pneumonia by modulating crosstalk between multiple immune regulatory networks.
7.A novel C-3-substituted oleanolic acid benzyl amide derivative exhibits therapeutic potential against influenza A by targeting PA-PB1 interactions and modulating host macrophage inflammation.
Kunyu LU ; Jianfu HE ; Chongjun HONG ; Haowei LI ; Jiaai RUAN ; Jinshen WANG ; Haoxing YUAN ; Binhao RONG ; Chan YANG ; Gaopeng SONG ; Shuwen LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4156-4173
The influenza A virus (IAV), renowned for its high contagiousness and potential to catalyze global pandemics, poses significant challenges due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Given the critical role of RNA polymerase in IAV replication, it stands out as a promising target for anti-IAV therapies. In this study, we identified a novel C-3-substituted oleanolic acid benzyl amide derivative, A5, as a potent inhibitor of the PAC-PB1N polymerase subunit interaction, with an IC50 value of 0.96 ± 0.21 μmol/L. A5 specifically targets the highly conserved PAC domain and demonstrates remarkable efficacy against both laboratory-adapted and clinically isolated IAV strains, including multidrug-resistant strains, with EC50 values ranging from 0.60 to 1.83 μmol/L. Notably, when combined with oseltamivir, A5 exhibits synergistic effects both in vitro and in vivo. In a murine model, dose-dependent administration of A5 leads to a significant reduction in IAV titers, resulting in a high survival rate among treated mice. Additionally, A5 treatment inhibits virus-induced Toll-like receptor 4 activation, attenuates cytokine responses, and protects against IAV-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. In summary, A5 emerges as a novel inhibitor with high efficiency and broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity.
8.Fibroblast activation protein targeting radiopharmaceuticals: From drug design to clinical translation.
Yuxuan WU ; Xingkai WANG ; Xiaona SUN ; Xin GAO ; Siqi ZHANG ; Jieting SHEN ; Hao TIAN ; Xueyao CHEN ; Hongyi HUANG ; Shuo JIANG ; Boyang ZHANG ; Yingzi ZHANG ; Minzi LU ; Hailong ZHANG ; Zhicheng SUN ; Ruping LIU ; Hong ZHANG ; Ming-Rong ZHANG ; Kuan HU ; Rui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4511-4542
The activation proteins released by fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment regulate tumor growth, migration, and treatment response, thereby influencing tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes. Owing to the proliferation and metastasis of tumors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is typically highly expressed in the tumor stroma, whereas it is nearly absent in adult normal tissues and benign lesions, making it an attractive target for precision medicine. Radiolabeled agents targeting FAP have the potential for targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy. This comprehensive review aims to describe the evolution of FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals and their structural optimization. Within its scope, this review summarizes the advances in the use of radiolabeled small molecule inhibitors for tumor imaging and therapy as well as the modification strategies for FAPIs, combined with insights from structure-activity relationships and clinical studies, providing a valuable perspective for radiopharmaceutical clinical development and application.
9.Expert consensus on orthodontic treatment of protrusive facial deformities.
Jie PAN ; Yun LU ; Anqi LIU ; Xuedong WANG ; Yu WANG ; Shiqiang GONG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Lin WANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Weiran LI ; Lili CHEN ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Yang CAO ; Jun WANG ; Jin FANG ; Jiejun SHI ; Yuxia HOU ; Xudong WANG ; Jing MAO ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):5-5
Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans
;
Orthodontics, Corrective/methods*
;
Consensus
;
Malocclusion/therapy*
;
Patient Care Planning
;
Cephalometry
10.Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of enamel demineralization in orthodontic treatment.
Lunguo XIA ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Peng MEI ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Lin WANG ; Yuxing BAI ; Lili CHEN ; Weiran LI ; Jun WANG ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Yang CAO ; Yuehua LIU ; Benxiang HOU ; Xi WEI ; Lina NIU ; Haixia LU ; Wensheng MA ; Peijun WANG ; Guirong ZHANG ; Jie GUO ; Zhihua LI ; Haiyan LU ; Liling REN ; Linyu XU ; Xiuping WU ; Yanqin LU ; Jiangtian HU ; Lin YUE ; Xu ZHANG ; Bing FANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):13-13
Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Dental Caries/etiology*
;
Dental Enamel/pathology*
;
Tooth Demineralization/etiology*
;
Tooth Remineralization

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