1.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
2.Association of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure with platelet parameters across different glycemic states: The moderating role of a healthy lifestyle
Zhuo CHEN ; Huilin LOU ; Taimeng CHEN ; Fangyuan LIN ; Xueyan WU ; Yao GUO ; Haoran XU ; Mengke CHENG ; Peihan CHEN ; Yilin ZHOU ; Zhenxing MAO ; Xin TANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):535-541
Background Platelet parameters are important indicators of cardiovascular risk, and environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may impair platelet function through oxidative stress. Objective To investigate the differential effects of single and mixed exposure to PCBs on platelet parameters among individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to evaluate the potential modifying role of a healthy lifestyle. Methods This study included 2249 participants (including 707 with NGT, 759 with IFG, and 783 with T2DM). Plasma PCB concentrations were measured using triple quadrupole gaschromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression was used to assess the associations between individual PCB congeners and platelet parameters. Quantile g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to evaluate the overall effects of PCBs mixture exposure on platelet parameters across different glycemic states, as well as its interaction with healthy lifestyle score (HLS). Results Generalized linear regression analyses showed significant differences in the effects of PCBs on platelet parameters across different glycemic states (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, PCBs mixture exposure was significantly associated with lower platelet counts (PLT) in individuals with NGT (b=−10.60, 95%CI: −16.48, −4.71) and IFG (b=−12.91, 95%CI: −18.90, −6.92), whereas no significant association was observed in individuals with T2DM (P=0.051). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) increased significantly with higher PCBs exposure levels across all three groups (P<0.05). BKMR analysis showed a positive association between PCBs mixture exposure and P-LCR, with the strongest association observed in the NGT group. Furthermore, a significant interaction was observed between HLS and PCBs mixture exposure, and a higher HLS attenuated the effects of PCBs on P-LCR. Conclusion Glycemic glycemic states may modify the effects of PCBs on platelets. Individuals with NGT appear more sensitive to PCBs exposure, whereas the T2DM state may attenuate this effect. Moreover, healthy lifestyles, including not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, maintaining moderate-to-high physical activity, a healthy diet, and an appropriate body mass index (BMI), may mitigate the adverse effects of most PCBs on platelet parameters.
3.Association of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure with platelet parameters across different glycemic states: The moderating role of a healthy lifestyle
Zhuo CHEN ; Huilin LOU ; Taimeng CHEN ; Fangyuan LIN ; Xueyan WU ; Yao GUO ; Haoran XU ; Mengke CHENG ; Peihan CHEN ; Yilin ZHOU ; Zhenxing MAO ; Xin TANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):535-541
Background Platelet parameters are important indicators of cardiovascular risk, and environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may impair platelet function through oxidative stress. Objective To investigate the differential effects of single and mixed exposure to PCBs on platelet parameters among individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to evaluate the potential modifying role of a healthy lifestyle. Methods This study included 2249 participants (including 707 with NGT, 759 with IFG, and 783 with T2DM). Plasma PCB concentrations were measured using triple quadrupole gaschromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression was used to assess the associations between individual PCB congeners and platelet parameters. Quantile g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to evaluate the overall effects of PCBs mixture exposure on platelet parameters across different glycemic states, as well as its interaction with healthy lifestyle score (HLS). Results Generalized linear regression analyses showed significant differences in the effects of PCBs on platelet parameters across different glycemic states (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, PCBs mixture exposure was significantly associated with lower platelet counts (PLT) in individuals with NGT (b=−10.60, 95%CI: −16.48, −4.71) and IFG (b=−12.91, 95%CI: −18.90, −6.92), whereas no significant association was observed in individuals with T2DM (P=0.051). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) increased significantly with higher PCBs exposure levels across all three groups (P<0.05). BKMR analysis showed a positive association between PCBs mixture exposure and P-LCR, with the strongest association observed in the NGT group. Furthermore, a significant interaction was observed between HLS and PCBs mixture exposure, and a higher HLS attenuated the effects of PCBs on P-LCR. Conclusion Glycemic glycemic states may modify the effects of PCBs on platelets. Individuals with NGT appear more sensitive to PCBs exposure, whereas the T2DM state may attenuate this effect. Moreover, healthy lifestyles, including not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, maintaining moderate-to-high physical activity, a healthy diet, and an appropriate body mass index (BMI), may mitigate the adverse effects of most PCBs on platelet parameters.
4.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
5.Dual activation of GCGR/GLP1R signaling ameliorates intestinal fibrosis via metabolic regulation of histone H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells.
Han LIU ; Yujie HONG ; Hui CHEN ; Xianggui WANG ; Jiale DONG ; Xiaoqian LI ; Zihan SHI ; Qian ZHAO ; Longyuan ZHOU ; JiaXin WANG ; Qiuling ZENG ; Qinglin TANG ; Qi LIU ; Florian RIEDER ; Baili CHEN ; Minhu CHEN ; Rui WANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Ren MAO ; Xianxing JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):278-295
Intestinal fibrosis is a significant clinical challenge in inflammatory bowel diseases, but no effective anti-fibrotic therapy is currently available. Glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) are both peptide hormone receptors involved in energy metabolism of epithelial cells. However, their role in intestinal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Herein GCGR and GLP1R were found to be reduced in the stenotic ileum of patients with Crohn's disease as well as in the fibrotic colon of mice with chronic colitis. The downregulation of GCGR and GLP1R led to the accumulation of the metabolic byproduct lactate, resulting in histone H3K9 lactylation and exacerbated intestinal fibrosis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dual activating GCGR and GLP1R by peptide 1907B reduced the H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells and ameliorated intestinal fibrosis in vivo. We uncovered the role of GCGR/GLP1R in regulating EMT involved in intestinal fibrosis via histone lactylation. Simultaneously activating GCGR/GLP1R with the novel dual agonist peptide 1907B holds promise as a treatment strategy for alleviating intestinal fibrosis.
6.FLT3 ligand regulates expansion of regulatory T-cells induced by regulatory dendritic cells isolated from gut-associated lymphoid tissues through the Notch pathway.
Na LI ; Jingwei MAO ; Haiying TANG ; Xiaoyan TAN ; Jian BI ; Hao WU ; Xiuli CHEN ; Yingde WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1595-1606
BACKGROUND:
Regulatory dendritic cell (DCreg) subset exhibits a unique capacity for inducing immune tolerance among the variety subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) within gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs). Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) is involved in the differentiation of DCregs and the subsequent expansion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) mediated by DCregs, though the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the expansion mechanism of Treg induced by DCreg and the role of FLT3L in this process.
METHODS:
DCregs were distinguished from other DC subsets isolated from GALTs of BALB/c mice through a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. The functions and mechanisms by which FLT3L promoted Treg expansion via DCregs were investigated in vitro through co-culture experiments involving DCregs and either CD4 + CD25 - T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Additionally, an in vivo experiment was conducted using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice.
RESULTS:
CD103 + CD11b + DC exhibited DCreg-like functionality and was identified as DCreg for subsequent investigation. Analysis of Foxp3 + Treg percentages within a co-culture system of CD4 + CD25 - T-cells and DCregs, with or without FLT3L, demonstrated the involvement of the FLT3/FLT3L axis in driving the differentiation of precursor T-cells into Foxp3 + Tregs induced by DCregs. Cell migration and co-culture assays revealed that the FLT3/FLT3L axis enhanced DCreg migration toward Tregs via the Rho pathway. Additionally, it was observed that DCregs could promote Treg proliferation through the Notch pathway, as inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester) suppressed Treg expansion within the co-culture system of DCregs and CD4 + T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Furthermore, the FLT3/FLT3L axis influenced JAG1 expression in DCregs, indirectly modulating Treg expansion. In vivo experiments further established that FLT3L promoted DCreg expansion and restored Treg balance in DSS-induced colitis models, thereby ameliorating colitis symptoms in mice.
CONCLUSION
The FLT3/FLT3L axis is integral to the maintenance of DCreg function in Treg expansion.
Animals
;
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology*
;
Dendritic Cells/immunology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Membrane Proteins/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
;
Lymphoid Tissue/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/physiology*
;
Coculture Techniques
;
Flow Cytometry
8.Human infection with Gongylonema pulchrum: a case report and review of relevant literature during the recent 10 years
Feng TANG ; Xiaofeng SUN ; Xiangzhen XU ; Fanzhen MAO ; Yaobao LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):332-336
This article presents the diagnosis and treatment processes, and morphological and genetic testing of Gongylonema pulchrum in a case with G. pulchrum found in the oral mucosa. In addition, this article reviews publications pertaining to G. pulchrum human infections by Chinese scientists during the recent 10 years and summarizes the demographic and clinical characteristics, location and number of parasites, diagnosis and treatment processes, and epidemiological surveys of cases infected with G. pulchrum, so as to provide insights into improving the diagnostic capability among clinicians.
9.Impact of rigid container material type and loading volume on the sterilization of thoracoscopic instruments
Xue'e FANG ; Yanjun MAO ; Qiuping ZHU ; Yanni CAI ; Jing SHU ; Guifen ZHANG ; Yichun JIN ; Minye TANG ; Ying TAO ; Huiting HU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):697-699
ObjectiveTo explore the impacts of material type and loading volume of rigid containers on the hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma sterilization of thoracoscopic instruments, to identify the best rigid containers and loading volume of thoracoscopic instruments. MethodsThoracoscopic instruments sterilized by STERRAD® 100NX hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated to Tongji University from August to September 2024 were selected as the research items. According to the material of rigid containers, the instruments were divided into polyethylene case group (A), stainless steel case group (B) and silicone resin case group (C). In terms of the loading volume, the rigid containers were divided into (loading capacity <80%) groups of 8, 10 and 12 instruments. The results of physical monitoring, the first type of chemical indicator card monitoring, and the five types of card luminal chemical process challenge device (PCD) monitoring of the 9 groups of A8, A10, A12, B8, B10, B12, C8, C10 and C12 were compared and evaluated. ResultsCompared to A8, A10 A12, C8, C10 or C12 groups, the thoracoscope instruments in the stainless steel containers in B8, B10 or B12 group had higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations and shorter elapsed time in the pressure check phases 1 and phases 2, with the differences statistically significant (P<0.05), followed by the silicone resin case group and the polyethylene case group. The nine groups of physical parameter monitoring, the first type of chemical indicator monitoring, and the five types of chemical PCD monitoring for lumen sterilization achieved 100% qualification rates, and there were no significant differences in the qualified rates of sterilization among the 9 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionWhen using hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma to sterilize thoracoscopic instruments, it is recommended to use stainless steel or silicone resin rigid containers with a controlled loading capacity (≤12) to ensure optimal sterilization quality.
10.A nomogram prediction model for antibiotic-associated diarrhea in ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation
Yunjing HOU ; Shujuan HOU ; Yanan MAO ; Yan SUN ; Sheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(18):2780-2785
OBJECTIVE To establish a risk prediction model for antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)in intensive care unit(ICU)patients receiving mechanical ventilation so as to provide bases for early identification of high-risk population and formulation of corresponding individualized prevention strategies.METHODS A total of 1016 pa-tients who received mechanical ventilation and were treated with antibiotics in the ICU of The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from Jan.1,2020 to Jun.30,2022 were retrospectively enrolled in the study and were divided into the AAD group with 200 cases and the non-AA group according to the diagnostic criteria for AAD.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for risk factors for AAD in the ICU patients receiv-ing mechanical ventilation,and the nomogram prediction model was established with R software.The performance of the model was evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves.RESULTS Among the 1016 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation,200 had AAD,and the incidence rate of AAD was 19.69%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hemoglobulin[OR=0.990,95%CI(0.983 to 0.997)],C-reactive protein[OR=1.046,95%CI(1.009 to 1.085)],serum phosphorus[OR=0.498,95%CI(0.328 to 0.755)],serum lipase[OR=1.001,95%CI(1.000 to 1.002)],ceftriaxo ne sodium[OR=2.331,95%CI(1.253 to 4.334)],linezolid[OR=2.387,95%CI(1.329 to 4.289)],fluconazole[OR=2.083,95%CI(1.238 to 3.505)]and sedatives[OR=0.307,95%CI(0.160 to 0.590)]were the risk factors for the AAD in the ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation.The area under ROC curve(AUC)of the predic-tion model established based on the risk factors was 0.705 for the training set,0.751 for the validation set.Hos-mer-Lemeshow test indicated that the predicated probability of the model was consistent with the actual risk for the occurrence(x2=6.057,5.304,P=0.641,0.725).CONCLUSION The nomogram model that is established based on the above influencing factors can quantitatively predict the risk for AAD in the ICU patients undergo-ing mechanical ventilation,and it has certain clinical predictive efficiency.

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