1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
3.Temporomandibular joint capsule suspension for neocondyle stability in free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle
Shuang BAI ; Yao YU ; Wen-Bo ZHANG ; Ya-Qing MAO ; Yang WANG ; Chi MAO ; Dian-Can WANG ; Xin PENG
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025;51(1):46-53
Objectives:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle.
Patients and Methods:
Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion
The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.
4.Nusinersen combined with risdiplam for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: a case series of 10 patients and literature review.
Hao-Lin DUAN ; Ci-Liu ZHANG ; Li-Fen YANG ; Fang HE ; Lei-Lei MAO ; Jing PENG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(4):458-464
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of nusinersen combined with risdiplam in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 10 pediatric SMA patients treated with nusinersen combined with risdiplam at the Children's Medical Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University.
RESULTS:
Among the 10 SMA patients, there were 4 with type I, 4 with type II, and 2 with type III. Nine patients initially received nusinersen monotherapy, while 1 patient received nusinersen combined with risdiplam. The median duration of combination therapy with nusinersen and risdiplam for the 10 patients was 10.5 months (range: 0.5-20.0 months), with 6 patients undergoing combination therapy for more than 6 months, showing improvements in motor and/or respiratory function. The remaining 4 patients had combination treatment durations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.3, and 4.0 months, respectively, with no significant overall improvement. After combined treatment, 5 patients experienced skin hyperpigmentation, 2 had lumbar puncture site pain, 1 experienced vomiting, 1 had increased sputum production, and 1 had reduced total sleep time. All adverse reactions were mild and did not require medical intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Nusinersen combined with risdiplam demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of SMA, and no significant adverse reactions have been observed.
Humans
;
Oligonucleotides/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child, Preschool
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Infant
;
Muscular Atrophy, Spinal/drug therapy*
;
Drug Therapy, Combination
;
Child
;
Azo Compounds
;
Pyrimidines
5.Temporomandibular joint capsule suspension for neocondyle stability in free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle
Shuang BAI ; Yao YU ; Wen-Bo ZHANG ; Ya-Qing MAO ; Yang WANG ; Chi MAO ; Dian-Can WANG ; Xin PENG
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025;51(1):46-53
Objectives:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle.
Patients and Methods:
Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion
The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.
6.Temporomandibular joint capsule suspension for neocondyle stability in free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle
Shuang BAI ; Yao YU ; Wen-Bo ZHANG ; Ya-Qing MAO ; Yang WANG ; Chi MAO ; Dian-Can WANG ; Xin PENG
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025;51(1):46-53
Objectives:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle.
Patients and Methods:
Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion
The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.
7.Prognosis analysis and 21-gene recurrence score assay applied in hormone receptor positive T1-3N1M0 breast cancer patients
Yanna ZHANG ; Yang QU ; Feng MAO ; Li PENG ; Qiang SUN ; Yidong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(11):1118-1125
Objective:To explore the association of 21-gene recurrence score (RS) and clinicopathologic characteristics of hormone receptor (HR) positive T1-3N1M0 breast cancer and its value in prognosis evaluation.Methods:The clinicopathological data of 287 patients with T1-3N1M0 breast cancer were collected, the 21-gene assay was completed, and follow-up was conducted. According to the 21-gene RS, the patients were divided into the RS<26 and RS≥26 groups. The relationship between the 21-gene RS and clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, recurrence, and metastasis was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for disease free survival (DFS).Results:The median RS of the 287 patients was 16. There were 240 cases with RS <26 and 47 cases with RS≥26. Tumor size, grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki-67 index were significantly different between the two cohorts ( P<0.05 for all). After a median follow-up of 74 months, the recurrence rate in the RS<26 group (8.3%) was significantly lower than that in the RS≥26 group (23.4%), the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates in the RS<26 and RS≥26 groups were 2.1% and 0%,and the distant metastasis (DM) rates were 6.3% and 23.4%, respectively. The 5-year relapse free survival (RFS) rates of patients with RS<26 and RS≥26 were 93.8% (95% CI: 90.7%-96.9%) and 87.2% (95% CI: 78.2%-97.3%), and the 5-year DFS rates were 92.1% (95% CI: 88.7%-95.6%) and 85.1% (95% CI: 75.5%-95.9%), respectively, with significant differences between the two cohorts ( P=0.007 and P=0.006, respectively). Univariate analysis showed age, tumor size, grade, PR status, Ki-67 index and RS were prognostic factors for DFS ( P<0.05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed that age and tumor size were independent significant predictors for DFS ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The 21-gene RS of T1-3N1M0 breast cancer is related to tumor size, grade, ER, PR, and Ki-67 index. RS is an important factor affecting DM and DFS.
8.Beneficial Bacterial Modulation by Gypsum Fibrosum and Terra Flava Usta in Gut Microbiota.
Meng-Jie LI ; Yang-Yang DONG ; Na LI ; Rui ZHANG ; Hong-Lin ZHANG ; Zhi-Mao BAI ; Xue-Jun KANG ; Peng-Feng XIAO ; Dong-Rui ZHOU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):812-820
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the regulatory effects of two traditional mineral medicines (TMMs), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, GF) and Terra Flava Usta (Zaoxintu, TFU), on gut-beneficial bacteria in mice, and preliminarily explore their mechanisms of action.
METHODS:
Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 per group): the control group (standard diet), the GF group (diet supplemented with 2% GF), and the TFU group (diet supplemented with 2% TFU). After 4-week intervention, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota (GM). Scanning electron microscopy, in combination with coumarin A tetramethyl rhodamine conjugate and Hoechst stainings, was used to observe the bacteria and biofilm formation.
RESULTS:
Principal coordinate analysis revealed that GF and TFU significantly altered the GM composition in mice. Further analysis revealed that GF and TFU affected different types of gut bacteria, suggesting that different TMMs may selectively modulate specific bacterial populations. For certain bacteria, such as Faecalibaculum and Ileibacterium, both GF and TFU exhibited growth-promoting effects, implying that they may be sensitive to TMMs and that different TMMs can increase their abundance through their respective mechanisms. Notably, Lactobacillus reuteri, a widely recognized and used probiotic, was significantly enriched in the GF group. Random forest analysis identified Ileibacterium valens as a potential indicator bacterium for TMMs' impact on GM. Further mechanistic studies showed that gut bacteria formed biofilm structures on the TFU surface.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new insights into the interaction between TMMs and GM. As safe and effective natural clays, GF and TFU hold promise as potential candidates for prebiotic development.
Animals
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Bacteria/growth & development*
;
Mice
;
Biofilms/drug effects*
;
Male
;
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*
9.A multicenter clinical study on intramedullary vancomycin injection for preventing periprosthetic joint infection in total knee arthroplasty
Te LIU ; Jun FU ; Shiguang LAI ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Chi XU ; Lei GENG ; Yang LUO ; Peng REN ; Xin ZHI ; Quanbo JI ; Heng ZHANG ; Runkai ZHAO ; Haichao REN ; Ye TAO ; Qingyuan ZHENG ; Zeyu FENG ; Jianfeng YANG ; Yiming WANG ; Pengcheng LI ; Shuai LIU ; Wei CHAI ; Xiang LI ; Huiwu LI ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Baochao JI ; Xianzhe LIU ; Xinzhan MAO ; Jianbing MA ; Xiangxiang SUN ; Jiying CHEN ; Yonggang ZHOU ; Jinliang WANG ; Weijun WANG ; Guoqiang ZHANG ; Ming NI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(12):803-811
Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of intraosseous regional administration (IORA) of vancomycin for preventing infection in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 124 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA between February 2024 and May 2024 at nine hospitals were enrolled. Preoperative infection prophylaxis involved either IORA (0.5 g vancomycin administered via intraosseous regional infusion before incision) or intravenous infusion (1 g vancomycin via peripheral vein). The IORA group included 15 males and 47 females with a median age of 66.5 years (range, 60.0-70.0 years), while the intravenous group included 14 males and 48 females with a median age of 66.0 years (range, 61.8-70.3 years) years. Intraoperative samples were collected including fat and synovium tissues after incision, before prosthesis placement, and after tourniquet release; distal femoral cancellous bone during femoral osteotomy; proximal tibial cancellous bone during tibial osteotomy; proximal intercondylar cancellous bone before prosthesis placement; and peripheral blood from non-infused arms at surgery initiation and after tourniquet release. Vancomycin concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vital sign changes were recorded from admission to 5~10 minutes post-IORA (IORA group) or post-incision (intravenous group). Follow-ups were conducted on postoperative day 1 and 3, and at 1 and 3 months, to document complications including IORA-related adverse events, periprosthetic joint infections, surgical site infections, red man syndrome, acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis and so on.Results:Vancomycin concentrations in bone, fat, and synovial tissue samples were significantly higher in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05), while vancomycin concentrations in blood samples were significantly lower in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05). Only 7.3%(41/558) of tissue samples in the IORA group had vancomycin concentrations below 2.0 μg/g (the minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus), compared to 59.3%(331/558) in the intravenous group (χ 2=11.285, P<0.001). In the intravenous group, 16.9%(21/124) of blood samples had vancomycin concentrations exceeding 15.0 mg/L (the threshold associated with a significantly increased risk of nephrotoxicity), while all concentrations in the IORA group were below this threshold, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=22.943, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in vital signs changes before and after vancomycin administration between the two groups. Two patients in the intravenous group experienced incision exudate, while no other related complications occurred in either group. Conclusions:Compared to the traditional intravenous infusion of 1 g vancomycin, intraosseous injection of a low dose (0.5 g) of vancomycin achieves higher local tissue concentrations in the knee joint with a lower incidence of adverse reactions and is safe for infection prophylaxis. Despite guidelines not recommending the routine use of vancomycin for preventing infection after primary TKA, intraosseous injection of 0.5 g vancomycin may be considered intraoperatively for primary TKA in the following scenarios: patients in medical institutions with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, patients with potential preoperative MRSA colonization, or patients with cephalosporin allergy.
10.Isolation and application value of Yersinia enterocolitica phage strain in Yunnan Province
Shaogui ZI ; Chunpeng MAO ; Pan LIU ; Fengyi YANG ; Haipeng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Youhong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):173-178
Objective:To isolate Yersinia enterocolitica phage and study its biological and genomic characteristics, and explore its application value. Methods:Phages were isolated from cecum of Apodemus chevrieri in the plague focus of wild rodent in Lijiang employing Yersinia enterocolitica (CMCC52301) as the host strain. After purification, proliferation and concentration, the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the host spectrum of the phage was determined by double-layer plate method. Phage DNA was extracted and sequenced, and the raw sequences data were assembled and visually analyzed, also performed genome functional annotation, phage classification status, phylogenetic tree, genome collinearity analysis, etc. Results:One strain of Yersinia enterocolitica phage was isolated and named vB_Yen_YN301-151, which had a head and a contractile tail. The phage only lysed Yersinia enterocolitica, and could not lyse other tested strains. And at a lysis temperature of 37 ℃, more transparent plaques were observed compared to at a lysis temperature of 21 ℃. The gene structure of this phage was double-stranded DNA, with a genome length of 51 176 bp and a GC content of 46.96%, and 95 genes were predicted to encode 15 structural morphological related proteins, 9 proteins involved in replication and metabolism, 3 DNA assembly functional proteins, 1 phage lysis related protein, and 67 hypothetical proteins. It was identified that the phage belong to the Drexlerviridae family of the Caudoviricetes class, clustered with vB_YenM_534, vB_Yen_X1, vB_YenM_281, and vB_YenM_531 in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited good collinearity with PY100, vB_YenM_ 25, and vB_Yen_X1. Conclusions:The successfully isolated vB_Yen_YN301-151 is a novel phage belonging to the Drexlerviridae family, and its gene encoded proteins are mostly hypothetical proteins. It only lyses Yersinia enterocolitica, with host specificity and has the potential to be used as diagnostic phage for screening Yersinia enterocolitica.

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