To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine，the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13，2024，the 36^th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing，focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction （ED）. The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine，western medicine，and interdisciplinary fields，facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED，researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine，and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs，it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling： （1） Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. （2） Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. （3） High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. （4） In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. （5） Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. （6） Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction，key focus areas，expected objectives，and clinical value were further refined，along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore，building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine，this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management，effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout， research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine，research topic planning，and clinical guideline formulation.

Objective To systematically analyze the disease burden, long-term trends, and age-sex distribution of major valvular heart disease (VHD) subtypes—rheumatic heart disease (RHD), non-rheumatic valvular disease (NRVD), and non-rheumatic calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)—in global, Chinese, and US populations from 1990 to 2021, providing evidence for public health strategies and clinical resource allocation. Methods Based on publicly available data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we extracted incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for VHD from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated using the GBD 2021 global standard population, and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with its 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was computed for the period. Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/Eurostat surveys, and Chinese national registries were used for trend triangulation and contextual background. Results From 1990 to 2021, the ASR and disease burden of RHD significantly decreased globally and in China (EAPC for DALYs in China: −4.8%, 95%UI: −5.0% to −4.6%). In contrast, the burden of NRVD and CAVD steadily increased in aging populations like those in China and the US, with a higher burden observed in older adults and males. In 2021, the incidence of NRVD and CAVD peaked in individuals aged ≥65 years, with rates being significantly higher in men than in women. RHD burden was concentrated in low socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, whereas NRVD/CAVD burden was strongly associated with high-SDI regions. Conclusion The global VHD epidemiological landscape is transitioning from an RHD-dominant to an NRVD/CAVD-dominant pattern. China faces a dual challenge of a residual RHD burden and a rapidly growing burden of degenerative valvular diseases. Developing tailored screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for different disease subtypes and populations is crucial.

Ginsenoside Rg_2(GRg2) is a triterpenoid compound found in Panax notoginseng. This study explored its effects and mechanisms on diabetic retinopathy and angiogenesis. The study employed endothelial cell models induced by glucose or vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), the chorioallantoic membrane(CAM) model, the oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR) mouse model, and the db/db mouse model to evaluate the therapeutic effects of GRg2 on diabetic retinopathy and angiogenesis. Transwell assays and endothelial tube formation experiments were conducted to assess cell migration and tube formation, while vascular area measurements were applied to detect angiogenesis. The impact of GRg2 on the retinal structure and function of db/db mice was evaluated through retinal thickness and electroretinogram(ERG) analyses. The study investigated the mechanisms of GRg2 by analyzing the activation of Yes-associated protein(YAP) and Toll-like receptors(TLRs) pathways. The results indicated that GRg2 significantly reduced cell migration numbers and tube formation lengths in vitro. In the CAM model, GRg2 exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in the vascular area ratio. In the OIR model, GRg2 notably decreased the avascular and neovascular areas, ameliorating retinal structural disarray. In the db/db mouse model, GRg2 increased the total retinal thickness and enhanced the amplitudes of the a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potentials(OPs) in the ERG, improving retinal structural disarray. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the TLR signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated following YAP knockdown, with PCR results consistent with the transcriptome sequencing findings. Concurrently, GRg2 downregulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), TNF receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), and nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB) proteins in high-glucose-induced endothelial cells. Collectively, GRg2 inhibits cell migration and tube formation and significantly reduces angiogenesis in CAM and OIR models, improving retinal structure and function in db/db mice, with its pharmacological mechanism likely involving the down-regulation of YAP expression.
Animals ; Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Diabetic Retinopathy/physiopathology* ; Mice ; YAP-Signaling Proteins ; Humans ; Male ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Panax notoginseng/chemistry* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Angiogenesis

Objective Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)is causally associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD).Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)increases the degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor(LDL-R),thereby promoting lipid accumulation.This study investigated the mechanism of microRNA(miRNA)-125a-5p in regulating PCSK9 transcriptional expression and lipid accumulation through histone deacetylase sirtuin 6(SIRT6)-mediated histone acetylation.Methods RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)were used to establish a macrophage lipid accumulation model.The cells were divided into eight groups:control group(Group A),ox-LDL group(Group B),SIRT6 agonist group(Group C),si-SIRT6 group(Group D),miR-125a-5p mimic group(Group E),miR-125a-5p mimic negative control group(Group F),miR-125a-5p inhibitor group(Group G),and miR-125a-5p inhibitor negative control group(Group H).Oil red O staining was used to verify lipid ac-cumulation in macrophages.Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was employed to detect the gene expression levels of miR-125a-5p,SIRT6 and PCSK9.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT6,histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation(H3K9ac),histone 3(H3),and PCSK9.An LDL-C kit was used to measure cellular LDL-C con-tent.Results Compared with Group A,Group B exhibited increased relative gene expression of miR-125a-5p,decreased relative SIRT6 gene and its protein expression,increased H3K9ac/H3 rati-o,increased relative gene and protein expression of PCSK9,and elevated LDL-C levels,with statis-tically significant differences(P＜0.01).In Group B,a positive correlation was observed between H3K9ac and PCSK9 protein expression(r=0.935 0,P＜0.01),as well as between PCSK9 and LDL-C(r=0.981 3,P＜0.01).Compared with Group B,Group C showed no significant change in miR-125a-5p expression(P＞0.05),but increased relative SIRT6 gene and its protein expres-sion,decreased H3K9ac/H3 ratio,decreased relative gene and protein expression of PCSK9,and reduced LDL-C levels(P＜0.01).In contrast,Group D,compared with Group B,had no signifi-cant change in miR-125a-5p gene expression(P＞0.05),but decreased relative gene and protein expression of SIRT6,increased H3K9ac/H3 ratio,increased relative PCSK9 gene and its protein expression,and elevated LDL-C levels(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Group E,compared with Group B,showed increased relative gene expression of miR-125a-5p,decreased relative SIRT6 gene and its protein expression,increased H3K9ac/H3,increased relative PCSK9 gene and its protein ex-pression,and elevated LDL-C levels(P＜0.01).Group G,compared with Group B,had de-creased relative gene expression of miR-125a-5p,increased relative gene and protein expression of SIRT6,decreased H3K9ac/H3 ratio,decreased relative PCSK9 gene and protein expression,and reduced LDL-C levels(P＜0.01).No significant changes were observed in miR-125a-5p,SIRT6,H3K9ac/H3 ratio,PCSK9,or LDL-C levels in Groups F and H compared with Group B(P＞0.05).Conclusion Epigenetics is an important regulatory mechanism in the development of ather-osclerosis(AS).Elevated LDL-C is a significant risk factor for AS,and increased PCSK9 expres-sion exacerbates lipid accumulation.Imbalance in histone acetylation is a novel mechanism involved in PCSK9-mediated lipid accumulation,potentially serving as an early detection marker for lipid me-tabolism disorders.SIRT6 acts as a protective factor by reversibly regulating PCSK9 transcriptional expression,reducing lipid accumulation,and delaying AS progression.MiR-125a-5p,as an up-stream regulatory gene of SIRT6,targets and inhibits SIRT6 transcription,thereby modulating his-tone acetylation,and may serve as a new target for early screening and prevention of dyslipidemia.

Perimenopausal syndrome （MPS）， a common endocrine system disease， is one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The China Association of Chinese Medicine organized experts in endocrinology， gynecology， and interdisciplinary fields of both Western and Chinese medicine to discuss the advantages and challenges of diagnosing and treating MPS with Western medicine， TCM， and integrative medicine. Experts at the conference believe that MPS is initiated by estrogen decline and rooted in deficiency， with the pathogenesis being imbalance between Yin and Yang in the kidney. The hormone replacement therapy in Western medicine for menopause can rapidly alleviate related symptoms by quickly restoring the estrogen level and timely detect and delay complications of menopause， whereas such a therapy has certain risks， necessitating close monitoring of adverse reactions. Moreover， the various contraindications and precautions limit the clinical application of the hormone replacement therapy. TCM has advantages in synergistically alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes， sweating， sleep disorders， and emotional abnormalities of MPS without causing obvious adverse reactions. However， its efficacy is slower than the hormone replacement therapy， and the TCM evidence for preventing and treating complications of menopause remains unclear. Three suggestions were proposed for the future development of both Western and TCM for ameliorating MPS. First， an integrated diagnosis and treatment system for MPS with both Western and Chinese medicine should be established. Second， high-quality evidence-based interventions for MPS should be developed with TCM alone or in combination with Western medicine. Third， efforts should be made to promote the new TCM drug development and the interdisciplinary cooperation for treating MPS.

This study design of specific identification primers for the ITS2 sequence of F. ussuriensis. The reaction system and conditions were optimized, and PCR-nucleic acid test strips were constructed to realize the visual detection of F. ussuriensis Bark. Through molecular cloning and sequencing technology, we constructed a positive control for F. ussuriensis DNA and formulated quality standards. The established method was evaluated for sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility, and the authenticity of the commercially available samples was identified. Results demonstrated that based on the ITS2 sequences, F. ussuriensis and its mixed forgeries could be distinguished. The PCR products of the authentic F. ussuriensis on test strips showed two bands in the T and C lines, while the pseudo products and negative control showed only one band in the C line, which was consistent with the results of agarose gel electrophoresis. The specificity was 100%, and the sensitivity of the PCR-nucleic acid test strip was up to 0.1 ng·μL^-1, which was 10 times higher than that of the gel electrophoresis assay. 11 out of 16 commercially available samples of F. ussuriensis were qualified, and 5 were unqualified. Collectively, the PCR-nucleic acid test strip method established in this study is specific, rapid, accurate and visualized, which can provide a new technical idea for the detection of F. ussuriensis.

Objective:To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of a child featuring Dias-Logan syndrome.Methods:A child with speech disorders and delayed psychomotor development from childhood who was admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University in July 2022 was selected as the research subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the child and his parents. Potential variant was screened by whole exome sequencing, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Ethics No. 2023-K-011).Results:The child has presented with global developmental delay, microcephaly, special facial features and behavioral problems. Genetic testing revealed a de novo variant of the BCL11A gene, namely c. 561_567delACACGCA(p.Q187fs*7), which was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+ PS2+ PM2_Supporting). Conclusion:The heterozygous variant of BCL11A gene probably underlay the Dias-Logan syndrome in this child. Above finding has enriched the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of the BCL11A gene and provides a basis for genetic counseling and clinical decision-making.

Hypertension and osteoporosis(OP)are common diseases in middle-aged and elderly people,and the number of patients with both diseases has gradually increased in recent years.Because the onset of the disease is hidden,it is easy to cause fractures and serious complications of heart,brain and kidney in the later stage,which not only seriously damages the quality of life of patients,but also increases the difficulty of clinical treatment.Therefore,it is particularly necessary to strengthen the research on this disease.More and more studies have found that the disorder of intestinal flora will lead to the occurrence of OP,while the intestinal flora of patients with hypertension is obviously out of balance.Therefore,this paper thinks that intestinal flora may be the key influencing factor of hypertension complicated with OP,and the imbalance of intestinal flora will lead to the imbalance of short-chain fatty acid metabolism,immune inflammatory reaction and increased sympathetic nerve activity,thus causing the imbalance of bone homeostasis and promoting the occurrence of OP.Therefore,it is suggested that regulating intestinal flora may be a new way to intervene hypertension complicated with OP.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicinal(TCM)compress combined with herbal fumigation in the treatment of acute epididymitis.Methods:This study included 74 cases of acute epididymitis treated in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2023.Using the single blind and random number methods,we divided the patients into a trial(n=37)and a control group(n=37).On the basis of routine medication with antibiotics,we treated the patients in the trial group by TCM compress combined with herbal fumigation and those in the control group by dyed pure water compress combined with herbal fumi-gation.At 3,7 and 14 days of treatment,we obtained the pain scores and maximum epididymal diameters from the patients and com-pared them between the two groups before and after treatment.Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the control and trial groups in the baseline pain scores(6.79 vs 6.85,P>0.05)and maximum epididymal diameters of the patients([1.61±0.39]vs[1.59±0.42]cm,P>0.05)or in the pain scores after3 days of treatment(4.63±0.95 vs 4.45±1.87,P>0.05).Compared with the controls,the patients of the trial group showed significantly lower pain scores(3.78±1.03 vs 1.02±0.36,P<0.05)and a higher overall effectiveness rate(75.68%vs 91.89%,P<0.05)at7 days,and markedly shorter maximum epididymal diameters at3 days([1.45±0.38]vs[1.23±0.72]cm,P<0.05)and 7 days([1.21±0.29]vs[0.98±0.15]cm,P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were observed between the control and trial groups in the pain scores(0.79±1.12 vs 0.67±0.86,P>0.05),maximum epididymal diameters([0.94±0.33]vs[0.92±0.21]cm,P>0.05)or overall effectiveness rate(91.89%vs 97.30%,P>0.05)after 14 days of treatment.Conclusion:On the basis of routine medi-cation with antibiotics,TCM compress combined with herbal fumigation can effectively relieve pain,reduce local swelling,accelerate recovery and shorten the course of treatment in patients with acute epididymitis,and is therefore worthy of clinical promotion and appli-cation.