1.Mechanism of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yuanyuan YING ; Xiaoqing ZHOU ; Kaiwen NI ; Zhen WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):285-296
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disorder frequently accompanied by diaphragmatic dysfunction during its course, which significantly increases respiratory burden and impairs quality of life. As the primary inspiratory muscle, the diaphragm is prone to fatigue, atrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis during the long-term progression of COPD. Its pathological mechanisms involve multiple pathways such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, ion channel abnormalities, epigenetic regulation, autophagy disorder, and protein metabolism imbalance. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has demonstrated multi-targeted and systemic regulatory advantages in improving diaphragmatic function in COPD. However, related studies remain fragmented, and integrated mechanistic understanding is lacking. This paper focuses on the mechanism-target-TCM intervention framework, systematically summarizing the molecular mechanisms of diaphragmatic dysfunction, while incorporating the TCM theory of Zongqi(ancestral Qi). It highlights the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs, and active components in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, ion channels, epigenetic processes, autophagy, and protein homeostasis. Additionally, the review outlines existing challenges, including insufficient study volume, unbalanced selection of herbal prescriptions, limited mechanistic depth, inconsistent disease models and experimental designs, lack of standardized diaphragmatic function assessment, and weak clinical validation. Future research should strengthen the integration of TCM and modern medicine, identify additional therapeutic targets, deepen mechanistic research, and establish unified and standardized experimental systems to advance the theoretical foundation and clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COPD-related diaphragmatic dysfunction.
2.Mechanism of Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yuanyuan YING ; Xiaoqing ZHOU ; Kaiwen NI ; Zhen WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):285-296
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a common chronic respiratory disorder frequently accompanied by diaphragmatic dysfunction during its course, which significantly increases respiratory burden and impairs quality of life. As the primary inspiratory muscle, the diaphragm is prone to fatigue, atrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis during the long-term progression of COPD. Its pathological mechanisms involve multiple pathways such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, ion channel abnormalities, epigenetic regulation, autophagy disorder, and protein metabolism imbalance. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has demonstrated multi-targeted and systemic regulatory advantages in improving diaphragmatic function in COPD. However, related studies remain fragmented, and integrated mechanistic understanding is lacking. This paper focuses on the mechanism-target-TCM intervention framework, systematically summarizing the molecular mechanisms of diaphragmatic dysfunction, while incorporating the TCM theory of Zongqi(ancestral Qi). It highlights the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs, and active components in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, ion channels, epigenetic processes, autophagy, and protein homeostasis. Additionally, the review outlines existing challenges, including insufficient study volume, unbalanced selection of herbal prescriptions, limited mechanistic depth, inconsistent disease models and experimental designs, lack of standardized diaphragmatic function assessment, and weak clinical validation. Future research should strengthen the integration of TCM and modern medicine, identify additional therapeutic targets, deepen mechanistic research, and establish unified and standardized experimental systems to advance the theoretical foundation and clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COPD-related diaphragmatic dysfunction.
3.Effects of combined occupational exposure to benzene series, dust and noise on high-frequency hearing loss
Shujun LI ; Feng WANG ; Siqi CHEN ; Ying LUO ; Zhen PAN ; Lei NI ; Yong YAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):56-59
Objective To investigate the effects of combined exposure to benzene series, dust and noise on occupational high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) in the electronics manufacturing industry. Methods A total of 740 employees from an electronic manufacturing enterprise were selected as the study subjects. According to the detection of occupational hazard factors, they were divided into noise group, noise benzene group, and noise dust group, with 325, 167, and 248 people, respectively. Occupational health examinations were conducted on the study participants to analyze their HFHL detection status and influencing factors. Results Among all participants (n=740), 456 (61.62%) were male, 284 (38.38%) were female, and 123 (15.62%) were detected with HFHL. The detection rate of HFHL increased with age and length of service (P<0.01). According to the exposure factor grouping, the detection rates of HFHL in the noise group, noise benzene group, and noise dust group were 12.00%, 19.16%, and 20.97%, respectively (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that workers aged ≥ 40 years, with 10-20 years of work experience, ≥ 20 years of work experience, exposure to noise and benzene series, and exposure to noise and dust had an increased risk of developing HFHL to 1.734, 1.923, 3.071, 1.706, and 1.527, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion Combined exposure to noise and benzene series, combined exposure to noise and dust, as well as age and extended length of service may increase the risk of HFHL among workers.
4.Establishment of a pediatric diagnostic model for McCune-Albright syndrome based on bone metabolism indicators and machine learning
Jie LU ; Ni ZHEN ; Wenli LU ; Congcong XIA ; Yunzhe WU ; Jian WEI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(10):823-829
Objective:To develop a multi-parameter diagnostic model for pediatric McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS) using machine learning techniques based on laboratory data from MAS patients, with the goal of providing a rapid and reliable auxiliary diagnostic tool for clinical practice.Methods:In this retrospective study, 232 children diagnosed with MAS at the Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from March 2023 to November 2024 were enrolled as the positive group. After removing duplicate or missing data, 119 cases were finally selected for statistical analysis as the positive group. Meanwhile, 113 children with normal physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The clinical manifestations of the classic " triad" in the positive group were documented. Fasting serum samples were obtained from both groups at 8: 00 AM for laboratory testing, including bone metabolism-related and hormone-related indicators, which served as candidate features. Baseline descriptive analysis was conducted on the hormone-related indicators. For the bone metabolism indicators, six machine learning models—support vector machine(SVM), XGBoost, decision tree, random forest, Logistic regression, and K-nearest neighbor(KNN)—were constructed using R software. XGBoost subgroup analysis was performed based on the triad symptoms. The contribution of individual features to model predictions was visualized using SHAP diagrams. Results:SHAP visualization indicated that age, serum phosphorus, osteocalcin, and β-C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen had the greatest average impact on model predictions. Among the six models, the SVM model achieved the highest diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 0.742 9, a specificity of 0.909 1, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.917.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that machine learning models, based on data from the positive patients and normal controls, can effectively distinguish MAS patients from healthy controls. The diagnostic model developed offers clinicians a valuable tool for early detection of MAS in children, contributing to earlier diagnosis, timely intervention, and improved clinical management.
5.ACTH-independent Cushing′s syndrome caused by a GNAS hotspot mutation: Case reports of two rare patients with McCune-Albright syndrome complicated by Cushing′s syndrome and literature review
Ziwei CHEN ; Congcong XIA ; Ning PAN ; Zhuozhou CUI ; Li JIANG ; Ni ZHEN ; Yuan XIAO ; Zhiya DONG ; Xiaoyu MA ; Wenli LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):497-504
McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS) is a postzygotic somatic mutation disorder caused by activating mutations in the GNAS gene, which encodes the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein. Its clinical features typically include polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait skin pigmentation, and endocrine hyperactivity, such as Cushing′s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and growth hormone excess. Here, we report two rare cases of MAS complicated with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome, and provide a review and analysis of previously reported MAS cases associated with Cushing′s syndrome.
6.Imaging characteristics of fibrous dysplasia in children with McCune-Albright syndrome and its correlation with serum bone metabolism markers
Naiyi ZHU ; Congcong XIA ; Lan ZHU ; Qiyuan BAO ; Ni ZHEN ; Wenli LU ; Xiaolei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(9):755-760
Objective:To investigate the imaging characteristics of fibrous dysplasia(FD) in children with McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS) and the correlation between FD severity and bone metabolism markers, so as to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A total of 46 children(38 females and 8 males) with MAS with FD who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2010 to December 2016 were included in the retrospective study, and all of them met the diagnostic criteria for either the MAS triad or dual manifestations. The extent and characteristics of FD lesions were evaluated by imaging analysis(X-ray and CT). The distribution of café-au-lait spots and endocrine abnormalities were recorded. The serum bone metabolism levels [total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide(TP1NP), osteocalcin, β-C-terminal telopeptide(β-CTX), alkaline phosphatase(ALP)], and other related indicators such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and fibroblast growth factor(FGF23) levels were detected, and the association between FD severity and indicators was evaluated by Spearman correlation analysis.Results:Among the 46 children, there were 24 cases of triad(FD+ café-au-lait spots + precocious puberty) and 22 cases of dual manifestations(11 cases of FD+ café-au-lait spots or precocious puberty). The age of onset of FD patients(24 cases) with bilateral long bones and skull FD was significantly earlier than that in the unilateral FD group [(3.33±1.34)years vs(5.26±2.34)years, P<0.01], and all of them had extensive café-au-lait spots across the midline. Polyostotic FD accounted for 71.7%(33/46), mainly cystic expansive lesions involving the femur(30 cases) and tibia(24 cases), and skull FD(25 cases) mostly showed ground-glass changes; Monostotic FD(13 cases) was more common in the skull(5 cases) and phalanges(5 cases). FD severity was significantly positively correlated with ALP( ρ=0.554, P=0.002), and negatively correlated with serum phosphorus( ρ=-0.522, P=0.006). All 6 children with severe fractures had FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia [(1.03±0.12) mmol/L vs control(1.52±0.15) mmol/L, P=0.003]. Conclusions:Extensive café-au-lait spots(across the midline) in children with MAS are strongly associated with early-onset polyostotic FD; FD severity was strongly associated with bone turnover markers(TP1NP, β-CTX, ALP) and FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia. Early comprehensive skeletal assessment and regular FGF23 monitoring are recommended for children with MAS presenting with extensive cutaneous café-au-lait spots.
7.Methimazole-induced anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis: a case report and literature review
Haiwei NI ; Sailaiajimu GUZAILINUER· ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Zhen LIU ; Chen LU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(2):128-133
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) induced by anti-thyroid drugs has been reported occasionally, but methimazole-induced AAV is not as frequently reported. This case report described a 54-year-old male who developed AAV and multiple organ failure after more than 20 days of methimazole treatment. After timely discontinuation of the disease-causing drug methimazole, the patient received methylprednisolone shock, cyclophosphamide immunosuppression, renal replacement therapy, and other supportive treatments, and the disease was alleviated without recurrence.
8.Clinical characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients with stage Ⅰ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a study by the Jiangsu Cooperative Lymphoma Group (JCLG)
Yi XIA ; Jing HE ; Weiying GU ; Tao JIA ; Tingxun LU ; Yongle LI ; Jiahao ZHOU ; Bingzong LI ; Haiying HUA ; Ping LIU ; Yuqing MIAO ; Yuexin CHENG ; Xiaoyan XIE ; Yunping ZHANG ; Wenzhong WU ; Zhuxia JIA ; Xuzhang LU ; Chunling WANG ; Liang YU ; Min XU ; Jinning SHI ; Weifeng CHEN ; Wanchuan ZHUANG ; Zhen QIAN ; Jun QIAN ; Haiwen NI ; Yifei CHEN ; Qiudan SHEN ; Jianyong LI ; Wenyu SHI
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(6):504-513
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with stage Ⅰ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and analyze the factors associated with prognosis.Methods:A case series study was conducted by retrospectively collecting clinical data from patients aged over 60 years with newly diagnosed stage Ⅰ DLBCL across 20 medical centers in Jiangsu Province, China, between June 2010 and April 2023. The involved site, classification and treatment plan were summarized. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression model.Results:The study included 255 patients with a median age of 69 years, of whom 130 (51.0%) were male, 66 (25.9%) were aged ≥75 years and 26 (10.1%) had a high Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of ≥2. Extranodal involvement was observed in 163 (63.9%) patients, with the stomach (37.4%, 61/163), intestine (19.0%, 31/163), testes (11.0%, 18/163), and breast (7.4%, 12/163) being the most frequently affected sites. The non-germinal center B-cell (non-GCB) subtype was prevalent in 63.7% of patients (142/223), with no significant difference between the nodal and extranodal groups ( P=0.681). Furthermore, 73.9% (184/249) and 11.7% (29/249) of patients received the R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) and R-miniCHOP regimen, respectively. The overall 3-year PFS rate was 81.5%, and the 3-year OS rate was 85.6%. Patients aged ≥75 years ( HR=2.910, 95% CI 1.565-5.408, P=0.001) and/or with a CCI score ≥2 ( HR=2.324, 95% CI 1.141-4.732, P=0.020) had a significantly poorer PFS. Incorporating age ≥75 years and CCI score ≥2 into the stage-modified international prognostic index (sm-IPI) can better stratify the prognosis of elderly patients with stage Ⅰ DLBCL. The 3-year PFS rate was 48.7% in the high-risk group versus 85.7% in the low-risk group ( P<0.001). Conclusions:Our findings show that the elderly patients with stage Ⅰ DLBCL were predominantly characterized by extranodal involvement (particularly in the stomach and intestinal tract) and non-GCB subtype. Age ≥75 years and CCI ≥2 were identified as independent prognostic factors. The newly established sm-IPI-75-CCI incorporating these factors demonstrated superior prognostic discrimination compared to conventional risk assessment systems.
9.Study design and rationale of the TXL-CAP trial: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial assessing the effect of Tongxinluo capsules on the stability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
Mei NI ; Yun TI ; Yan QI ; Meng ZHANG ; Dayue Darrel DUAN ; Chen YAO ; Zhen-Hua JIA ; Yun ZHANG ; Pei-Li BU
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):615-624
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated a protective effect in using traditional Chinese medicine Tongxinluo (TXL) capsule to treat atherosclerosis. However, clinical evidence of the effects of TXL treatment on coronary plaque vulnerability is unavailable. In response, we developed this study to investigate the hypothesis that on the basis of statin therapy, treatment with TXL capsule may stabilize coronary lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The TXL-CAP study was an investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted across 18 medical centers in China. Patients with ACS aging from 18 to 80 years old who had a non-intervened coronary target lesion with a fibrous cap thickness (FCT) < 100 μm and lipid arc > 90° as defined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) were recruited. A total of 220 patients who met the selection criteria but did not meet the exclusion criteria will be finally recruited and randomized to receive treatment with TXL (n = 110) or placebo (n = 110) for a duration of 12 months. The primary endpoint was the difference in the minimum FCT of the coronary target lesion between TXL and placebo groups at the end of the 12-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included: (1) changes of the maximum lipid arc and length of the target plaque, and the percentage of lipid, fibrous, and calcified plaques at the end of the 12-month period; (2) the incidence of composite cardiovascular events and coronary revascularization within the 12 months; (3) changes in the grade and scores of the angina pectoris as assessed using the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grading system and Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) score, respectively; and (4) changes in hs-CRP serum levels. The results of the TXL-CAP trial will provide additional clinical data for revealing whether TXL capsules stabilizes coronary vulnerable plaques in Chinese ACS patients.
10.Brain injury biomarkers and applications in neurological diseases.
Han ZHANG ; Jing WANG ; Yang QU ; Yi YANG ; Zhen-Ni GUO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):5-14
Neurological diseases are a major health concern, and brain injury is a typical pathological process in various neurological disorders. Different biomarkers in the blood or the cerebrospinal fluid are associated with specific physiological and pathological processes. They are vital in identifying, diagnosing, and treating brain injuries. In this review, we described biomarkers for neuronal cell body injury (neuron-specific enolase, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1, αII-spectrin), axonal injury (neurofilament proteins, tau), astrocyte injury (S100β, glial fibrillary acidic protein), demyelination (myelin basic protein), autoantibodies, and other emerging biomarkers (extracellular vesicles, microRNAs). We aimed to summarize the applications of these biomarkers and their related interests and limits in the diagnosis and prognosis for neurological diseases, including traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and infection. In addition, a reasonable outlook for brain injury biomarkers as ideal detection tools for neurological diseases is presented.
Humans
;
Biomarkers/cerebrospinal fluid*
;
Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis*
;
Brain Injuries/metabolism*
;
Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/cerebrospinal fluid*
;
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/blood*
;
S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit/blood*
;
tau Proteins/cerebrospinal fluid*
;
Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/blood*
;
Myelin Basic Protein/cerebrospinal fluid*
;
Neurofilament Proteins/blood*
;
MicroRNAs/blood*
;
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/metabolism*


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