Diabetic kidney disease（DKD） is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise， DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease（ESRD）， posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD， with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）/nuclear transcription factor-κB（NF-κB）/B-cell lymphoma-2（Bcl-2）/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase（Caspase）-3， protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase（PERK）/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α（eIF2α）/activating transcript factor 4（ATF4）/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein（CHOP）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β）， Janus kinase 2（JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3）， adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase（AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR） and silent information regulator 1（SIRT1）/tumor suppressor protein 53（p53）， thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）， leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target， multi-component and multi-pathway approaches， has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile， traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation， detoxifying and dredging collaterals， tonifying kidney essence， and removing stasis and purging turbidity， thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this， this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms， while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components， compound formulations， and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways， with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in high-risk benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients without discontinuing anticoagulant drugs, so as to provide a safe and effectiveminimally invasive treatment option for such patients. Methods A total of 40 high-risk BPH patients who underwent 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in our hospital during Sep. 2023 and Dec. 2024 were selected as the research subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: the oral medication group took oral anticoagulants during the perioperative period, while the discontinuation group discontinued anticoagulants, with 20 cases in either group. The perioperative indicators and changes including international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR) were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the oral medication group and discontinuation group in operation time [(28.83±15.52)min vs. (26.43±14.02)min], postoperative catheter indwelling time [(3.04±0.89) d vs. (3.23±1.01) d], bladder irrigation time [(27.36±7.54) h vs. (25.46±7.10) h], and decrease in hemoglobin [(8.08±1.82)g/L vs. (7.56±1.68)g/L] (all P＞0.05). Three month after surgery, Qmax in both groups was higher, while IPSS, QoL and PVR were significantly lower (P＜0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P＞0.05). No serious complications such as urinary incontinence or massive hemorrhage occurred.Conclusion 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy for high-risk BPH patients is characterized by high vaporization efficiency and good hemostatic effects. It can significantly improve the clinical symptoms with high safety, especially for high-risk patients who cannot discontinue anticoagulants.

Objective:This study evaluated the accuracy of internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy(IM-SLNB)in patients with early-st-age breast cancer after receiving neoadjuvant therapy(NAT).It explored the benefits of IM-SLNB in guiding cancer staging,evaluating progn-osis,and optimizing adjuvant treatment strategies.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to collect clinical data of patients who re-ceived IM-SLNB following NAT in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from October 2013 to November 2023.We analyzed the influence of clinicopathological characteristics on internal mammary lymph node(IMLN)metastasis and assessed the prognostic significance of IMLN me-tastasis following NAT.Results:The study included 132 breast cancer patients who underwent IM-SLNB following NAT.The metastasis rates of axillary lymph nodes(ALN)and internal mammary lymph nodes(IMLN)were 90.9%(120/132)and 9.1%(12/132),respectively.The perce-ntages of patients in the following groups were as follows:ALN-positive/IMLN-positive(8.3%,11/132),ALN-positive/IMLN-negative(43.1%,57/132),ALN-negative/IMLN-positive(0.7%,1/132),and ALN-negative/IMLN-negative(47.7%,63/132).The detection rate of internal mam-mary sentinel lymph nodes(IM-SLN)after NAT was 98.5%(132/134);two patients could not undergo IM-SLNB owing to surgical difficulties.Among the 12 cases of IMLN metastasis,6 patients experienced a change in postoperative pathological staging:2 shifted from stage ⅢA toⅢC,2 from stage ⅡB to ⅢC,1 from stage ⅡA to ⅢA,and 1 from stage ⅡA to ⅢC.IMLN metastasis was determined to be an independ-ent risk factor for disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)(P<0.05).Patients with IMLN metastasis demonstrated significantly lower DFS and OS than those without IMLN metastasis(P<0.05).Conclusions:The pathological status of both ALN and IMLN should be con-sidered in the axillary pathological response after NAT.Patients with detectable IMLN during surgery after NAT should undergo IM-SLNB to ensure comprehensive lymph node staging.The status of IMLN metastasis following NAT serves as an independent prognostic factor.

The glymphatic system is an important pathway for fluid drainage and metabolic waste clearance in the central nervous system. Its core mechanism involves the active cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid circulation process mediated by perivascular spaces and aquaporin-4 channels located on astrocytic endfeet. This process is crucial for eliminating neurotoxic substances such as β-amyloid and tau proteins, as well as maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that dynamic changes in the glymphatic system are associated with recovery after ischemic stroke. This article elaborates on the role of the glymphatic system in ischemic stroke and evaluates its potential value as a novel therapeutic target, providing new insights for post-stroke treatment strategies.

Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are small vesicles secreted by cells,widely present in various body fluids,and they play important biological roles.In recent years,EVs have garnered significant attention as novel diagnostic and thera-peutic tools in multiple ocular diseases.Glaucoma,as a common cause of irreversible blindness,is primarily caused by optic nerve damage associated with pathologically elevated intraocular pressure.Emerging evidence indicates that EVs hold considerable therapeutic potential in glaucoma management,particularly in modulating aqueous humor circulation and pro-viding retinal neuroprotection.This review summarizes the latest research progress on EVs in the treatment of glaucoma.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB)has become the standard technique for axillary staging in breast cancer,promoting a more in-dividualized approach to axillary surgery.This review discusses several current emerging issues in SLNB for patients with breast cancer:inpa-tients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes(SLNs),studies such as SENOMAC have reinforced the safety of omitting axillary lymph node dissection(ALND),although careful consideration remains necessary for patients with abnormal axillary imaging findings and in the context of post-operative regional nodal radiotherapy strategies.Omission of SLNB may be appropriate in early-stage patients with clinically and ra-diologically negative axilla under strictly defined conditions to further minimize surgical trauma.In parallel,techniques for SLNB after neoad-juvant therapy continue to advance,with tumor safety outcomes becoming increasingly reliable,and the dual de-escalation of both surgery and radiotherapy may be anticipated.In addition,regional lymph nodes serve not only as the initial site of tumor metastasis but also as crit-ical hubs of the adaptive immune response,positioning SLNs a potential window into tumor immune surveillance.

Objective:To investigate the influence of cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) gene polymorphisms on liver function injury in patients with hyperthyroidism treated with methimazole.Methods:The study selected 90 patients with hyperthyroidism who were treated with methimazole in the Department of Thyroid Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Sept. 2023 to Aug. 2024 as the research subjects. Based on the occurrence of liver injury, they were divided into a liver injury group ( n=36) and a non-liver injury group (n=54). Peripheral blood DNA was extracted from the patients, and the CYP2A6 gene genotypes (rs8192725, rs8192720, and rs28399433) were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification method. The association between CYP2A6 gene polymorphisms and liver injury induced by methimazole treatment in hyperthyroidism was analyzed. Results:The comparison of genotype distribution frequencies at the rs8192725 locus between the liver injury group and the non-liver injury group showed a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The AG and GG genotypes at the rs8192725 locus were protective factors against liver injury in patients with hyperthyroidism (AG vs. AA, OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08-0.57; P<0.05; GG vs. AA, OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.89; P<0.05; AG+GG vs. AA, OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09-0.54; P<0.05). The frequency of the G allele of rs8192725 in the liver injury group was significantly lower than that in the non-liver injury group (G vs. A, OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.19-0.70; P<0.05), indicating that it is a protective factor for liver injury in hyperthyroid patients receiving methimazole treatment. Conclusions:The CYP2A6 gene polymorphism at the rs8192725 locus is associated with the occurrence of liver injury in patients with hyperthyroidism treated with methimazole. The G allele may be a protective factor against liver injury in patients with hyperthyroidism, suggesting that individualized treatment plans can be developed based on the patient's genotype.

Glaucoma,characterized by optic nerve damage and progressive damage to retinal ganglion cells(RGCs),is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.However,the specific mechanism of RGC damage has not been fully elucida-ted.In recent years,there is increasing evidence that microglia,especially disease-associated microglia(DAM),may play an important role in glaucomatous ganglion cell injury.In this paper,we reviewed the role and mechanism of DAM in RGC damage in glaucoma,aiming to provide new insights for further research on the mechanism of RGC damage and subsequent protection of RGCs.

Background and purpose:With the progressive development of breast cancer surgery toward more individualized and minimally invasive approaches,sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB)has replaced axillary lymph node dissection(ALND)as the standard method for axillary management in certain early-stage breast cancer patients.However,there is ongoing debate in clinical practice regarding whether regional lymph node irradiation(RNI)is necessary for patients with sentinel lymph node(SLN)positive status who have not undergone ALND.This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features and survival prognosis of patients with SLN-positive status who did not undergo ALND,evaluate the clinical application value of RNI,and provide evidence to support clinical treatment decisions for this group of patients.Methods:This single-center retrospective study screened breast cancer patients who underwent SLNB at Shandong Cancer Hospital from September 1,2014,to August 31,2023.All patients signed informed consent for treatment.Based on whether postoperative radiotherapy included regional lymph node irradiation(internal mammary and/or axillary and/or supra-/infra-clavicular fields),patients were divided into the RNI group and the no-RNI group for follow-up.Additionally,patients were further divided into multiple subgroups based on factors such as the type of breast surgery,tumor molecular subtype,and histological grade,to compare the clinical value of RNI among subgroups.The primary endpoint was locoregional recurrence-free survival(LRRFS),and the secondary endpoints included invasive disease-free survival(iDFS)and overall survival(OS).The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology(STROBE)checklist was followed for this study.Results:Clinical data of 8 328 breast cancer patients'were screened for this study,and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria,356 patients were included in the analysis,with 186 in the RNI group and 170 in the no-RNI group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age,body mass index(BMI),menopausal status,tumor location,pathological type,histological grade,vascular invasion,estrogen receptor(ER)and progesterone receptor(PR)status,and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)expression(P＞0.05).However,the number of positive SLNs,T stage,and the proportion of patients undergoing total mastectomy(TM)were significantly higher in the RNI group than in the no-RNI group(P=0.006,P=0.043,P＜0.001).After a median follow-up of 38 months,no recurrence or metastasis was observed in the RNI group,while the recurrence and metastasis rate in the no-RNI group was 3.5%(6/170).Of these,4 cases had local regional recurrence,and 2 had distant metastasis.The RNI group showed superior iDFS compared to the no-RNI group(P=0.017),however there was no statistically significant difference in LRRFS and OS(P=0.051 and P=0.356).Exploratory subgroup analysis indicated that patients with tumor diameter＞2 cm(P=0.033)and triple-negative molecular(TNBC)(P=0.020)might benefit from RNI treatment in terms of LRRFS.Conclusion:For certain high-risk patients,such as those with larger tumor diameter,TNBC,or high non-SLN metastatic risk,RNI still plays an important role in reducing the risk of recurrence and metastasis in breast cancer.In clinical practice,an individualized RNI strategy should be developed based on the patient's residual lymph node tumor load,biological behavior of the tumor,and surgical method.

Background and purpose:Internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy(IMSLNB)is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique for regional lymph nodes in breast cancer,which can provide accurate lymph staging and guide adjuvant treatment decision,but its clinical application has been controversial.The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis of IMSLNB in early breast cancer.Methods:In this study,a retrospective cohort of 7 949 patients with breast cancer from January 1,2016 to December 31,2021 was analyzed.After applying propensity score matching,the patients were divided into IMSLNB group and no-IMSLNB group,and the regional recurrence-free survival(RRFS),local recurrence-free survival(LRFS),distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS),disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)of the two groups were compared.This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Shandong First Medical University(approval number:SDTHEC20130324).Results:A total of 990 patients were included in the final analysis(330 in the IMSLNB group and 660 in the no-IMSLNB group).IMSLN metastasis was found in 54 patients in the IMSLNB group,including 47 patients with axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis and 7 patients with IMSLN metastasis only.The IMSLN transfer rate was 16.4%.The median follow-up of 41 months showed that the IMSLNB group demonstrated better 3-year DFS[98.4%vs 94.2%,hazard ratio(HR)=0.509;95%CI:0.312-0.828,P=0.007]and 5-year DFS(92.5%vs 87.3%,HR=0.214,95%CI:0.206-0.222,P=0.011)compared with no-IMSLNB group.However,no significant differences were observed in 3-year OS(99.1%vs 99.4%,HR=0.618,95%CI:0.231-1.655,P=0.338)or 5-year OS(98.5%vs 99.1%,HR=0.52,95%CI:0.51-0.53,P=0.392)between the two groups.The 3-year RRFS in the IMSLNB group was better compared with the no-IMSLNB group(99.09%vs 97.73%,HR=0.066;95%CI:0.061-0.071,P=0.048),while no significant differences were observed in 3-year LRFS(99.70%vs 98.19%,HR=0.209;95%CI:0.201-0.217,P=0.130)or DMFS(95.76%vs 96.06%,HR=0.865,95%CI:0.858-0.872,P=0.820)between the two groups.The exploratory subgroup analysis of DFS revealed that patients in the following subgroups could significantly benefit from IM-SLNB(P＜0.05):diagnosis age(≤50 years),premenopausal status,BMI(≤24),lymphovascular invasion(LVI,present),tumor location(lateral),molecular subtype[hormone receptor positive(HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative(HER2-)],histological type(invasive ductal carcinoma),and axillary lymph node status(positive).Conclusion:IMSLNB can provide more accurate regional lymph node staging for early breast cancer,help optimize adjuvant radiotherapy strategies,and improve patients'DFS and RRFS.It can be promoted as a minimally invasive staging technique for regional lymph nodes.