1.Research progress on the molecular genetic mechanism of Parkinson's disease.
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):151-157
The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is closely related to genetic factors. This article has systematically reviewed the research progress of molecular genetic mechanism on Parkinson's disease by focusing on the role of six high-penetrance pathogenic genes (SNCA, LRRK2, PRKN, PINK1, PARK7, and VPS35) and some risk genes (such as GBA1). These genetic variants eventually converge in three core pathogenic biological pathways, including lysosomal-autophagy pathway disorder, mitochondrial quality control disorder and α-synuclein metabolic abnormality. In-depth understanding of these molecular mechanisms is of great significance for the development of targeted therapy and realization of precision medicine for this disease.
Humans
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Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
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alpha-Synuclein/genetics*
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Leucine-Rich Repeat Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase-2/genetics*
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease
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Protein Kinases/genetics*
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Animals
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Glucosylceramidase/genetics*
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Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*
2.The Clinical and Genetics Characteristics of Oculopharyngodistal Myopathy
Jiaxi YU ; Zhihao QUAN ; Yilei ZHENG ; Jing AN ; Jing LIU ; Qingqing WANG ; Lingchao MENG ; Meng YU ; Zhiying XIE ; Jianwen DENG ; He LYU ; Wei ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Zhaoxia WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):164-174
To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes. A total of 65 genetically confirmed OPDM patients from 43 unrelated families, who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2025, were retrospectively included.The general demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory/auxiliary examinations, muscle pathology, and genetic test results were systematically collected and analyzed. The clinical and pathological characteristics among different OPDM subtypes were compared. Among the 65 patients(39 male and 26 female), the mean age of onset was (31.20±10.43) years (range: 14 to 63 years). The initial symptom was predominantly distal limb weakness (67.44%), which gradually progressed to involve the extraocular muscles, pharyngeal muscles, facial muscles and proximal limb muscles. Serum creatine kinase levels were mildly to moderately elevated. Muscle pathological examinations revealed rimmed vacuoles and intranuclear inclusions (within muscle fibers). The mean duration from onset to diagnosis was (12.33±7.88) years (range: 1 to 32 years). All probands had negative results on conventional next-generation whole-exome sequencing; pathogenic variants were identified through third-generation long-read sequencing or OPDM-targeted repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction(RP-PCR). Among the 43 families, OPDM2 subtype was the most common genetic subtype ( OPDM2 was the predominant subtype in this study. All subtypes share similar age of onset and muscular pathological changes, yet exhibit distinct disease progression patterns. Future multicenter prospective cohort studies are warranted to further elucidate the clinical characteristics, pathogenetic mechanisms, and prognostic differences among OPDM subtypes.
3.Aquaporin 1 promotes proliferation and migration of tumor by up-regulating claudin-1 expression in colon cancer
Wei Wei XIE ; Lin XU ; Qian LI ; Dao Quan ZHANG ; Yu Bao ZHOU
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):307-318
With the rising incidence of colon cancer, several studies have indicated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression is associated with the development of colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms between them. Methods: We screened data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and retrospectively examined AQP1 protein expression in 127 colon cancer patients to analyze the relationship between AQP1 expression and pathological stages, prognosis. We created stable colon cancer cell lines with differential AQP1 expression, the effect of AQP1 expression on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and explored potential molecular mechanisms through Western blotting. Results: High AQP1 expression was associated with poorer survival (overall survival [OS], p = .028) in colon cancer patients from the TCGA database. Similarly, retrospective clinical data indicated that high AQP1 expression was associated with reduced disease-free survival and OS (p = .036 and p = .017, respectively). The low-expressing AQP1 colon cancer cells exhibited a decrease in proliferation and migration ability of colon cancer cells compared to the overexpressing AQP1 group (p < .05) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting experiments validated heightened expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin- 1 in the tumor tissues of the overexpressing AQP1 group. Conversely, reduced AQP1 expression resulted in decreased expression of claudin- 1. Conclusions: AQP1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in colon cancer and potentially enhances the proliferation and migration of colon cancer by up-regulating claudin-1 expression.
4.Advanced research on respiratory rehabilitation for patients with postoperative pulmonarycomplications after aortic dissection surgery
Nanxi ZHOU ; Zeruxin LUO ; Zhenghua XIAO ; Jiayuan HE ; Quan WEI ; Pengming YU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1395-1402
Aortic dissection is a serious cardiovascular disease characterized by acute onset and high mortality rates. Although advancements in surgical techniques and anesthesia methods have significantly reduced surgical mortality, postoperative complications, particularly pulmonary complications, remain a challenge for the recovery of patients with aortic dissection. Existing studies indicate that respiratory rehabilitation plays a crucial role in preventing and alleviating postoperative pulmonary complications, and its application is gradually expanding. However, current understanding of respiratory rehabilitation treatment for patients with aortic dissection is still insufficient, and there is a lack of standardized protocols in clinical practice. This article aims to review the existing research evidence, comprehensively analyze common pulmonary complications after aortic dissection surgery, their pathogenesis, the latest advancements in perioperative respiratory rehabilitation, and the main challenges faced, in order to provide references for clinical practice and future research.
5.Effects of Electrothermal Acupuncture on the HIF-1α/S1P/S1PR3 Pathway and Macrophage Polarization in Epididymal White Adipose Tissue of Obese Model Mice
Xiaobo GE ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jiangyan WEI ; Limin NIE ; Xin YANG ; Quan MIAO ; Mina WANG ; Yawei XI ; Luopeng ZHAO ; Yine SONG ; Xinru SUN ; Lu LIU ; Bin LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2227-2235
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism underlying the weight loss effect of electrothermal acupuncture (ETA) in diet-induced obese (DIO) model mice based on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) signaling pathway-mediated macrophage polarization. MethodsAn obesity mouse model was established by continuously feeding at a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Twenty successfully modeled obese mice were randomly divided into a model group and an electrothermal acupuncture (ETA) group with 10 mice per group, both of which continued to receive the HFD till week 12. Another 10 mice were assigned to the normal group and fed a standard chow diet continuously for 12 weeks. Starting from week 9 of the experiment, mice in the ETA group received electrothermal acupuncture stimulation at Zhongwan (CV12), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), and bilateral Zusanli (ST36) for 30 minutes per session, with the instrument current set at (40±0.5)mA and a constant temperature of (40±0.5)℃. Mice in the normal group and the model group were restrained in the same manner for 30 minutes without acupuncture. All interventions were performed once every other day for a total of 4 weeks. Ten hours after the final intervention, the body weight, waist circumference, and body length of mice in each group were measured, and Lee's index was calculated. Serum biochemical analysis was performed to assess fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr). Serum leptin (LEP) and adiponectin (ADPN) levels, as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), were detected by ELISA. Histomorphological changes in eWAT were monitored via HE staining. Flow cytometry was used to analyze macrophage subtype-related indexes in eWAT, including the total proportion of macrophages, the proportion of M1 macrophages, the proportion of M2 macrophages, and the M1/M2 ratio. Antibody array technology was used to determine the levels of differentially expressed inflammatory factors in eWAT between the model and blank groups, as well as between the ETA and model groups. Western blot and qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and S1PR3 in the eWAT, respectively. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased body weight, Lee's index, waist circumference, and FBG, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, AST, and ALT levels, upgraded LEP and S1P levels, decreased ADPN level and ADPN/LEP ratio, elevated proportion of M1 macrophages and the M1/M2 ratio, reduced proportion of M2 macrophages, and upregulated protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and S1PR3 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). With the exception of HDL-C, all the abovementioned indicators in the ETA group were significantly improved compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Analysis of differentially expressed inflammatory cytokines revealed that, compared to the normal group, the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70) in the eWAT of the model group were elevated; conversely, the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-6, and interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the eWAT of the ETA group decreased compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionETA exerts a weight-reducing effect in obese model mice, and the mechanism may involve inhibition of the HIF-1α/S1P/S1PR3 signaling pathway activation, which shifts macrophage polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype, thereby alleviating chronic inflammation.
6.Guyanxiao Tincture Alleviates Frozen Shoulder via Suppressing ACTC1 Induced Fibrosis in Shoulder Capsule
Quan SUN ; Kai-Wei ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Yan WANG ; Rui ZHENG ; Shu-Guang ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2714-2732
ObjectiveFrozen shoulder (FS) is a debilitating musculoskeletal disorder characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the glenohumeral joint capsule, leading to pain and severely restricted range of motion. Given the limited efficacy of current pharmacotherapies, there is an urgent need for novel anti-fibrotic agents. Guyanxiao Tincture (GYX), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has shown clinical benefits in alleviating FS symptoms. However, its bioactive constituents and the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain poorly defined. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of GYX against FS and to elucidate the mechanisms by which GYX attenuates capsular fibrosis. MethodsA Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of FS was established by immobilizing the unilateral shoulder with a plaster cast for 21 d. Following model induction, animals were administered with GYX or its serum-identified bioactive component, icariside F2. The absorbed prototype compounds of GYX in FS rat serum were profiled using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Therapeutic effects were assessed by measuring shoulder range of motion (ROM), histopathological evaluation of the capsule via hematoxylin-eosin staining, and quantification of transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF-β1) content by ELISA. To explore the underlying mechanisms, transcriptomic profiling of the shoulder capsule was performed using RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression and localization were examined through immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to identify key regulatory hubs. In vitro, primary shoulder capsule fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF‑β1 to induce a fibrotic phenotype and then treated with icariside F2. The expression of alpha cardiac muscle 1 (ACTC1), α‑smooth muscle actin, and collagen I was subsequently measured. ResultsSerum pharmacochemistry analysis identified icariside F2 as the predominant circulating bioactive component of GYX in FS rats. Both GYX and icariside F2 treatment significantly improved the ROM and ameliorated histopathological lesions, including the attenuation of synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and excessive collagen deposition in the shoulder capsule. Consistently, elevated TGF‑β1 levels in the model group were markedly reduced after the interventions. RNA sequencing revealed that actin ACTC1 was dramatically upregulated in the fibrotic capsule, accompanied by the enrichment of fibrosis-associated pathways such as TGF‑β signaling, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interaction. Protein-protein interaction network analysis demonstrated that ACTC1 directly interacts with core fibrotic genes, including Col1a1, Col1a2, Thbs2, and Fn1. Critically, icariside F2 administration significantly reversed the aberrant overexpression of ACTC1 and suppressed the activation of the aforementioned fibrosis-related pathways in vivo. In TGF‑β1-stimulated fibroblasts, icariside F2 dose-dependently downregulated ACTC1 at both the mRNA and protein levels and concurrently decreased the expression of the fibrotic markers α‑smooth muscle actin and collagen I. Immunofluorescence and Western blot further confirmed that icariside F2 attenuated stress fiber formation and collagen production in vitro. ConclusionGYX and its bioactive component icariside F2 effectively alleviate the progression of frozen shoulder by inhibiting capsular fibrosis. Mechanistically, the therapeutic action is functionally linked to the suppression of ACTC1 and its downstream profibrotic signaling cascade, highlighting ACTC1 as a promising therapeutic target for the management of frozen shoulder.
7.Connotation and Application of WU Jutong's Theory of "Treating All Bi (痹) Diseases through Taiyin"
Liang MENG ; Shuai KANG ; Quan JIN ; Qiancheng WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):102-108
The Medical Cases of WU Jutong (《吴鞠通医案》) proposes the principle of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", which forms the basis for analyzing WU Jutong's understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of Bi (痹) diseases, providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Through an interpretation of the phrase "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", it is suggested that Bi (痹) diseases is primarily caused by dampness, necessitating a focus on spleen and lung in treatment. WU emphasized four main causes of Bi (痹) diseases (wind, cold, dampness, and heat), with dampness being the predominant factor. The disease location is initially in lung, for which external dampness invades lung first, and internal dampness obstructs the source of water metabolism, impeding lung qi and qi failing to disperse, then dampness further accumulates in the joints, leading to Bi (痹) diseases. WU Jutong proposed the modified Mufangji Decoction (木防己汤) as the foundational prescription for treating Bi (痹) diseases. By comparing the similarities and differences between the modified and original Mufangji Decoction, and analyzing the adjustments in herbal prescriptions, the clinical characteristic of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin" is further substantiated.
8.Establishment of 18F-FDG PET/MR " dual threshold" quantitative diagnostic criteria for identifying lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Tingting HAN ; Fei KANG ; Zhiyong QUAN ; Hongliang WEI ; Min WANG ; Xiaoli MENG ; Junling WANG ; Weidong YANG ; Jing WANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(7):388-393
Objective:To establish criteria for diagnosing lymph node metastasis (LNM) in newly diagnosed papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients based on 18F-FDG PET/MR and evaluate its diagnostic efficiency. Methods:The data of 14 patients with PTC (all females, age (38.8±13.5) years) who underwent 18F-FDG PET/MR and ultrasound sequentially 2 weeks before surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from May 2021 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Visual and semi-quantitative assessments were performed on all patients step by step (Ⅱ-Ⅵ area) and neck by neck (left, right, and central area). The dimensions of all suspected lymph nodes were measured on T 2 weighted imaging (WI)-MRI and SUV max was measured on PET. Taking postoperative pathology as the reference standard, the independent risk factors for predicting LNM were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the diagnostic efficiency of each model was evaluated by ROC curve analysis. Results:A total of 21 macroscopic regions of lymph nodes(15 were malignant, 6 were benign) and 178 lymph nodes (120 were malignant, 58 were benign) were cleared by surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SUV max (odds ratio ( OR)=1.865, 95% CI: 1.323-2.630, P<0.001) and short diameter on MRI (SD-MRI) ( OR=1.752, 95% CI: 1.189-2.580, P=0.005) were independent predictors of LNM. The cut-off value of SD-MRI in predicting LNM was 5.7mm (AUC=0.812, Youden index (YI)=0.463). For the SD-MRI cut-off values ≥5.7 or <5.7mm, the corresponding SUV max cut-off values were 1.6 and 1.8, respectively. When " dual threshold" quantitative criteria (SD-MRI≥5.7mm + SUV max≥1.6 or SD-MRI<5.7mm + SUV max≥1.8) was used as the diagnostic criteria of 18F-FDG PET/MR, the AUC and YI could be improved to 0.909 and 0.818. Based on the regional level analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of LNM diagnosis by ultrasound, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/MR " dual threshold" criteria were 11/15 vs 12/15 vs 13/15, 5/6 vs 3/6 vs 5/6, 76.2%(16/21) vs 71.4%(15/21) vs 85.7%(18/21), respectively. Conclusion:Compared with the ultrasound and MRI, the 18F-FDG PET/MR " dual threshold" criteria exhibits higher sensitivity and accuracy in determining the scope of LNM clearance for PTC patients.
9.Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults (version 2025)
Zhengwei XU ; Liming CHENG ; Qixin CHEN ; Jian DONG ; Shunwu FAN ; Zhong FANG ; Shiqing FENG ; Haoyu FENG ; Haishan GUAN ; Weimin JIANG ; Dianming JIANG ; Yong HAI ; Lijun HE ; Yuan HE ; Bo LI ; Jianjun LI ; Feng LI ; Li LI ; Weishi LI ; Chunde LI ; Qi LIAO ; Baoge LIU ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Yong LIU ; Xuhua LU ; Shibao LU ; Bin LIN ; Wei MEI ; Chao MA ; Renfu QUAN ; Limin RONG ; Jiacan SU ; Honghui SUN ; Yuemin SONG ; Hongxun SANG ; Jun SHU ; Tiansheng SUN ; Jiwei TIAN ; Qiang WANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Liang YAN ; Guoyong YIN ; Jie ZHAO ; Yue ZHU ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Rongqiang ZHANG ; Dingjun HAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Baorong HE
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(1):19-32
Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.
10.Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (version 2025)
Bolong ZHENG ; Wei MEI ; Yanzheng GAO ; Liming CHENG ; Jian CHEN ; Qixin CHEN ; Liang CHEN ; Xigao CHENG ; Jian DONG ; Jin FAN ; Shunwu FAN ; Xiangqian FANG ; Zhong FANG ; Shiqing FENG ; Haoyu FENG ; Haishan GUAN ; Yong HAI ; Baorong HE ; Lijun HE ; Yuan HE ; Hua HUI ; Weimin JIANG ; Junjie JIANG ; Dianming JIANG ; Xuewen KANG ; Hua GUO ; Jianjun LI ; Feng LI ; Li LI ; Weishi LI ; Chunde LI ; Qi LIAO ; Baoge LIU ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Xuhua LU ; Shibao LU ; Bin LIN ; Chao MA ; Xuexiao MA ; Renfu QUAN ; Limin RONG ; Honghui SUN ; Tiansheng SUN ; Yueming SONG ; Hongxun SANG ; Jun SHU ; Jiacan SU ; Jiwei TIAN ; Xinwei WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Zhengwei XU ; Huilin YANG ; Jiancheng YANG ; Liang YAN ; Feng YAN ; Guoyong YIN ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Yuhong ZENG ; Yue ZHU ; Rongqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(9):805-818
Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

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