1.Analysis of Clinical Prognostic Characteristics in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome-Related Renal Fanconi Syndrome
Xiaoxiao SHI ; Yuan DONG ; Jiahe JIANG ; Peng XIA ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yubing WEN ; Dong XU ; Fengchun ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):358-369
Renal Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a rare renal manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This study aims to analyze the clinical and prognostic characteristics of patients with pSS-associated renal FS (pSS-FS) and provide insights for clinical management. Patients diagnosed with pSS-FS via renal biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2024 were enrolled. Data collected included age, sex, clinical symptoms (xerostomia, xerophthalmia, skin purpura, arthralgia, polyuria, and systemic symptoms), laboratory findings [serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM, complement (C3, C4), antinuclear antibody, anti-Sjögren's syndrome-associated antigen A antibody (SSA), anti-SSB antibody, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, tubular proteinuria, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes], treatment, and follow-up information. Systematic assessments included the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score, pulmonary involvement (including non-infectious interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.), hematological involvement (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), etc. Efficacy evaluations encompassed improvements in immunological parameters, renal function, and tubular function. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, A total of 38 patients with pSS-FS were included, with 37(97.4%) being female. The median age at pSS diagnosis was 43(37, 57) years. Xerostomia (76.3%) and xerophthalmia (71.1%) were the predominant clinical symptoms. The most common renal tubular dysfunctions were generalized aminoaciduria (96.9%), tubular proteinuria (96.0%), and hypokalemia (94.7%). The median eGFR was 52.57(32.04, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2), with 60.5% (23/38) of patients having an eGFR below 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2).After six months of immunosuppressive therapy, including moderate-to-high-dose glucocorticoids, significant improvements were observed in immunological parameters (improvement rate: 69.2%), renal tubular function (89.5%), and renal function (44.4%). Following immunosuppressive treatment, the median eGFR increased from 54.95(33.06, 76.10)mL/(min·1.73 m2) to 65.56(56.24, 83.58)mL/(min·1.73 m2).Compared to patients with normal or mildly impaired baseline eGFR [≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)], those with significantly decreased baseline eGFR [< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] were older (46 years This study reports the clinical characteristics of the largest single-center cohort of pSS-FS patients internationally, characterized by varying degrees of proximal renal tubular dysfunction and renal impairment. Timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids, is crucial, particularly for patients with significantly reduced eGFR, who may experience more substantial renal function improvement.
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.Objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease
Zhaoxi DONG ; Yang SHI ; Jiaming SU ; Yaxuan WEN ; Zheyu XU ; Xinhui YU ; Jie MEI ; Fengyi CAI ; Xinyue ZANG ; Yan GUO ; Chengdong PENG ; Hongfang LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):398-411
Objective:
To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Methods:
A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status.
Results:
No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups.
Conclusion
Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.
4.Recommendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody for Alzheimer's disease(2025)
Nan ZHI ; Jinwen XIAO ; Rujing REN ; Binyin LI ; Jintao WANG ; Jieli GENG ; Wenwei CAO ; Yaying SONG ; Hualong WANG ; Shuguang CHU ; Guoping PENG ; Jun LIU ; Xiaoyun LIU ; Fang YUAN ; Wen WANG ; Ronghua DOU ; Xia LI ; Ling YUE ; Wenshi WEI ; Xiaoling PAN ; Xiangyang ZHU ; Dian HE ; Weinü FAN ; Jingping SHI ; Nan ZHANG ; Hui ZHAO ; Qin CHEN ; Cuibai WEI ; Xiaochun CHEN ; Gang WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(9):1133-1140
In recent years,significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.In line with global advancements,two anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies have been approved and successfully launched in China for clinical use.Lecanemab and Donanemab were officially used in June 2024 and April 2025 in China,respectively.In order to standardize the rational and safe application of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease in China,this article integrates recom-mendations from the clinical trials and real-world experience from the author's team and domestic peers to further update the recom-mendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody based on the 2024 version.It includes indications for therapy,pre-treatment evaluation and preparation,administration protocols and safety measures during treatment,and post-treatment monitor-ing strategies.
5.Diagnostic value of MS score in macrophage activation syndrome associated with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Lingling GENG ; Yue PENG ; Duomei SHI ; Li WANG ; Xianyan TANG ; Xinran WEN ; Wenhua ZHANG ; Xiaoqing LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(7):476-480
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of the macrophage activation syndrome/systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis(MS)score in macrophage activation syndrome(MAS)associated with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis(sJIA),and to provide a reference for clinical work.Methods:This study was a retrospective case-control analysis,conducted on the patients initially diagnosed as sJIA-associated with MAS and admitted into the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Xi 'an Jiaotong University from July 1st,2016 to June 30th,2023. All of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for patients with MAS associated with sJIA according to the 2016 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology(EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology(ACR)/Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization(PRINTO)standards. The basic information at baseline,clinical manifestations,and auxiliary examination results were collected. The MS score was applied to re-evaluate the children diagnosed as sJIA-associated with MAS. When the MS score ≥-2.1,the possibility of sJIA with MAS was high. Thirty cases of sJIA without MAS were randomly selected as the control group.Results:There were 28 cases in the MAS group,including 13 males(46.43%)and 15 females(53.57%),with an average age of(7.51±4.01)years. Compared with the control group,the MAS group were significantly more likely to have high fever( χ2=8.539, P=0.003),hepatomegaly( χ2=11.621, P<0.001),splenomegaly( χ2=11.710, P<0.001)and neurological involvement( χ2=27.619, P<0.001),with the differences being statistically significant. Meanwhile,there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of white blood cell count( Z=-4.001, P<0.001),neutrophil count( Z=-3.659, P<0.001),platelet count( Z=-4.687, P<0.001),albumin level( Z=-4.018, P<0.001),alanine aminotransferase( Z=-3.846, P<0.001),aspartate aminotransferase( Z=-5.932, P<0.001),lactate dehydrogenase( Z=-6.150, P<0.001),triglycerides( Z=-5.874, P<0.001),fibrinogen( Z=-5.808, P<0.001),ferritin( Z=-5.280, P<0.001),erythrocyte sedimentation rate( Z=-3.971, P<0.001),ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate( Z=-5.433, P<0.001),reduction of two-line cells in blood( χ2=11.408, P<0.001)and the presence of hemophagocytosis in bone marrow smears( χ2=28.260, P<0.001). Moreover,there was a statistically significant difference in MS scores between the two groups( Z=-6.148, P<0.001),with higher MS scores in the MAS group. Nevertheless,this study showed the median MS scores of both groups ≥-2.1. Conclusion:The MS score was significant to a certain degree as reference for the diagnosis of MAS,and this study showed that the MS score in the MAS group was significantly higher than the control group. However,the median MS scores in both groups were no less than -2.1. This might be related to the influence of factors during the assessment,which made it necessary to optimize the cutoff values of the MS score. Therefore,prospective studies should be carried out on the role of MS score in early identification of MAS.
6.Clinical Observation on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Lingnan Fire Needling for Plaque Psoriasis
Jingjing LI ; Ruiming CHEN ; Guo'ao SHI ; Ting WU ; Haiyan XU ; Shiyun CHEN ; Xianhao ZHANG ; Wen CHEN ; Qianpeng HUANG ; Guojian GUO ; Ye QIN ; Peng ZHOU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):382-389
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Lingnan fire needling in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.Methods A total of 60 cases of patients with plaque psoriasis admitted to Bao'an Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from August 2021 to January 2023 were selected,and the patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group according to the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The observation group was given Lingnan fire needling for treatment,and the control group was given topical application of Calcipotriol Ointment.The course of treatment covered eight weeks continuously.After eight weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI)scores and Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI)scores,as well as the diameter of glomus under dermoscopy of the patients in the two groups were observed before the treatment and after 2,4,6,and 8 weeks of treatment.Changes in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD-7)scores before treatment and after 2,4,6,and 8 weeks of treatment were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 2,4,6 and 8 weeks of treatment,the scores of PASI,DLQI and GAD-7 of patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)The cured and markedly rate of the observation group was 86.67%(26/30);and that of the control group was 66.67%(20/30).The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After 2,4,6,and 8 weeks of treatment,the diameter of glomus under dermoscopy of the patients in the two groups were improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Lingnan fire needling therapy for plaque psoriasis can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,relieve the anxiety symptoms induced by skin lesions and itching,so as to improve their quality of life.
7.Research progress on the role of NF-κB signaling pathway in drug resistance mechanisms of pancreatic cancer
Ya-Ting SHU ; Jing-Wen SHI ; Fan LEI ; Zhao CUI ; Mei-Fang LIU ; Mei-Yu PENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(6):665-671
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by significant drug resistance,and despite continuous advancements in treatment regimens,the 5-year survival rate of patients remains low.The nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway,frequently mutated in tumors,has been identified as a critical factor in triggering drug resistance.Multiple studies have demonstrated that strategies targeting NF-κB signaling transduction exhibit promising outcomes in pancreatic cancer treatment.Therefore,exploring the relationship between the NF-κB signaling pathway and drug resistance in pancreatic cancer has become a research hotspot in pancreatic cancer treatment.This review summarizes recent advances in the relationship between NF-κB signaling pathway and tumor drug resistance,as well as its role in pancreatic cancer treatment.Specifically,the mechanisms by which the NF-κB signaling pathway mediates drug resistance in pancreatic cancer are elaborated from two perspectives:chemotherapy and immunotherapy,aiming to provide insights for pancreatic cancer treatment and future research.
8.COCKROACH SURVEILLANCE IN LANZHOU FROM 2016 TO 2023
Ying ZHANG ; Jing ZUO ; Qing-Ming SHI ; Zi-Peng LI ; Wen-Juan BA ; Zhi-Qing LI ; Ai-Miao LIAO ; Jing-Jing YU ; Guo-Jing BAO ; Xing LI ; Jun GAN ; Xiao-Lei YE
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(2):119-122
Objective To investigate the population composition,seasonal dynamics,and infestation levels of cockroaches in Lanzhou,China,and to provide information for the scientific development of cockroach control strategies.Methods Monitoring was conducted at three locations using the sticky trap method.Habitats included farm product markets,catering establishments,hotels,hospitals,and residential areas.Results From 2016 to 2023,the average cockroach density was 0.77 insects per board,with an average infestation rate of 10.84%.Blattella germanica was the dominant species.Seasonal density of cockroaches showed an approximately unimodal distribution,peaking in September.The highest average density and infestation rates were observed in farm product markets.Conclusions Cockroach density and infestation levels in Lanzhou remained relatively low.A comprehensive prevention and control strategy focusing on environmental management in key areas should be implemented according to the seasonal fluctuations.
9.Effects of Yiyi Ren aqueous preparation on blood lipid regulation and spleen-strengthening and dampness-eliminating effects in hyperlipidemia rats with syndrome of spleen deficiency and excessive dampness
Qinghuan SHI ; Qingqian YU ; Zehan ZHANG ; Bijuan LAN ; Ruting LI ; Fengzhi WU ; Yongzhu WEN ; Peng ZENG ; Feng LI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(7):82-86,91
Objective To investigate the effects of different doses of Yiyi Ren aqueous prepara-tion on blood lipid regulation and spleen-strengthening and dampness-eliminating effects in hyperlipi-demia rats with syndrome of spleen deficiency and excessive dampness.Methods Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into blank control group,model group,low-dose,medium-dose,high-dose Yiyi Ren aqueous preparation groups,and positive drug control group,with 10 rats in each group.A hyperlipidemia rat model with syndrome of spleen deficiency and excessive dampness was estab-lished by feeding with a high-fat diet for 21 consecutive days combined with a damp bedding environment.After drug administration,behavioral tests such as grip strength,weighted swimming test,and open field test were conducted;changes in body weight in each group were observed;serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and low-den-sity lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were detected;levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),an-tidiuretic hormone(ADH),and aldosterone(ALD)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group showed decreased HDL-C,grip strength,exhaustive swimming time,and total distance,as well as increased TC,TG,LDL-C,ADH,ALD,and VIP(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,TC,TG,and LDL-C levels were decreased in the medium-dose,high-dose Yiyi Ren aqueous preparation groups,and the positive drug control group,while the HDL-C levels were increased in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Yiyi Ren aqueous preparation groups and the positive drug control group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the high-dose Yiyi Ren aqueous preparation group showed in-creased grip strength,exhaustive swimming time and total distance and decreased serum ADH levels(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the medium and high-dose Yiyi Ren aqueous prepa-ration groups showed decreased serum ALD and VIP levels(P<0.05).Conclusion Yiyi Ren aqueous preparation has an effect on regulating blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemia rats with syn-drome of spleen deficiency and excessive dampness,and it can alleviate physical fatigue,improve abnormal exploratory behavior,and maintain normal water metabolism and motor function in rats.
10.Impact of admission-blood-glucose-to-albumin ratio on all-cause mortality and renal prognosis in critical patients with coronary artery disease: insights from the MIMIC-IV database.
Yong HONG ; Bo-Wen ZHANG ; Jing SHI ; Ruo-Xin MIN ; Ding-Yu WANG ; Jiu-Xu KAN ; Yun-Long GAO ; Lin-Yue PENG ; Ming-Lu XU ; Ming-Ming WU ; Yue LI ; Li SHENG
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(6):563-577
BACKGROUND:
Blood glucose and serum albumin have been associated with cardiovascular disease prognosis, but the impact of admission-blood-glucose-to-albumin ratio (AAR) on adverse outcomes in critical ill coronary artery disease (CAD) patients was not investigated.
METHODS:
Patients diagnosed with CAD were non-consecutively selected from the MIMIC-IV database and categorized into quartiles based on their AAR. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality, and secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), and renal replacement therapy (RRT). A restricted cubic splines model and Cox proportional hazard models assessed the association between AAR and adverse outcomes in CAD patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis determined differences in endpoints across subgroups.
RESULTS:
A total of 8360 patients were included. There were 726 patients (8.7%) died in the hospital and 1944 patients (23%) died at 1 year. The incidence of AKI and RRT was 63% and 4.3%, respectively. High AAR was markedly associated with in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.587, P = 0.003), 1-year mortality (HR = 1.502, P < 0.001), AKI incidence (HR = 1.579, P < 0.001), and RRT (HR = 1.640, P < 0.016) in CAD patients in the completely adjusted Cox proportional hazard model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis noted substantial differences in all endpoints based on AAR quartiles. Stratified analysis and interaction test demonstrated stable correlations between AAR and outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight that AAR may be a potential indicator for assessing in-hospital mortality, 1-year mortality, and adverse renal prognosis in critical CAD patients.


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