1.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
2.Spectrum-effect Relationship of Bupleuri Radix Processed with Trionyx sinensis Blood for Yin Deficiency Based on Saponins
Mengyu HOU ; Xia ZHAO ; Zhiyu GUO ; Ting LIU ; Yuexing MA ; Yaohui YE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):147-155
ObjectiveTo analyze the pharmacodynamic activity of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood in the treatment of Yin deficiency and study the spectrum-effect relationship of this medicine. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography was employed to establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood, and the similarity was evaluated according to the SOP of Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM (version 2012). A mouse model of Yin deficiency induced by thyroxine was established. The relationship between the active components and the effect on Yin deficiency was explored by grey correlation analysis and partial least squares method based on the changes in the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP). The components screened out based on the spectrum-effect relationship were used for retrieval of the targets from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Database (TCMSP), The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP). Furthermore, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, and Drugbank were employed to establish the active component-target against Yin deficiency network of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out for the core targets. Real-time PCR was conducted to verify the predicted key pathways and mechanisms. ResultsThe fingerprints of the 15 batches of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood showed the similarities of 0.976-0.999 with the control fingerprint. Compared with the model group, the drug administration group showed elevated levels of T3 and T4 and lowered levels of cAMP, cGMP and cAMP/cGMP. The results of grey correlation analysis showed that active components in terms of the correlations followed the trend of saikosaponin B1 > saikosaponin B2 > saikosaponin C > saikosaponin D > saikosaponin A. The partial least squares analysis showed that saikosaponins A, D, B1, and B2 had higher VIP values. Network pharmacology predicted a total of 30 common targets, which were enriched in 276 GO terns and 115 KEGG pathways. The results of Real-time PCR showed that the model group had lower mRNA levels of Caspase-9, kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and higher mRNA level of mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) than the blank group and the drug administration group. ConclusionBupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood has therapeutic effect on Yin deficiency syndrome, which provides a new idea for studying Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood.
3.One-year recovery after lateral retinaculum release combined with chondroplasty in patients with lateral patellar compression syndrome.
Zhen-Long LIU ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Jin-Ming LIN ; Wu-Ji ZHANG ; Jiong-Yuan LI ; Zhi-Hui HE ; Yue-Yang HOU ; Jian-Li GAO ; Wei-Li SHI ; Yu-Ping YANG
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(6):462-468
PURPOSE:
Lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS) is characterized by a persistent abnormally high stress exerted on the lateral articular surface of the patella due to lateral patellar tilt without dislocation and lateral retinaculum contracture, leading to anterior knee pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of lateral retinaculum release (LRR) combined with chondroplasty in the treatment of LPCS.
METHODS:
This retrospective study evaluated 40 patients who underwent LRR combined with chondroplasty for LPCS between 2020 and 2021. The assessment included improvement in postoperative tenderness and knee joint function. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scoring systems, as well as the visual analog scale, both preoperatively and postoperatively, with the paired comparisons analyzed using a t-test. Additionally, intraoperative observations were made regarding knee joint lesions, including cartilage damage and osteophyte formation, with analysis by the Chi-square test.
RESULTS:
The visual analog scale score for tenderness showed a significant decrease after surgery (p < 0.001). Evaluation of knee joint function also indicated significant improvements, as demonstrated by increased Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scores postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, all LPCS patients included in the study presented with cartilage injuries and osteophyte formation. Significant differences were noted in the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation at different locations within the knee among patients with LPCS.
CONCLUSION
LRR combined with chondroplasty is an effective surgical approach for treating patients with LPCS, with satisfactory recovery observed at the 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation in LPCS patients varies significantly depending on the specific location within the knee joint.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Patella/surgery*
;
Knee Joint/physiopathology*
;
Recovery of Function
;
Young Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Cartilage, Articular/surgery*
;
Adolescent
4.A practice guideline for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid for solid organ transplants.
Shuang LIU ; Hongsheng CHEN ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qi GUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Bingyi SHI ; Suodi ZHAI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Liyan CUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yalin DONG ; Weihong GE ; Xiaofei HOU ; Ling JIANG ; Long LIU ; Lihong LIU ; Maobai LIU ; Tao LIN ; Xiaoyang LU ; Lulin MA ; Changxi WANG ; Jianyong WU ; Wei WANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Ting XU ; Wujun XUE ; Bikui ZHANG ; Guanren ZHAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Limei ZHAO ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Xiaojian ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):897-914
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C0), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug-drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage*
;
Drug Monitoring/methods*
;
Humans
;
Organ Transplantation
;
Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Delphi Technique
5.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
6.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
7.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
8.Identification and Potential Clinical Utility of Common Genetic Variants in Gestational Diabetes among Chinese Pregnant Women
Claudia Ha-ting TAM ; Ying WANG ; Chi Chiu WANG ; Lai Yuk YUEN ; Cadmon King-poo LIM ; Junhong LENG ; Ling WU ; Alex Chi-wai NG ; Yong HOU ; Kit Ying TSOI ; Hui WANG ; Risa OZAKI ; Albert Martin LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Juliana Chung-ngor CHAN ; Yan Chou YE ; Wing Hung TAM ; Xilin YANG ; Ronald Ching-wan MA
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):128-143
Background:
The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications.
Methods:
We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants.
Results:
Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.
9.A Sensitive Ion Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Method for Analysis of Iodine Speciation in Environmental Water Samples
Huan JIANG ; Ning CHEN ; Yan-Yun WANG ; Yu-Kun FAN ; Meng-Ting ZHANG ; Lu-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Lin HOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):278-288
Iodine speciations in aquatic environments are affected by dissolved oxygen,redox potential,microbial activity,organic matter decomposition,light reaction,etc.Accurate quantification of iodine speciation can not only help to understand the geochemical cycle of iodine,but also help to trace and study environmental processes.Based on the combination of ion chromatography(IC)and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS),a rapid and sensitive method was established for determining the speciations of iodine in environmental water samples including seawater,river water,lake water,rainwater,groundwater,etc.The results presented here showed that IO3?and I?in seawater were quickly separated and measured within 120 s when using guard column AG22 and 8 mmol/L(NH4)2CO3 as the mobile phase.While for lake water,river water and precipitation samples with high soluble organically bond iodine(SOI),an AS22 separation column(250 mm×4 mm)connected with a guard column and using 50 mmol/L(NH4)2CO3 as mobile phase could effectively separate unknown SOI from IO3? to achieve accurate quantification of IO3?.For accurate correction of iodine measurement signal fluctuations,133Cs was directly added to the(NH4)2CO3 mobile phase as an internal standard.The SOI content was calculated by the total iodine concentrations minus the sum of IO3?and I?.The precision of the established iodine speciation analytical method was better than 3.5%,and the standard addition experiment showed that the analytical method was accurate.When the injection volume was 25 μL,the detection limits were 0.011?0.025 μg/L for IO3? and 0.023?0.031 μg/L for I?,respectively.The method was successfully used to analyze IO3?,SOI and I? in environmental water samples,such as seawater,river water,rainwater and groundwater.
10.Application and exploration of chat generative pre-trained transformer in training emergency medical communication skills
Ting WANG ; Weizhuo LIU ; Bin HE ; Xumin HOU
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(1):93-95
Objective To observe the impact of chat generative pre-trained transformer(ChatGPT)-based simulated emergency medical communication training on the communication skills of junior residents and compare patient satisfaction differences among physicians of different seniority levels in emergency scenarios.Methods A prospective controlled study was conducted,enrolling 32 newly hired junior residents from Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.Participants were divided into a trained junior resident group and an untrained junior resident group using a random number table method,16 physicians in each group.16 attending physicians(attending physician group)from the same hospital during the same period served as controls.The trained junior resident group underwent a 1-month ChatGPT-based simulation training covering emergency scenarios,including multilingual dialogue,emotional support,and cross-cultural communication.Patient satisfaction was assessed via anonymous questionnaires evaluating clarity of communication,empathy,emotional support,and information completeness.Compare the differences in patient satisfaction scores among different groups of physicians.Results Compared with the untrained junior resident group,the trained junior resident group and the attending physician group exhibited significantly higher patient satisfaction scores(4.50±0.28,4.45±0.25 vs.3.80±0.41,both P<0.05).Conclusion ChatGPT-based simulation training significantly enhances emergency medical communication skills in junior residents.These findings suggest that integrating ChatGPT into clinical teaching could optimize patient-physician interaction quality.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail