1.Effect of Oral Sodium Butyrate on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via The Gut-muscle Axis in Antibiotic-pretreated CT26 Tumor-bearing Mice and Its Mechanism
Shu-Ling ZHANG ; Jun-Wei WANG ; Shi-Liang HU ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Shun-Chang LI ; Jia FAN ; Jun-Zhi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):724-739
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of oral sodium butyrate on skeletal muscle atrophy in CT26 tumor mice through the gut microbiota-skeletal muscle axis and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF BALB/c male mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n=18) and a ABX-depleted group (ABX, n=42). The ABX mice were pretreated with a quadruple antibiotic cocktail via oral gavage (0.2 ml per administration, once daily, 6 d per week, for 2 weeks), whereas NC received an equal volume of sterile water. The quadruple antibiotic cocktail consisted of metronidazole (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L), ampicillin (1 g/L), and gentamicin (1 g/L). Following successful pretreatment, six mice from each group were randomly selected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis and designated as the Abx group and the NC0 group, respectively. Theremaining mice in ABX were subcutaneously inoculated in the dorsum with 0.2 ml of CT26 cell suspension (at a cell density of 1×107/ml). Then these mice were randomly allocated into three subgroups: a control tumor bearing model group (0_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving low-dose oral sodium butyrate (L_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving high-dose oral sodium butyrate (H_NaB, n=12). And mice in NC were inoculated at the same site with 0.2 ml of normal saline. The administration dose for L_NaB was 0.3 g/(kg·d), that for H_NaB was 0.5 g/(kg·d), while NC and 0_NaB were given the same volume of normal saline (0.2ml per time, once daily, 6 d per week, for 4 weeks). The general condition of mice was monitored, and forelimb grip strength gastrocnemius muscle mass and its muscle fiber cross-sectional area were measured for each group. The structural changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents. Pathological alterations in the intestinal wall were examined via HE staining. Serum and gastrocnemius muscle levels of TNF‑α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS were quantified using ELISA. The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the small intestine, as well as proteins associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle, were detected by Western blot analysis. Results(1) The alpha-diversity in Abx was significantly lower than that in NC0 (P<0.01), a significant decrease of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius (P<0.01), with the majority of gut microbiota being effectively depleted. (2) Compared with NC, the subcutaneous tumors of mice in 0_NaB were prominent, a significant increase of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius, accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight at the end of the 3th and 4th week (P<0.05), and a significant weakening of the forelimb grasping strength at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.01). Compared with 0_NaB, the tumor mass of mice in L_NaB and H_NaB showed a significant decreasing trend, and the grip strength of the forelimbs significantly increased at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) Compared with 0_NaB, the Shannon and Observed species indices in α diversity of L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with 0_NaB, L_NaB exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P< 0.01), while H_NaB showed significant reductions in the relative abundances of both Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with 0_NaB, the small intestinal tissue structure in L_NaB and H_NaB was more intact, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced, and the capillaries were slightly dilated. The expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins in L_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.01). (5) The LPS concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF‑κB p65 in L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05). The serum TNF‑α concentration in H_NaB and TNF-α concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle of the L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). ConclusionOral administration of NaB can improve gut microbiota α diversity, adjusting its composition, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, reducing the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response, and delaying skeletal muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanism may involve down regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle.
2.Effect of Microorganisms on The Spoilage of Donkey Hides From Different Regions
Meng ZHANG ; Qiu-Mei LI ; Jia-Wei KANG ; Jie YU ; Xia LI ; Yue YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):754-766
ObjectiveDonkey hide is the sole legally designated raw material for the preparation of the traditional Chinese medicine Ejiao. The quality stability of donkey hide during preservation directly determines the efficacy and safety of Ejiao. This study focuses on the dynamic succession of microbial communities during the preservation of donkey hides from different origins, aiming to clarify the correlation between microbial biodiversity difference and the degradation profiles of hide collagen and critical biochemical components, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for developing targeted preservation strategies based on microbial regulation. MethodsDonkey hides originating from four different regions were subjected to an accelerated microbial aging assay to simulate the spoilage process. The microbial community succession was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Microstructure changes and pore structure characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, respectively. Additionally, the content of major components, including lipids, proteins, and sugars were determined by biochemical methods. ResultsAfter 96 h of aging, the collagen fiber structure in Africa donkey hides (ADH) exhibited significant degradation and collapse, followed by Xinjiang donkey hides (XDH). Instead, the microstructure of Dong’e black donkey hides (DDH) and Peru donkey hides (PDH) remained relatively intact. The porosities of DDH, XDH, PDH, and ADH increased from 27.9%, 15.7%, 30.3%, and 46.2% to 36.5%, 52.6%, 42.8%, and 57.7%, respectively, during the aging process, which suggested that the originally compact fiber structure was disrupted by microbial aging. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed the amide bands in XDH exhibited relatively weak intensity, and no collagen amide I band was observed in ADH. Meanwhile, the lipid and protein contents decreased in all four types of donkey hides, indicating that these components served as the primary nutrient sources for the growth of microorganism. Notably, the most severe collagen degradation was observed in XDH and ADH. A substantial increase was detected in the total soluble sugar in PDH aging solution and hydroxyproline in the ADH aging solution, respectively. These results indicated that donkey hides exhibit distinct patterns of structural degradation and nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the viable cells number of donkey hides increased sharply after 48 h of aging. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Euryarchaeota in ADH, PDH and XDH declining from initial 93.19%, 97.73% and 30.08% to 0.79%, 1.43% and 0.02% after 96 h, respectively. Conversely, a significantly increase was observed in the abundance of Bacillota, with a marked increase in ADH, peaking at 92.75%. Additionally, the abundance of Pseudomonadota in PDH increased from 0.10% to 87.84%, suggesting that Bacillota and Pseudomonadota may be key factors exacerbating donkey hide spoilage. Unlike the other three types of donkey hides, the dominant bacterial phylum in DDH shifted from Pseudomonadota to Bacteroidota, characterized by a substantial abundance increase of Bacteroidota from 0.13% to 44.22%. ConclusionRegional variation in origin significantly influence the microbial aging of donkey hides, leading to distinct patterns of structural deterioration and differential nutrient utilization. Therefore, implementing origin-specific preservation strategies, through the precisely controlling environmental factors to suppress harmful phyla such as Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, is crucial for enhancing the storage quality of donkey hides.
3.Research progress on the prevention and treatment of drug-induced myocardial injury related to anti-tumor therapy with Chinese traditional medicine
Yanan GU ; Guoping LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Dingfang CAI ; Xiaolin WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):330-338
With the widespread application of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, cardiotoxicity associated with anti-tumor treatment has gained increasing attention. Drug-induced cardiac injury can significantly impact patients’ quality of life and may even limit the overall efficacy of anti-tumor therapy. The underlying mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and immune dysregulation. Owing to multitarget effects, low toxicity, and holistic regulatory properties, Chinese traditional medicines have demonstrated considerable potential in cardioprotection. This review summarizes the principal mechanisms of drug-induced myocardial injury related to anti-tumor therapy and highlights recent advances in the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity using Chinese medical formulae, such as compound danshen dripping pills, nuanxinkang, qili qiangxin capsules, and shengmai powder, as well as their bioactive constituents. The cardioprotective effects of these agents are discussed in terms of their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mitochondrial-protective actions. Furthermore, it highlights certain traditional medicines that exhibit unique advantages in synergistic cardioprotective and anti-tumor therapy. Future efforts should focus on well-designed, systematic clinical studies to facilitate the translational application of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in cardio-oncology.
4.Efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in diabetic macular edema
Wei XU ; Yinghua JIANG ; Shusheng ZHANG ; Jingjing LI ; Yiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):102-107
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of combining the replenishing qi and nourishing yin empirical formula with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 59 patients diagnosed with DME at Tongji Hospital of Tongji University or Shanghai Nanxiang Hospital, Jiading District from June 2019 to December 2022. Among them, 29 cases received intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (anti-VEGF group), while 30 cases received both intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and oral administration of the replenishing qi and nourishing yin empirical formula (combined treatment group). The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks after treatment. Results Compared with before treatment, BCVA significantly improved (P<0.05) and CMT significantly decreased (P<0.05) at different time points after treatment in both groups. At 16, 20, and 24 weeks after treatment, BCVA in the combined treatment group was superior to that in the anti-VEGF group (P<0.01). At 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks after treatment, CMT in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the anti-VEGF group (P<0.01). Starting from week 8 after treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in the combined treatment group were lower than those in the anti-VEGF group (P<0.01). Conclusions The replenishing qi and nourishing yin empirical formula could improve the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy in DME patients, indicating that integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine has certain clinical application value in treating DME.
5.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
6.Severe Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Case Report
Jianhua LI ; Wei HUANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Weiyuan LUO ; Yanqiong WU ; Xiukai CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):115-119
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma(IVLBCL) is a rare and aggressive type of lymphoma with diverse and nonspecific clinical manifestations, often leading to misdiagnosis. This article reports a case of IVLBCL in a middle-aged male patient who initially presented with pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH). The patient exhibited progressive hypoxemia and PAH, showing poor response to standard PAH therapy. Laboratory tests indicated a hyperinflammatory state and significantly elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, while imaging revealed diffuse bilateral lung lesions. Random skin biopsy identified atypical B lymphocytes within subcutaneous capillaries, confirming the diagnosis of IVLBCL. Following treatment with the ZR-CHOP regimen, the patient's symptoms and laboratory parameters improved markedly. By reviewing relevant literature, this article systematically outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic process of this case, aiming to provide insights for the clinical recognition of such rare presentations.
7.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
8.Methodological establishment of red blood cell lysis method for handling Rh typing double group samples
Lu LI ; Bin WANG ; Junjie WEI ; Xiaolin SUN ; Haiyun LIU ; Weixin WU ; Yinze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):114-117
Objective: To establish an accurate and rapid typing method for Rh typing of samples from patients who have received recent blood transfusions by utilizing the difference in osmotic fragility between fresh and old red blood cells. Methods: A lysing solution suitable for destroying old RBCs was prepared. Sixty-one samples collected in our hospital in 2024 with Rh typing of double groups were treated with the lysing solution to remove the old allogeneic red blood cells while preserving the patient's own fresh red blood cells, followed by repeat Rh typing tests. Results: For 61 samples with Rh typing in double groups, 41 were accurately detected identified through the red blood cell lysis method, yielding an identification rate of 67.21%. No significant difference was observed compared to the detection rate of the commonly used capillary centrifugation modified method (χ
=0.103, P>0.05). Conclusion: The red blood cell lysis method provides a novel and rapid experimental approach for clinical use in processing Rh-typed samples that are of double groups, thereby offering a basis for Rh compatibility blood transfusion.
9.Two cases of acute radiation-induced skin injury caused by external exposure to 192Ir
Li LI ; Wei SHANG ; Yan LING ; Mi WANG ; Huisheng ZHANG ; Chiqiao LU ; Xiaohu ZHONG ; Shenglong XU ; Juan GUO ; Chang LIU ; Yulong LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):56-61
Objective To introduce the causes of accidents and the diagnosis and treatment of two patients with radiation-induced skin injury admitted to our hospital in 2023, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of subsequent radiation-induced skin injury. Methods The clinical treatment process of two patients with acute skin injury caused by external radiation exposure were summarized and analyzed. Results The exposure history of the two patients was reconstructed, the flaw detection scenario was simulated, the biological dose and hand skin exposure dose were estimated, and the infrared thermal imaging device was used for dynamic monitoring. A comprehensive analysis was conducted based on clinical manifestations and other data. The diagnosis of “Xie” was excessive exposure combined with acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade IV for the right hand palm, index finger, and middle finger and Grade II for the left hand little finger). The diagnosis of “Hao” was acute radiation-induced skin injury on both hands (Grade I). The two patients received different clinical treatment measures: “Xie” was treated with both local and systemic therapies, while “Hao” was mainly treated with systemic therapy. Conclusion After systematic and effective treatment, the radiation-induced skin injuries healed in both patients.
10.Expert consensus on perioperative nursing care for myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy
Huimin DONG ; Ting ZHOU ; Yingmei ZHONG ; Wei LI ; Xiaoyan LI ; Chunfang ZHANG ; Guoyan QI ; Yangchun LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):1-12
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by impaired neuromuscular transmission. Thymectomy is one of the therapeutic options for acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis patients. The quality of perioperative care is directly associated with surgical safety and patient outcomes. However, there is currently a lack of specialized nursing consensus or guidelines specifically addressing the care of these patients domestically or internationally. To promote the standardization and normalization of perioperative nursing care for myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy and to ensure treatment efficacy, a panel of 57 experts from relevant fields was convened. Based on evidence-based medicine and clinical practice experience, discussions were held on various aspects including condition assessment, nutritional support, medication management, and airway care, resulting in a consensus with 18 final recommendations by using the Delphi method through two rounds of expert consultation. This consensus aims to provide a scientific reference for the perioperative nursing care of myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail