1.The magnetic compression technique in the treatment of severe mid-ureteral stricture
Fanchao WEI ; Zhaoxiang WANG ; Shichao HAN ; Zhiwen DONG ; Yuxin FU ; Ruochen QI ; Guohui WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Tong XU ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Weijun QIN ; Lijun YANG ; Shuaijun MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):182-186
Objective To explore the feasibility of magnetic compression technique (MCR) in the treatment of severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. Methods After 10 female New Zealand rabbits were selected, the distal end of the right ureter was ligated with silk thread. Two weeks after the operation, when the right ureter was dilated, the mid-ureter was ligated again with silk thread to create a severe single mid-ureteral stricture animal model. Longitudinal incisions were made at the upper and lower ends of the ligation site, and cylindrical NdFeB magnets with central holes (sub-magnets and main magnets) were placed to anastomose and recanalize the mid-ureteral stricture. The magnets were adjusted to the appropriate position to automatically align and attract each other. The longitudinal incision sites of the ureter were sutured with 6-0 Prolene thread, and the abdominal cavity was closed layer by layer. The operation time was recorded. X-ray films were taken every two days to confirm the position of the magnets and record the time of magnet detachment. Three weeks after the operation, the anastomotic specimens were obtained, and the formation of the anastomosis was evaluated with gross observation and histological staining. Results Two weeks after ligation, all experimental rabbits showed obvious dilation of the right ureter. The mid-ureteral ligation and placement of the male and female magnets were successfully completed in all 10 experimental rabbits, with an operation time of (24.00±5.15)minutes. The male and female magnets attracted each other well. X-ray examination showed that the magnets detached and entered the distal ureter (14.0±1.9) days after magnetic compression. The recanalization of the severe single mid-ureteral stricture was successfully achieved. The gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomosis showed that the anastomosis remained patent and the mucosal healing was good. All experimental rabbits survived well after the operation without serious complications. Conclusion MCT provides a new idea and novel method for the treatment of mid-ureteral stricture. This study confirmed the feasibility of this technique in treating severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. The operation is relatively simple and has potential for clinical application.
2.Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Therapeutic Strategies for Diabetic Kidney Disease under the Guidance of "Diseased Collateral" Theory
Yuzi CAI ; Huijuan ZHENG ; Weijun HUANG ; Yue JI ; Yizhen HAN ; Weiwei SUN ; Yuning LIU ; Yaoxian WANG ; Weijing LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1390-1396
Based on the theory of diseased collaterals and the progression pattern of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), this paper proposes a staged treatment system based on the "three states of kidney collaterals" including collateral distention, collateral bi (痹) and collateral accumulation. In the collateral distention stage, the primary pathogenesis is heat damaging the kidney collaterals and collateral vessel dilation, corresponding to the early state of DKD characterized by hyperfiltration and microalbuminuria; the clearing method is suggested, and Shenling Jiangtang Formula (参苓降糖方) can be used to promote the remission of proteinuria by ameliorating insulin resistance and regulating intestinal microecology. In the collateral bi stage, the core pathogenesis lies in the binding of phlegm and stasis, and the formation of concretions and conglomerations in the kidney collaterals, corresponding to massive proteinuria and the decline of renal function, for which the unblocking method should be taken, using Jinchan Yishen Tongluo Formula (金蝉益肾通络方) and Qingre Xiaozheng Formula (清热消癥方) to alleviate renal pathological damage by regulating the autophagy-lysosome pathway and repairing mitochondrial energy metabolism. The collateral accumulation stage is characterized by the internal retention of turbid toxins and accumulations of concretions in the kidney collaterals, corresponding to renal fibrosis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD); the dispersion method is suggested, and Yiqi Tongluo Xiezhuo Formula (益气通络泄浊方) and Shenyan Fangshuai Fluid (肾炎防衰液) can be used to inhibit extracellular matrix accumulation and delay the progressive loss of renal function. Collateral deficiency runs through the entire course of the disease and is closely related to cellular senescence and the imbalance of the ubiquitin-proteasome/autophagy system. The concept of the "three states of kidney collaterals" integrates the evolution of traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis with modern pathological staging, forming a whole-course intervention system of "staging-syndrome differentiation-target-formula", thereby providing novel insights for prevention and treatment of DKD using integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine.
3.Mechanism of Erchentang Improving Obesity in Mice by Inducing Browning of White Adipose Tissue Based on AMPK/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway
Jiawei CHEN ; Maohui LIU ; Zhida YANG ; Weijun DING ; Xiuwen XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):11-19
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Erchentang improves body weight in obese mice by regulating the AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ coactivator‑1α (PGC‑1α) signaling pathway and inducing browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). MethodsObese mouse models were established by feeding a high‑fat diet. After successful modeling, mice were randomly divided into a model group and low‑, medium‑, and high‑dose Erchentang groups (7.5, 15, 30 g·kg-1), with six mice in each group. Another six normal mice were set as the normal group. Mice in the treatment groups were administered with corresponding doses of the drug by gavage, while those in the normal and model groups were administered with an equal volume of pure water by gavage for four consecutive weeks. Obesity was evaluated by body weight and Lee's index. The levels of low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C) and high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‑C) in serum were detected by biochemical assays. The leptin content in serum was measured by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the liver and iWAT. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to detect the protein expression levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the liver and iWAT. Molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding affinity between the key components of Erchentang (nobiletin, diosmetin, naringenin) and the key pathway proteins AMPK and PGC‑1α. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of uncoupling protein‑1 (UCP‑1), AMPK, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p‑AMPK), and PGC‑1α in iWAT. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the mice in the model group showed significantly increased body weight and Lee's index, elevated levels of HDL‑C, LDL‑C, and leptin in serum, enlarged adipocytes in iWAT, down‑regulated protein expression levels of GLUT4 in iWAT and liver, and decreased protein expression levels of UCP‑1 and PGC‑1α in iWAT(P<0.05, P<0.01), the expression level of p-AMPK / AMPK protein was up-regulated, but the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with those in the model group, the mice in the Erchentang groups with different doses exhibited significantly reduced body weight and Lee's index, decreased levels of HDL‑C, LDL‑C, and leptin in serum, smaller adipocytes in iWAT, up‑regulated GLUT4 protein expression levels in iWAT and liver, and increased protein expression levels of UCP‑1, p‑AMPK/AMPK, and PGC‑1α in iWAT (P<0.05, P<0.01). Molecular docking results show that nobiletin, diosmetin, and naringenin have strong binding energies with both AMPK and PGC‑1α. ConclusionErchentang may improve body weight in obese mice by regulating the AMPK/PGC‑1α signaling pathway and inducing iWAT browning.
4.Effects of Guilu Erxian Glue on gut microbiota in rats with knee osteoarthritis:machine learning and 16S rDNA analysis
Fucheng GU ; Meixin YANG ; Weixin WU ; Weijun CAI ; Yangyi QIN ; Mingyi SUN ; Jian SUN ; Qiudong GENG ; Nan LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1058-1072
BACKGROUND:The Guilu Erxian Glue consists of Testudinis Plastrum,Cornu Cervi,Lycii Fructus,and Ginseng Radix.In earlier clinical observations,it is discovered that using Guilu Erxian Glue to treat patients with liver-kidney deficiency type knee osteoarthritis effectively alleviated knee pain,increased the range of motion,and improved walking ability.However,the exact mechanism by which oral administration of Guilu Erxian Glue can produce local therapeutic effects on the knee joint is still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Guilu Erxian Glue on gut microbiota in rats with knee osteoarthritis and to evaluate its mechanism using 16S rDNA sequencing and machine learning analysis.METHODS:Totally 18 female SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:blank group,model group,and Guilu Erxian Glue group,with 6 rats in each group.A knee osteoarthritis model was prepared using the destabilization of the medial meniscus surgical method.After successful modeling,the Guilu Erxian Glue group was given a decoction of Guilu Erxian Glue by gavage,while the blank and model groups were given an equal amount of distilled water.After 28 days of continuous intervention,high performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the active ingredients of Guilu Erxian Glue.MRI imaging was used to observe the condition of rat knee articular cartilage.Fecal samples were collected;DNA was extracted using a kit,amplified and purified by PCR,and an Illumina sequencing library was constructed.The Illumina MiSeq platform was used for high-throughput sequencing to generate raw sequence data.After obtaining the raw data,QIIME2 software was used to process the data.Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis and random forest algorithm were used to screen for differential species in microbial data.KEGG and MetaCyc functional pathway analyses were used to explore the association between key microbial communities and experimental groups.Linear discriminant analysis effect values and random forest algorithm were used to screen for differential species.Association networks were used to analyze the interactions between microbial communities,and machine learning methods were used to analyze the composition and changes of gut microbiota.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)LC-MS component identification was conducted on the traditional Chinese medicine formula of Guilu Erxian Glue,and a total of 7 effective ingredients were identified.(2)MRI imaging showed that synovitis scope of high-density shadows in rats of the Guilu Erxian Glue group was reduced,and the degeneration of medial femoral condyle cartilage was less than that in the model group.(3)16S rDNA sequencing showed that the model group rats exhibited significant microbial imbalance,with a significant decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level,while the proportion of Proteobacteria increased significantly(P<0.05).The gut microbiota structure of rats in the Guilu Erxian Glue group was significantly improved,and the proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes increased,restoring a more diverse microbiota composition,approaching that of the blank group(P<0.05).(4)KEGG and MetaCyc functional pathway analysis showed that the Guilu Erxian Glue group significantly activated multiple metabolic pathways,including amino acid metabolism,lipid metabolism,and biotin synthesis pathways(P<0.05).(5)The results indicate that Guilu Erxian Glue contains seven active ingredients,and the changes in gut microbiota of knee osteoarthritis rats were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing.Guilu Erxian Glue can significantly improve the imbalance of gut microbiota,restore the abundance of beneficial bacteria,and have a significant impact on the composition of gut microbiota,providing scientific basis for the efficacy and mechanism of Guilu Erxian Glue.
5.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
6.Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB type) after kidney transplantation
Yan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Tong XU ; Guohui WANG ; Ruochen QI ; Dongjuan WU ; Kepu LIU ; Weijun QIN ; Shuaijun MA
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):257-265
Objective To analyze the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the context of specific cases and literature. Methods A case of EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type) after kidney transplantation is reported. The patient was a 45-year-old male who underwent living-related kidney transplantation in 2016 and has been receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone since then. In 2024, the patient presented with intermittent fever, night sweats and gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic pathology, immunohistochemical staining and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The R-CDOP regimen (rituximab + cyclophosphamide + liposomal doxorubicin + vincristine + dexamethasone) was used for treatment. Results The patient was diagnosed with EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type, Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ B). After 4 cycles of R-CDOP chemotherapy, the efficacy assessment was partial remission, and the transplant kidney function remained stable. Conclusions For EBV-negative PTLD after kidney transplantation, it is necessary to break through the "virus-dependent" diagnostic thinking. In clinical practice, the focus should be on protecting the transplant kidney, and individualized treatment plans should be developed for patients.
7.Diabetic Kidney Disease and Gut-kidney Axis: A Review
Yingchao WANG ; Yexin CHEN ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Xingru PAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):310-320
With the rising incidence of diabetes, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become a significant global health burden. Although current prevention and treatment strategies can partially delay the progression of DKD, the risk of patients advancing to end-stage renal disease remains high. Since the concept of the "gut-kidney axis" was first introduced at the International Congress on Dialysis in 2011, research on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of DKD has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the current research on gut microbiota, explores the mechanisms through which it contributes to DKD development, and outlines clinical approaches for DKD prevention and treatment based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory. Evidence indicates that dietary interventions, intake of probiotics or prebiotics, use of metformin and novel antidiabetic drugs, and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas can effectively improve gut microbiota composition, influence metabolite production, and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier. These interventions can further regulate intestinal innate immunity and inflammatory responses, thereby modulating the progression of DKD. Despite challenges posed by the traditional oral administration of water-decocted TCM compound formulas and the complexity of their ingredients, increasing evidence suggests that TCM may indirectly affect the occurrence and development of DKD by modulating gut microbiota. This finding provides a new perspective on the potential mechanisms of TCM in DKD treatment and may offer novel strategies for DKD prevention and therapy.
8.Discussion on Modern Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Based on Artificial Intelligence
Kun LIAN ; Xueqin WANG ; Duoting TAN ; Weijun LI ; Lin LI ; Xin LI ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):336-346
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostics is a discipline that studies the basic theories and fundamental skills of diagnostic methods, disease diagnosis, and differentiation in accordance with the theories of TCM. The artificial intelligence (AI) technology has gained remarkable achievements in the intelligentization of the four diagnostic methods in TCM and the standardization of differentiation and diagnosis. However, it still faces many challenges. The standardization of clinical data collection is difficult, and the data quality is uneven, which affects the usability of the data. The integration of the four diagnostic information is insufficient. Most instruments can only collect data from a single diagnostic method, lacking overall integrity. The scientific nature of the diagnostic model needs to be improved. The existing models lack dynamics and the reasoning logic of TCM differentiation. The accuracy of intelligent methods needs to be improved, and the existing evaluation indicators cannot fully reflect the practical application effect of the model. Furthermore, the relevant laws and regulations are still not perfect, and data security and patient privacy lack guarantees. The cultivation of compound talents is insufficient, and there is a lack of interdisciplinary talents who are proficient in both TCM and AI. On this basis, this paper expounded on the current development status, difficulties, and bottlenecks of AI in TCM diagnosis and then explored the development trend of AI in the field of TCM diagnosis. It proposed solutions such as optimizing the data collection process, constructing multimodal diagnostic models, facilitating multi-disciplinary exchanges and cooperation, improving laws and regulations, and cultivating compound talents. It is hoped that modern, standardized, normalized, and intelligent TCM diagnosis can be further promoted, thereby providing new impetus and methods for the inheritance and innovation of TCM.
9.Comparative analysis of the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different populations in Baoji, Shaanxi Province
Ruize WANG ; Weixuan LI ; Yuanyuan DONG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Dan ZHANG ; Weijun HU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):59-63
Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different age groups, and to provide a basis for early diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples were collected from 1742 suspected cases of meningitis in Baoji, Shaanxi Province from August 2013 to July 2019. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected by isolation culture and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators and other information of laboratory confirmed cases was conducted by χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 1742 samples of encephalitis or meningitis cases were detected, and 41 cases were confirmed as laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Among them, there were 12 cases (29.27%) in the infant group, 14 cases (34.15%) in the child group, and 15 cases (36.59%) in the adult group. The proportion of the adults with headache was significantly higher than that of the infants (χ2=11.408,P<0.017). The proportion of the adults with consciousness disorder, elevated white blood cells and elevated neutrophils were significantly higher than those in the infant and the child groups(Fisher's exact test, P<0.017;χ2 =6.428,P<0.017;χ2 =10.898,P<0.017;χ2 =6.421,P<0.017;χ2 =9.758,P<0.017;χ2 =7.744,P<0.017). The proportion of the infants with cerebrospinal fluid turbidity was significantly higher than that of the children (Fisher's exact test,P<0.017). The proportion of the infants with decreased white blood cells and reduced glucose in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher than that of the children group and the adult group(Fisher's exact test, P<0.001;Fisher's exact test, P<0.001;Fisher's exact test, P<0.017; Fisher's exact test, P<0.017). Conclusion Most adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis have headache and consciousness disorders, with significantly increased proportion of white blood cells and neutrophils. Infant patients tend to have cloudy appearance of cerebrospinal fluid, leukopenia in blood, and decreased glucose in cerebrospinal fluid.
10.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.


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