1.Effect of Electroacupuncture on Metabolism-Inflammation Network in Patients with Simple Obesity:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Qi SHU ; Qiumei PENG ; Zhihao XU ; Shanshan FANG ; Wenjing SHAO ; Hongliang CHENG ; Rilong HUANG ; Qing YU ; Ronglin CAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1415-1421
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treatment of simple obesity patients and its effects on the metabolism-inflammation network. MethodsSeventy-two patients with simple obesity were randomly divided into a electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group, with 36 patients in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), bilateral Daheng (SP15), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40). The sham electroacupuncture group used placebo needle at same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group. Both groups were given sparse-dense waves with a frequency of 2/10 Hz, 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks of treatment. The changes of human body parameters including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage (BFP), metabolic factors including serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), leptin, and ghrelin, and inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in leptin, ghrelin and inflammatory factors were further analyzed. ResultsWaist circumference was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups compared with baseline (P<0.05), and the post-treatment waist circumference was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the sham electroacupuncture group (P<0.05); body weight, BMI and BFP decreased significantly after treatment compared to pretreatment levels in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). Serum leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α declined significantly after treatment in both groups versus baseline (P<0.05); the electroacupuncture group had lower post-treatment levels of leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as larger pre-post changes than the sham group (P<0.05); ghrelin increased markedly after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), with higher post-treatment ghrelin and greater pre-post variation observed in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). In the electroacupuncture group, changes in ghrelin were negatively correlated with IL-6 and positively correlated with TNF-α (P<0.01); in the sham electroacupuncture group, ghrelin changes were negatively correlated with both IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas leptin changes were positively correlated with the two inflammatory markers (P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture can effectively improve clinical manifestations, as well as regulate serum metabolic and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with simple obesity, and discrepant correlation patterns of metabolism-inflammation are observed between the two groups.
2.Posaconazole for prevention of invasive fungal infections:a rapid health technology assessment
Yujie LI ; Jiantong MA ; Gerile HUANG ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Hao GUO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1364-1369
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of posaconazole for the prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). METHODS PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang data and other Chinese and English databases were searched, as well as the official websites of related health technology assessment (HTA). Systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis, pharmacoeconomic studies, and HTA reports of posaconazole for the prevention of IFIs were collected. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to November 1, 2025. After screening the literature, extracting the data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, the results of the included studies were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS A total of 45 studies were included, involving 17 SR/meta-analyses, 26 pharmacoeconomic studies, 1 SR/meta-analysis combined with a pharmacoeconomic study, and 1 HTA report. In terms of effectiveness, posaconazole was significantly superior to other antifungal drugs (eg., fluconazole, itraconazole) in reducing the incidence of IFIs, the incidence of invasive aspergillosis, all-cause mortality, and IFI-related mortality ( P <0.05). In terms of safety, posaconazole was significantly superior to other antifungal drugs in the incidence of total adverse reactions ( P <0.05), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of serious adverse reactions, the incidence of gastrointestinal advers e reactions, drug-induced liver injury, and the withdrawal rate due to adverse drug reactions ( P >0.05). In terms of cost-effectiveness, most studies have shown that posaconazole possesses more cost-effectiveness advantages. CONCLUSIONS Posaconazole demonstrates favorable efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness in preventing IFIs.
3.Shaoyaotang Regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis
Dongsheng WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenjing QUAN ; Wanqing XIONG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):69-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis, as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.42 g·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (11.1, 22.2, 44.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After successful modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated DAI score (P<0.01), reduced colon length and colon weight (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased colon length and colon weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.FGF21 overexpression upregulates SIRT1/GPX4 to inhibit ferroptosis and relieve CCl4 mouse acute liver injury
Xutao LING ; Qianqian HUANG ; Lun ZHANG ; Fang XIE ; Nan BAI ; Yingxia WANG ; Haoran HUA ; Haoze WANG ; Wenjing DAI ; Kexin LI ; Jianqing WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1053-1060
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of liver-targeted fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) overexpression against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and its association with silent information regulator 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SIRT1/GPX4) expression and ferroptosis-related markers. MethodsFemale ICR mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Control, CCl₄, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-FGF21, and AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 groups. Liver-targeted FGF21 overexpression was achieved via tail vein injection of AAV8-FGF21 virus with green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.3 mL/kg), with sample collection at 12 hours. Body weight and liver weight were recorded to calculate the liver weight/body weight. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer. FGF21 expression in liver tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Hepatic histopathology was evaluated by HE staining. RT-qPCR was performed to assess mRNA expression of ferroptosis and iron metabolism-related genes (ACSL4, PTGS2, HJV, FPN, GPX4), FGF21, and SIRT1. Protein expression of FGF21, SIRT1, and GPX4 were determined by Western blot. Iron content, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver homogenate were quantified using assay kits. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the FGF21 mRNA and protein expression elevated in CCl4 group; serum ALT/AST levels and liver weight/body weigh increased. The HE staining results showed that the liver cell membranes were ruptured. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, the iron content and MDA levels all increased (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, and FPN, the GSH level and SOD activity all decreased (P<0.05), and the protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the CCl4 group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 group were decreased (P<0.01), and the liver/body ratio of mice decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining showed that the degree of liver injury was alleviated. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, iron content and MDA level all decreased (P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, FPN, GSH level and SOD activity all increased (P<0.05). The protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both increased (P<0.05). ConclusionFGF21 overexpression is associated with enhanced SIRT1/GPX4 expression and suppression of ferroptosis features, thereby contributing to the alleviation of CCl4-induced ALI.
5.Follow-up study on latent tuberculosis infection among boarding junior and senior high school freshmen in Zhuhai City
ZHAO Wenjun, SU Wenjing, LUO Tao, LUO Jianzhen,WANG Tao, ZHANG Weihua,WEI Ning, HUANG Xian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1189-1192
Objective:
To investigate follow-up participation situation, negative conversion, and tuberculosis incidence among boarding junior and senior high school freshmen with latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI) in Zhuhai, so as to provide a reference for better LTBI management in school settings.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study enrolled 413 LTBI and 27 184 non LTBI boarding junior and senior high school freshmen in Zhuhai from September to October 2023. The LTBI group underwent follow up retesting at >3-6, >6-12, >12-24, >24 months after screening. The followup content included mycobacterium tuberculosis infection testing,chest X ray examination,and questionaire survey(basic demographic information, lifestyle, history of close contact with tuberculosis, and suspected symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis). Follow-up participation, negative conversion, and tuberculosis incidence were analyzed. Rate was compared by using the Chi-square test, and factors associated with negative conversion were assessed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Follow-up participation rates increased initially and then declined, with rates of 25.67% within >3-6 months, 37.05% within >6-12 months, 82.02% within >12-24 months, and 52.21% after 24 months. The overall negative conversion rate was 61.03%. The differences in the conversion rate to negative of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection detection among junior and senior high school freshmen in the LTBI group by different testing methods, school types, smoking history, sleep status, and academic stress were all statistically significant( χ 2=124.96, 22.70, 4.71, 6.31, 6.08, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified testing methods, smoking history, and sleep status as factors associated with negative conversion ( OR =1.90-21.67, all P <0.05). The cumulative incidence of tuberculosis was 726.39 per 100 000 in the LTBI group versus 14.71 per 100 000 in the non-LTBI group ( RR =49.37, 95% CI =11.08-219.87, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Boarding junior and senior high school freshmen with LTBI in Zhuhai have a higher risk of tuberculosis than concurrent non-LTBI students; they therefore represent a priority group for tuberculosis prevention and control. Centralized follow up is recommended to improve participation, and high specificity methods should be used in follow up retesting and maintain consistency across assessments.
6.Exploring aspirin discontinuation timing based on third-trimester risk reassessment in women with first-trimester high risk of pre-eclampsia
Xiaoyan HUANG ; Meiqin JIANG ; Qianqian LIN ; Wenjing MENG ; Qin XUE
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(9):709-715
Objective:To investigate whether continued low-dose aspirin (LDA) intervention affects the incidence of pre-eclampsia (PE) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with high-risk PE screening in the first trimester and reassessed as low risk at 28 weeks of gestation.Methods:This study was a prospective observational cohort study. From April 2022 to April 2024, a total of 106 pregnant women who underwent prenatal examination in the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University were enrolled. They were assessed as high risk of PE by multiple indicators combined screening at 11-13 +6 weeks of gestation, received LDA intervention, and were reassessed as low risk of PE at 28 weeks of gestation. The patients were divided into withdrawal group (49 cases) and continuation group (57 cases). The incidence of PE and adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results:(1) There were no statistically significant differences in general conditions and the incidence of pregnancy complications between the two groups (all P>0.05). During the PE risk screening at 11-13 +6 weeks of gestation, there were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and ultrasound uterine artery pulsation index (UtPI) between the two groups (all P>0.05), but the placental growth factor (PlGF) level in the withdrawal group was significantly lower than that in the continuation group ( P=0.023). There was no significant difference in the proportion of pregnant women with high risk of PE before 32 weeks and 34 weeks of pregnancy between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) There were 7 cases (14%, 7/49) of PE in the withdrawal group, including 1 case (2%, 1/49) of early-onset PE and 3 cases (6%, 3/49) of PE before 37 weeks of pregnancy. There were 11 cases (19%, 11/57) of PE in the continuation group, including 2 cases (4%, 2/57) of early-onset PE and 4 cases (7%, 4/57) of PE before 37 weeks of pregnancy. There were no significant differences in the incidence of PE (including early-onset PE and PE before 37 weeks of pregnancy), gestational hypertension, severe PE, chronic hypertension complicated with PE and chronic hypertension complicated with pregnancy between the two groups (all P>0.05). (3) There were no significant differences in cesarean section rate, preterm birth rate, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress rate, neonatal birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, and 1-minute and 5-minute Apgar scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). No stillbirth occurred in the two groups. Conclusion:For pregnant women with high risk of PE screening in the first trimester and taking LDA intervention, there is no difference in the incidence of PE and adverse pregnancy outcomes whether to continue LDA or not after being reassessed as low risk at 28 weeks of gestation.
7.Distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in China
Shunkai LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Jianrui WANG ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1090-1096
This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.
8.Efficacy and safety of amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)for injection versus ampicillin-sulbactam in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia
Xiaohua QIN ; Haihui HUANG ; Xingang HUANG ; Shenghua SUN ; Dongyang HE ; Wenjing WANG ; Yingyuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(4):357-363
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)for injection in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia(CAP)in adult patients.Methods Eligible patients were randomized to receive amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)2.2 g or ampicillin-sulbactam(2∶1)3.0 g via intravenous infusion q12h or q8h for 7 to 14 days.The primary endpoint was to the clinical efficacy 7-14 days after discontinuation of treatment.The secondary endpoints included microbiological efficacy and safety.Results All enrolled patients(n=324)were included in the full analysis set(FAS),specifically 165 patients receiving amoxicillin sodium-clavulanate potassium(10∶1)and 159 patients receiving ampicillin sodium-sulbactam sodium(2∶1).The clinical cure rate was 78.8%(130/165)for amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)and 77.4%(123/159)for ampicillin-sulbactam 7-14 days after end of treatment(P>0.05).The clinical cure rate was 87.5%(126/144)for amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)and 87.4%(111/127)for ampicillin-sulbactam(2∶1)in per protocol set(P>0.05).Therefore,amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)was non-inferior to ampicillin-sulbactam in the primary endpoint in the treatment of CAP in adult patients.The overall bacterial eradication rate was 94.4%(34/36)for amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)and 89.3%(25/28)for ampicillin-sulbactam(P>0.05).The common study drug-related clinical adverse event were abnormalities of hepatic function in both the amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)group(4.8%,8/165)and ampicillin-sulbactam group(3.1%,5/159)(P>0.05).Conclusions Amoxicillin-clavulanate(10∶1)2.2 g Ⅳ infusion q12h or q8h for 7-14 days was noninferior to ampicillin-sulbactam in terms of clinical and microbiological efficacy in the treatment of CAP in adult patients.The safety of the two dosing regimens was comparable.
9.Correlation between changes of brain region volume and cognitive function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Jiachen LI ; Jingjing HAN ; Guangyao LIU ; Wanjun HU ; Wenjing HUANG ; Min LI ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(9):1483-1487
Objective To observe the volume changes of brain regions and their correlation with cognitive function in temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE)patients.Methods Fifty TLE patients(TLE group)and 34 healthy controls(control group)were prospectively enrolled.Brain 3D-T1WI was collected,brain regions were delineated with automated segmentation technique,and hippocampus was segmented additionally with hippocampal brain template(HBT).The volume of brain regions were compared between groups,and the correlation of brain region volume with Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)score were analyzed.Results Compared with control group,in TLE group,bilateral cerebrum white matter,right globus pallidus,left posterior cingulate gyrus,left precentral gyrus,right fusiform gyrus,left cerebellum white matter,corpus callosum,left hippocampus(HBT segmentation and conventional segmentation)and right thalamus volumes decreased significantly(all P<0.05),while right choroid plexus volume increased significantly(P<0.05).The volume of left hippocampus(HBT segmentation)and right fusiform gyrus were both positively correlated with MoCA score in TLE group(r=0.335,0.376,P=0.009,0.007).Conclusion Widespread atrophy of brain regions could be seen in TLE patients,which were correlated with cognitive function.
10.Benserazide Ameliorates Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Modulating the Hexokinase 2-mediated Glycolysis Pathway
Yurou HUANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Wenjing JIANG ; Xiuxun WU ; Liang CHEN ; Yanjun DUAN ; Yong WU ; Zhenpeng QIU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(12):1885-1893
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of benserazide on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group,model control group,pirfenidone group(50 mg·kg-1),and low-dose and high-dose benserazide groups(300 and 600 mg·kg-1),with 6 mice in each group.Except for normal control group,the other groups were given bleomycin(3.5 mg·kg-1)by non-invasive tracheal instillation to establish a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis.Seven days after modeling,pirfenidone group and low-dose and high-dose benserazide groups were intragastrically administered the corresponding doses of drugs for 14 consecutive days.After the drug administration,the mice in each group were sacrificed.The pathological morphology of the lung tissue in each group was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and Masson staining.The content of hydroxyproline(HYP)in the lung tissue of mice,the content of lactic acid in the lung tissue and serum,and the activity of hexokinase(HK)in the lung tissue were detected by using kits.The expression levels of Collagen I and Fibronectin in the lung tissue of mice in each group were detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression levels of α-SMA,TGF-β1,Smad2,p-Smad2,TNF-α and IL-6 proteins in the lung tissue of mice in each group were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with normal control group,the lung tissue structure of model control group mice was damaged,with thickened alveolar septa and fibrotic changes such as collagen accumulation.The content of HYP and lactic acid and the activity of HK in the lung tissue increased significantly,and the expression levels of Collagen I,Fibronectin,α-SMA,TGF-β1,Smad2,p-Smad2,TNF-α,and IL-6 proteins were significantly increased.Compared with model control group,treatment with benserazide significantly alleviated the pathological damage of lung tissue in mice,significantly reduced the content of HYP,lactic acid and HK activity in lung tissue,and significantly decreased the expression levels of Collagen I,Fibronectin,α-SMA,TGF-β1,Smad2,p-Smad2,TNF-α and IL-6 proteins.Conclusion Benserazide ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by modulating the HK2-mediated glycolysis pathway.


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