1.From Gene Expression to Transcriptome-wide Association Study: Development and Comparison of Methodology
Kun FANG ; Guozhuang LI ; Linting WANG ; Qing LI ; Kexin XU ; Lina ZHAO ; Zhihong WU ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Nan WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):223-229
Over the past two decades, genome-wide association study(GWAS) has identified numerous genetic variants and loci associated with heritable diseases. With the gradual maturation and saturation of GWAS methodologies, transcriptome-wide association study(TWAS) offers a novel perspective by linkinggenetic phenotypes to gene expression levels. By integrating TWAS with other multi-omics analyses, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of heritable diseases. This article provides an overview of recent groundbreaking and representative TWAS methods and tools, analyzes their strengths and limitations, and discusses future trends in TWAS development.
2.Reliability evaluation of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria
Feiyan JIN ; Nan WU ; Yanxian WANG ; Xiaofeng LIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):913-917
AIM: To evaluate the reliability of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria.METHODS: This cross-sectional diagnostic study enrolled patients with refractive errors who visited Shantou Aier Eye Hospital from May 2023 to August 2025, presenting with symptoms of visual fatigue, undergoing myopia management, or receiving routine ophthalmic examinations, and who completed heterophoria testing during this period. All patients wearing full refractive correction underwent near-distance(0.4 m)horizontal heterophoria measurement in a random order using the digital multimedia system, the Von Graefe method, and the Maddox rod method. Two consecutive measurements were performed for each method. The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was used to analyze the measurement repeatability of each method, and Bland-Altman analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to evaluate the consistency between the digital multimedia system and the two traditional methods.RESULTS: A total of 60 patients(120 eyes)were included, comprising 27 males and 33 females, with a mean age of 21.03±7.24 y. Repeatability analysis showed that the ICC for the digital multimedia system was 0.960(95%CI: 0.934-0.976), for the Von Graefe method was 0.979(95%CI: 0.964-0.987), and for the Maddox rod method was 0.956(95%CI: 0.926-0.973), all indicating excellent repeatability. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean difference of 0.367△ [95% limits of agreement(LoA): -2.97△ to 3.70△] between the Von Graefe method and the digital system, and a mean difference of 0.067△(95% LoA: -3.05△ to 3.19△)between the Maddox rod method and the digital system. Both differences were within the clinically acceptable range(difference <4△). Spearman correlation analysis showed positive correlations between the digital system and the Von Graefe method(rs=0.867)and between the digital system and the Maddox rod method(rs=0.777, all P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The digital multimedia system demonstrates high repeatability and good consistency with the traditional Von Graefe and Maddox rod methods for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria. It shows promise as a new and effective tool for clinical near-distance horizontal heterophoria measurement.
3.Effects and molecular mechanisms of Abelmoschi Corolla and its active flavonoids in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):115-121
Abelmoschi Corolla is extensively applied in managing diabetic nephropathy (DN) and other renal conditions due to its diuretic and detoxifying properties. The primary bioactive constituents of Abelmoschi Corolla are flavonoids, including notably rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, hibifolin, myricetin, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide, and quercetin. These flavonoid components can influence the pathological progression of DN via a multi-target synergistic mechanism, effectively reducing proteinuria levels. This review examines the roles of Abelmoschi Corolla and its flavonoid components in modulating the key pathological aspects of DN and their underlying mechanisms, and briefly discusses the metabolic patterns of its bioactive components and the research progress in combined medication, aiming to provide a forward-looking scientific foundation for further investigating the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of Abelmoschi Corolla in DN treatment.
4.Programmed Cell Death in Endometriosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Zuoliang ZHANG ; Wanrun WANG ; Wen LI ; Xue HAN ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Nan SU ; Huiling LIU ; Quansheng WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):48-57
Endometriosis (EMT) is a common disease with frequent occurrence and difficult to be cured in modern clinical practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. It is characterized by progressively worsening dysmenorrhoea, pelvic mass, and infertility. The incidence of EMT is growing and increasingly younger patients are diagnosed with this disease, which poses a serious threat to the reproductive and psychological health of women of childbearing age and adolescent females. However, the pathogenesis of EMT is still not completely clear, and the disease has a long course. Therefore, developing new therapies is an urgent clinical problem to be solved. Great progress has been achieved in the treatment of EMT with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), while the underlying mechanism remains in exploration. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a cell death mode mediated by a variety of bio-molecules with specific signaling cascades. The known PCD processes include apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, which all play a pivotal role in the development of EMT. Researchers have made achievements in the treatment of EMT with TCM, which regulates PCD via multiple pathways, routes, targets, and mechanisms. However, the progress in the regulation of PCD in the treatment of EMT with TCM remains to be reviewed. This paper reviews the research progress in the treatment of EMT with TCM from five PCD processes (apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis), with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of EMT.
5.Inner Ear Delivery of Polyamino Acid Nanohydrogels Loaded with Dexamethasone
Pingping AI ; Lidong ZHAO ; Zhaohui TANG ; Chaoliang HE ; Xuesi CHEN ; Shiming YANG ; Nan WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):370-378
To develop a novel polyamino acid-based nanohydrogel drug delivery system for dexamethasone to enhance its delivery efficiency to the inner ear. A fluorescein-labeled polyglutamic acid-based polyamino acid dexamethasone nanohydrogel was synthesized, and its gelation time was measured. The hydrogel was surgically injected into the round window niche of guinea pigs to determine its degradation time in the middle ear cavity in vivo. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and distribution patterns of dexamethasone in the inner ear were evaluated. The hydrogel exhibited a gelation time of 80 seconds in a 37℃ water bath. In vivo, the hydrogel was almost completely degraded within 7 days in the middle ear cavity of guinea pigs. Transient hearing loss was observed one day after administration, but hearing gradually returned to normal over time. No significant cytotoxicity, vestibular stimulation signs, or pathological abnormalities in spiral ganglion cells were observed. Histopathological examination revealed no significant inflammatory reactions. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated sustained drug release and prolonged dexamethasone activity. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the distribution of dexamethasone in both the cochlea and vestibular organs. The polyamino acid nanohydrogel exhibits excellent injectability and biodegradability, representing a safe and effective drug delivery system for the inner ear.
6.A Case Report of Pachydermoperiostosis by Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Jie ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Li HUO ; Ke LYU ; Tao WANG ; Ze'nan XIA ; Xiao LONG ; Kexin XU ; Nan WU ; Bo YANG ; Weibo XIA ; Rongrong HU ; Limeng CHEN ; Ji LI ; Xia HONG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yagang ZUO
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):75-82
A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in
7.Degradation dynamics and residue determination of pyriclobenzuron in rice and paddy environments
Huanqi WU ; Junmin WANG ; Kongtan YANG ; Xumi WANG ; Nan FANG ; Liping DUAN ; Changpeng ZHANG ; Xiangyun WANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):201-208
Objective To establish a method for determination of pyriclobenzuron (PBU) residues in rice and paddy environments, and to determine the residual amounts and observe the degradation dynamics of PBU. Methods In July 2022, the paddies of Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences were selected as experimental fields, and were divided into the blank control group (no pesticide application), the 1-fold-concentration pesticide group (1 kg/667 m2), and the 5-fold-concentration pesticide group (5 kg/667 m2), with a 100 m2 area in each group. At the early tillering stage of rice, 20% suspension of PBU sulfate was sprayed once in the 1-fold-concentration and 5-fold-concentration pesticide groups, and rice plants, paddy water and soil samples were collected 2 h, and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49 d and 63 d following spraying PBU, while rice straw, field soil, brown rice and rice husk samples were collected 98 d following spraying. PBU was extracted and purified in samples using a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) pretreatment technique, and the PBU contents were determined in samples using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The solvent standard working solution and matrix standard working solution were prepared. A linear regression equation was fitted between PBU concentration (x-axis) and peak area (y-axis), and the ratio of the slope (k) of the matrix standard curve to the slope (K) of the solvent standard curve was calculated to evaluate the matrix effect of PBU in samples. According to the Guidelines for Pesticide Residue Testing in Crops (NY/T 788—2018), the addition levels of PBU were set at 0.005, 0.050, 5.000, 1 000.000 mg/kg in rice plants, 0.005, 0.050, 2.000, 10.000 mg/kg in paddy water, 0.005, 0.050, 2.000 mg/kg in soil, and 0.005, 0.050, 5.000 mg/kg in brown rice and rice husks. The recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) of PBU addition were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of UPLC-MS/MS for determination of PBU contents. The first-order kinetic equation of PBU concentration was fitted in samples at different sampling time points to analyze the trends in PBU degradation in rice plants, paddy water, and soil, and the half-life of PBU was calculated in different samples. Results There was a good linear relationship between the mass concentration and peak area of PBU at concentrations of 0.000 1 to 0.020 0 mg/kg under solvent and matrix conditions (R2 = 0.985 8 to 0.999 7, t = -0.47 to 1.62, all P values < 0.01). The matrix effects of PBU were 70.26%, 65.42% and 65.12% in rice plants, brown rice and rice husks, indicating a matrix-inhibitory effect, and the matrix effect was 87.06% in soils, indicating a weak matrix effect. The recovery of PBU addition was 77.61% to 100.12% in different samples, with RSD of 1.43% to 6.74%, and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.005 mg/kg, and the addition recovery and RSD met the requirements of the Guidelines for Pesticide Residue Testing in Crops (NY/T 788—2018), validating the effectiveness of UPLC-MS/MS assay. Following spraying PBU at a dose of 1 kg/667 m2, the half-life of PBU was 6.24 d in rice plants and 3.43 d in paddy water samples, respectively. The final residues of PBU were lower than the LOQ of 0.005 mg/kg in brown rice and rice husk samples 98 d following spraying PBU. Following spraying PBU at a dose of 5 kg/667 m2, the half-life of PBU was 15.75 d in rice plants and 7.62 d in paddy water samples, respectively. The final residue of PBU was lower than the LOQ of 0.005 mg/kg in brown rice 98 d following spraying PBU, and the final residue of PBU was 0.049 mg/kg in rice husks. Conclusions A simple, and highly accurate and precise UPLC-MS/MS assay has been developed for determination of PBU residues in rice plants and paddy environments through extraction and purification of PBU from matrix samples using QuEChERS pretreatment. After spraying PBU in paddies, the concentration of PBU gradually decreases in rice plants and paddy water over time, and the final residual concentration is low.
8.Association analyses of early medication clocking-in trajectory with smart tools and treatment outcome in pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Chunhua XU ; Zheyuan WU ; Yong WU ; Qing WANG ; Zichun WANG ; Nan QIN ; Xinru LI ; Yucong YAO ; Kehua YI ; Yi HU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):210-214
ObjectiveTo construct a group-based trajectory model (GBTM) for early medication adherence check-in, and to analyze the relationship between different trajectories and treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients using data that were generated from smart tools for monitoring their medication adherence and check-in. MethodsFrom October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, a total of 163 pulmonary tuberculosis patients diagnosed in Fengxian District were selected as the study subjects. The GBTM was utilized to analyze the weekly active check-in trajectories of the subjects during the first 4 weeks and establish different trajectory groups. The χ² tests were employed to compare the differences between groups and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between different trajectory groups and treatment outcomes. ResultsA total of four groups were generated by GBTM analyses, of which a low level of punch card was maintained in group A, 6% of the drug users increased rapidly from a low level in group B, 17% of drug users increased gradually from a low level in group C, and 18% of drug users maintained a high level of punch card in group D. The trajectory group was divided into two groups according to homogeneity, namely the low level medication punch card group (group A) and the high level medication punch card group (group B, group C, and group D). The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that low-level medication check-in (OR=3.250, 95%CI: 1.089‒9.696), increasing age (OR=1.030, 95%CI: 1.004‒1.056), and not undergoing sputum examination at the end of the fifth month (OR=2.746, 95%CI: 1.090‒7.009) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes. ConclusionThe medication check-in trajectory of pulmonary tuberculosis patients within the first 4 weeks is correlated with adverse outcomes, or namely consistent low-level medication adherence check-ins are associated with poor treatment outcomes, while high-level medication adherence check-ins are associated with a lower incidence of adverse outcomes.
9.Effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes intervened by Naozhenning on injury of neuron induced by microglia
Li GAO ; Le ZHAO ; Liya WU ; Weiyi ZHANG ; Nan LI ; Nannan WEI ; Yonghui WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2393-2398
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes (Exo) intervened by Naozhenning (NZN) on injury of neuron cells HT22 induced by microglia BV-2 cells. METHODS Wistar rats were selected to prepare peripheral blood- derived Exo intervened by NZN (66.83 g/kg), referred to as NZN-Exo; peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by normal saline and piracetam (PLXT, 1.62 g/kg) were prepared using the same method, denoted as KB-Exo and PLXT-Exo respectively, and all Exo were subsequently identified. Meanwhile, BV-2 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to prepare LPS- stimulated supernatant, and non-LPS-stimulated supernatant was prepared following the same protocol. HT22 cells were divided into four groups: KB-Exo group (treated with non-LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo), model group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo), PLXT-Exo group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+PLXT-Exo), and NZN-Exo group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+NZN-Exo), with the concentration of the corresponding Exo in all groups being 50 μg/mL. After 24 hours of culture, the proliferation of HT22 cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay and EdU assay; the apoptosis of HT22 cells was detected; the microstructure of HT22 cells was observed; the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in HT22 cells were measured, as well as the expression levels of TNF-α, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2( Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). RESULTS KB-Exo, PLXT-Exo and NZN-Exo were successfully prepared, and all Exo exhibited typical cup-shaped contours and membrane-enclosed characteristics. Compared with KB-Exo group, model group showed significantly decreased cell proliferation rates (detected by CCK-8 and EdU), intracellular IL-10 levels, and Bcl-2 protein expression levels (P<0.05); while the cell apoptosis rate, intracellular levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB, as well as the expression levels of NLRP3, TNF-α, Caspase-1, and Bax proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Additionally, in the model group, the cells showed volume swelling, incomplete cell membrane, nucleolar rupture, significant swelling and deformation of mitochondria, and severe vacuolization. Compared with model group, the above quantitative indicators in the PLXT-Exo group and NZN-Exo group were significantly reversed (P<0.05), with large and round cell nuclei, intact nuclear membranes, and reduced mitochondrial vacuolization. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by naozhenning can alleviate the injury of neuronal cells HT22 by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis.
10.Expert consensus on the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System and the value of orientation of the "personal experience"
Qi WANG ; Yongyan WANG ; Wei XIAO ; Jinzhou TIAN ; Shilin CHEN ; Liguo ZHU ; Guangrong SUN ; Daning ZHANG ; Daihan ZHOU ; Guoqiang MEI ; Baofan SHEN ; Qingguo WANG ; Xixing WANG ; Zheng NAN ; Mingxiang HAN ; Yue GAO ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Xiaobo SUN ; Kaiwen HU ; Liqun JIA ; Li FENG ; Chengyu WU ; Xia DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):445-450
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a treasure of the Chinese nation, plays a significant role in maintaining public health. In 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council proposed for the first time the establishment of a TCM registration and evaluation evidence system that integrates TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials (referred to as the "Three-in-One" System) to promote the inheritance and innovation of TCM. Subsequently, the National Medical Products Administration issued several guiding principles to advance the improvement and implementation of this system. Owing to the complexity of its implementation, there are still differing understandings within the TCM industry regarding the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System, as well as the connotation and value orientation of the "personal experience." To address this, Academician WANG Qi, President of the TCM Association, China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare and TCM master, led a group of academicians, TCM masters, TCM pharmacology experts and clinical TCM experts to convene a "Seminar on Promoting the Implementation of the ′Three-in-One′ Registration and Evaluation Evidence System for Chinese Medicinals." Through extensive discussions, an expert consensus was formed, clarifying the different roles of the TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials within the system. It was further emphasized that the "personal experience" is the core of this system, and its data should be derived from clinical practice scenarios. In the future, the improvement of this system will require collaborative efforts across multiple fields to promote the high-quality development of the Chinese medicinal industry.


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