1.Regulation of TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway in patients with different types of mitral valve diseases complicated by atrial fibrillation
Chao CHANG ; Bo FU ; Xiaolong ZHU ; Chongjie ZHANG ; Xia ZHAO ; Hong TANG ; Xijun XIAO ; Yunpeng BAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):291-299
Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods From August 2011 to August 2012, patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. Conclusion Different MVD have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.
2.Clinical observation of mycophenolate mofetil combined with Budesonide enteric capsules in the treatment of high-risk progressive IgA nephropathy
Li SHEN ; Yao ZHANG ; Yaping XIAO ; Yuewu TANG ; Ni DU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):927-932
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with Budesonide enteric capsules in the treatment of high-risk progressive immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS A total of 150 adult patients with high-risk progressive IgAN who attended the Department of Nephrology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, between August 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025 were enrolled in this study. The control group ( n =94) received MMF combined with glucocorticoid, while the observation group ( n =56) received MMF combined with Budesonide enteric capsules. The 24-hour urine protein (24 h UP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albumin (ALB) levels of patients in both groups were compared at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The complete response (CR) rate and overall response rate were calculated for both groups at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse reactions occurring during treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Compared with before treatment, 24 h UP decreased significantly in both groups at different time points after treatment ( P <0.05), and ALB increased significantly ( P <0.05). However, there was no significant change in eGFR ( P >0.05). The 24 h UP in the observation group at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P <0.05), while the ALB level was significan tly higher ( P <0.05). However, at 6 months after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in these two indicators between the two groups ( P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at different time points after treatment ( P >0.05). The overall response rates in the observation group at 1 and 2 months after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate at the remaining treatment time points and the CR rate at all time points between the two groups ( P >0.05). Patients in the observation group had significantly lower rates of skin abnormalities, elevated blood glucose, and overall adverse reactions compared with the control group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with MMF combined with glucocorticoids, MMF combined with Budesonide enteric capsules for the treatment of high-risk progressive IgAN patients can reduce proteinuria and improve serum ALB levels more quickly, significantly increase the early overall response rate, and significantly reduce glucocorticoid-related skin adverse reactions, blood glucose elevation, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions, demonstrating a better short-term benefits.
3.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
4.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
5.Analysis of prediction of incidence and epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease among children aged 0-9 years in Guangzhou, 2013-2025
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1026-1030
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among children aged 0-9 years in Guangzhou, so as to provide reference basis for further exploring scientifically effective prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Reported cases of HFMD in children aged 0-9 years in Guangzhou City from 2013-2025 were selected from China disease prevention and control information system, and the incidence in different years was analyzed descriptively; the trends of the composition ratio and incidence in various age groups were analyzed by using the Joinpoint regression model, spatial autocorrelation analyses were performed at the district level, and the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model (SARIMA) was applied to predict annual incidence rate for 2026.
Results:
From 2013 to 2025, the average annual reported incidence rate of HFMD among children aged 0-9 years in Guangzhou was 2 513.98/100 000, showing a fluctuating trend. Peaks of incidence occurred from May to July and from September to October. The male to female ratio was 1.49∶1. The average annual incidence rate was 4 743.99/100 000 in the 0-1 years age group, 3 298.19/100 000 in the 2-5 years age group, and 544.22/ 100 000 in the 6-9 years age group. Joinpoint regression analysis showed a decreasing trend in the proportion of the 0-1 years age group (APC= -6.02 %, t =-3.77) and an increasing trend in the proportion of the 6-9 years age group (APC=16.39%, t =5.67) (both P < 0.05 ). No significant global spatial clustering was observed at the district level; however, local scattered clusters were identified in certain areas. Using the SARIMA(2,0,0)(2,0,0) 12 model, the predicted annual incidence rate of HFMD among children aged 0-9 years in Guangzhou in 2026 was 2 680.56/100 000.
Conclusions
From 2013 to 2025, the annual incidence rate of HFMD among children aged 0-9 years in Guangzhou exhibited a fluctuating trend; the highest incidence rate is observed in the 0-1 years age group, while the proportion of cases in the 6-9 years age group increase year by year;and local spatial clusters of abnormal distribution are identified. It is essential to enhance risk monitoring and health education in key populations and areas to mitigate the risk of infection in children.
6.TU Jinwen's Experience in the Staged Treatment of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Based on the Theory of Qi Collaterals
Yifei CHEN ; Xiaomin CHEN ; Xiao XIAO ; Xiaolin TANG ; Beibei ZHANG ; Yanbing DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1941-1945
This paper summarizes the experience of Professor TU Jinwen in the staged treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) based on the theory of qi collaterals. In the acute onset stage, the key pathogenesis is triggered by wind toxin and disharmony of the qi collaterlas, for which the treatment should prioritize the elimination of pathogenic factors, with therapeutic principles of dispelling wind and eliminating toxin, boosting qi and harmonizing collaterals, using modified Qianzheng Powder (牵正散) plus Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤). In the remission and recovery stage, the key pathogenesis is stagnation of blood stasis and damage to the qi collaterals, it is recommended to treat the branch, with principles of boosting qi and activating blood, resolving stasis and unblocking collaterals, using the modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤). In the sequela and protracted stage, the key pathogenesis is depletion of the liver, spleen, and kidney with non-nourishment of the qi collaterals; the treatment should focus on addressing the root cause, with principles of fortifying the spleen and boosting qi, tonifying the liver and kidney, using the modified Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) combined with Qiju Dihuang Pill (杞菊地黄丸).
7.Epidemiological characteristics of infectious diseases among children and adolescents in Lanshan District, Linyi City, 2014-2023
LIN Lanfang, XIAO Jinlin, FANG Zhen, TANG Fangqiang, ZHANG Qingji, GUO Liyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1339-1343
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of infectious diseases among children and adolescents in Lanshan District, Linyi City, 2014-2023,so as to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control strategies in schools.
Methods:
The surveillance data were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP). Data on reported infectious disease cases and related demographic information among school children and kindergarteners in the study area from 2014 to 2023 were collected. Rate comparison was performed by using the χ 2 test. Trend analysis was conducted by using Joinpoint Regression Progrom, and the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were calculated.
Results:
A total of 10 222 cases of infectious diseases among children and adolescents were reported from 2014 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 273.32 per 100 000. The overall incidence trend remained stable from 2014 to 2023 (AAPC=12.33%, 95%CI=-2.63%-29.59%, P >0.05). Whereas a significant upward trend was observed from 2014 to 2019 (AAPC=37.08%, 95% CI =12.92%-66.41%, P <0.05), followed by a stable trend from 2019 to 2023 (AAPC=-0.31%, 95%CI=-39.70%-64.83%, P>0.05). Seasonal distribution exhibited dual peaks in summer and winter. The incidence rate in urban areas(707.29/100 000) was significantly higher than that in rural areas(257.50/100 000), and the incidence rate among kindergarteners (325.49/100 000) was higher than that among school children (257.07/100 000) (χ2=1 518.60, 116.36, both P<0.01). The reported infectious diseases among children and adolescents were predominantly respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases, with incidence rates of 156.13/100 000 and 108.51/100 000, respectively. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) was the predominant infectious disease among kindergarteners, accounting for 47.51%. Influenza was the leading condition in the primary school group, accounting for 38.64%, and other infectious diarrheal diseases were most common in junior and senior high school group, accounting for 53.34%. The top six diseases by incidence rate were other infectious diarrheal diseases(65.22/100 000), influenza(63.24/100 000), varicella(46.34/100 000), HFMD(41.07/100 000), mumps(23.42/100 000), and scarlet fever(10.56/100 000). Among them, the incidence of other infectious diarrheal diseases rose significantly (AAPC=35.31%, 95% CI =14.32%-60.14%, P <0.01). The trend transitioned from a rapid escalation during 2014-2019 (APC=69.98%, 95% CI =17.58%-145.74%, P =0.01) to a stable phase during 2019-2023 (APC=1.74%, 95% CI =-15.61%- 22.66%, P >0.05).
Conclusions
In Lanshan, urban educational institutions should prioritize the prevention and control of infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on other infectious diarrheal diseases, influenza and varicella. Targeted interventions should be implemented in accordance with seasonal patterns and the specific characteristics of the school age populations.
8.The epidemiologic characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts, Shanghai
Dun-jia WANG ; Xiao-lu HE ; Tian-tian ZHANG ; Tang WANG ; Zhao-peng DONG ; Can-lei SONG ; Shi-ji TAO ; Zheng-xing HOU ; Yu-ping CHENG ; Yi-bin ZHOU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):173-179
Objective The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence patterns and epidemiological characteristics of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in the Minhang and Jinshan districts of Shanghai, and provide evidence-based information for optimizing prevention and control measures. Methods We collected information from epidemic reports and epidemiological investigation forms for cases of parasitic and vector-borne diseases from 2005 to 2024 in Shanghai's Minhang and Jinshan districts. Descriptive epidemiological method were adopted to conduct a comparative analysis of incidence trends, epidemic characteristics, and infection sources. Results A total of 229 cases in 7 categories were reported between 2005 and 2024, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.36/100 000. The average annual incidence rate in Minhang District was significantly higher than that in Jinshan District. The most prevalent diseases were malaria and dengue fever, followed by Japanese encephalitis. Monthly case reports were available, predominantly from June to October, with a peak in July-August. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two districts in case distribution during June-October (P<0.001), whereas no significant difference was found for July-August (P=0.331). The majority of cases were young men (111/229,48.47%), aged 20-39 years. Migrant workers/farmers constituted the largest occupational group (55/229, 24.02%). Registered residents of other provinces and cities (147/229,64.19%), and the main source of infection was overseas importation (112/229,48.91%). There were no statistically significant differences in gender and household-registration composition between the two districts (P>0.05). Significant differences existed in age, occupation, and source of infection (P<0.05). The imported diseases were malaria and dengue fever, with Africa and Southeast Asia being the primary source locations. Malaria was the predominant disease imported from other provinces and cities, with cases having been imported from abroad since 2012. Local infections were mainly Japanese encephalitis, followed by malaria (with the last local case reported in 2010). Cases between 2005 and 2009 were predominantly imported from other provinces and cities. The proportion of cases imported from abroad increased sharply after 2010, particularly in Minhang District. Local infections sometimes arise in Jinshan District, with Japanese encephalitis serving as the primary type. Conclusions Incidence rates of parasitic and vector-borne diseases in Minhang and Jinshan districts have generally remained low. To further reduce this disease burden, it will be necessary to strengthen joint measures for prevention and control, eliminate the environmental risk factors of vector organisms, enhance monitoring and precise control of the environment and inbound personnel to prevent the occurrence and transmission of parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
9.Unlocking the dual role of autophagy:A new strategy for treating lung cancer
Fei TANG ; Jing-Nan ZHANG ; Xiao-Lan ZHAO ; Li-Yue XU ; Hui AO ; Cheng PENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):523-533
Lung cancer exhibits the highest incidence and mortality rates among cancers globally,with a five-year overall survival rate alarmingly below 20%.Targeting autophagy,though a controversial therapeutic strategy,is extensively employed in clinical practice.Current research is actively pursuing various therapeutic strategies using small molecules to exploit the dual function of autophagy.Nevertheless,the pivotal question of enhancing or inhibiting autophagy in cancer therapy merits further attention.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of autophagy in lung cancer.It also explores recent advances in targeting cytotoxic autophagy and inhibiting protective autophagy with small molecules to induce cell death in lung cancer cells.Notably,most autophagy-targeting drugs,primarily natural small molecules,have demonstrated that activating cytotoxic autophagy effectively induces cell death in lung cancer,as opposed to inhibiting protective autophagy.These insights contribute to identifying druggable targets and drug candidates for potential autophagy-related lung cancer therapies,offering promising approaches to combat this disease.
10.TCMKD:From ancient wisdom to modern insights-A comprehensive platform for traditional Chinese medicine knowledge discovery
Wenke XIAO ; Mengqing ZHANG ; Danni ZHAO ; Fanbo MENG ; Qiang TANG ; Lianjiang HU ; Hongguo CHEN ; Yixi XU ; Qianqian TIAN ; Mingrui LI ; Guiyang ZHANG ; Liang LENG ; Shilin CHEN ; Chi SONG ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1390-1402
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge,holding a crucial position in the medical field.However,the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization,completeness,and accuracy,primarily due to the decen-tralized distribution of TCM resources.To address these issues,we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery(TCMKD,https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/).Seven types of data,including syndromes,formulas,Chinese patent drugs(CPDs),Chinese medicinal materials(CMMs),ingredients,targets,and diseases,were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD.To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine,TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining,enrichment analysis,and network localization and separation.These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights.In addition to its analytical capabilities,a quick question and answer(Q&A)system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently,thereby improving the interactivity of the platform.The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool,offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining.Overall,TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM,delving into the pharmaco-logical foundations of TCM treatments,but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems,extending beyond just TCM.


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