1.Regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in hepatic fibrosis
Weichu ZENG ; Xing LYU ; Fengfan LI ; Zhenni LIU ; Jungang LI ; Weilin ZHANG ; Peiting LIU ; Bingchu LI ; Ruohong CHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Min HU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):704-710
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible pathological process in various chronic liver diseases and is closely associated with the development and progression of severe liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it has emerged as a significant global health challenge. In recent years, studies have shown that histone lactylation, a newly discovered epigenetic modification, actively participates in regulating the progression of hepatic fibrosis. This article systematically reviews the core regulatory effect of histone lactylation modification in the interaction between inflammatory microenvironment and hepatic fibrosis, in order to clarify the cascade regulatory mechanism of “inflammation-hepatic fibrosis” and provide new insights for early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and prevention of malignant transformation in hepatic fibrosis.
2.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
3.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
4.Differential Improvement in Memory and Executive Functions:Personalized Exercise versus Acupuncture for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Stroke-prone Individuals
Yaoyao XING ; Haoran HU ; Qingping MA ; Jianjun YANG ; Xin WANG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):67-83
Objective:
This study compared the effects of personalized exercise versus acupuncture on multidimensional cognitive function in individuals at high risk for stroke with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial enrolled 200 stroke-risk adults aged 50−80 years. Ninety participants diagnosed with MCI (MMSE, HIS, CDR criteria) were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 30), acupuncture (n = 30), or control (n = 30) groups. Interventions lasted 6 months. Cognitive outcomes (MMSE, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Animal Fluency, Rey-Osterrieth test, Stroop test) were assessed before and after intervention. Multivariate regression identified risk factors for MCI. ANOVA was used for group comparisons.
Results:
Hypertension (aOR = 1.5) and diabetes (aOR = 1.3) were significant risk factors for MCI. After intervention, the exercise group showed the largest MMSE improvement (Δ = 5.0), compared with acupuncture (Δ = 3.0) and control (Δ = 1.0) (p < 0.001). Exercise produced greater gains in non-verbal reasoning (31.8% vs. 26.1% in acupuncture, p < 0.01). Acupuncture more effectively enhanced processing speed and attention (DSST: Δ = 26 vs. Δ = 20 in exercise, p = 0.03) and executive function (Stroop interference time: Δ = 16 vs. Δ = 15 seconds in exercise, p = 0.04). Both interventions significantly improved verbal fluency (p < 0.001), with larger benefits in those with baseline MMSE ≤ 20.
Conclusion
Hypertension and diabetes are key risk factors for MCI in stroke-prone individuals. Exercise yields greater improvement in global cognition and memory, whereas acupuncture is more effective for enhancing attention and executive function. Both modalities benefit verbal fluency, particularly in lower-functioning participants.
5.Role of ferroptosis in the progression and treatment of liver fibrosis
Jungang LI ; Fengfan LI ; Zhenni LIU ; Weichu ZENG ; Weilin ZHANG ; Peiting LIU ; Bingchu LI ; Xing LYU ; Ruohong CHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Min HU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1426-1432
Liver fibrosis is a critical pathological process in the progression of chronic liver diseases and is mainly driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and it is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Programmed cell death is widely observed in liver fibrosis and plays diverse roles in different types of cells. It is not only a mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis through metabolism, but it can also regulate the development and progression of diseases. Ferroptosis has recently emerged as a research focus due to its close association with lipid metabolism. This article systematically reviews the related concepts of lipid metabolism, ferroptosis, and liver fibrosis, analyzes the bridging role and dual regulatory function of ferroptosis in lipid metabolism and liver fibrosis, and further highlights the clinical application value of targeting ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells for the treatment of liver fibrosis, in order to provide new perspectives for the mechanistic studies on liver fibrosis and the optimization of related clinical intervention strategies.
6.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
7.Elucidation of the Mechanism Underlying the Rise and Decline of Male Reproductive Function from the Perspective of Tiangui (天癸) Theory
Yuhao MENG ; Haoyu WANG ; Wei LIU ; Yang YANG ; Yudie HU ; Xing ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1931-1935
Based on ancient and modern literature, this paper systematically elucidates the concept, physiological characteristics, and reproductive significance of tiangui (天癸), and further reviews its theoretical connotation throughout the entire process of male reproductive function, covering its onset, maturation, maintenance, disorder, and decline. In terms of its physiological foundation, tiangui is rooted in kidney essence and regulates male reproductive function through the coordination of zang-fu (脏腑) organs. It possesses characteristics of being time-limited, rhythmic, relatively independent, targeted, and functionally diverse. The occurrence of male reproductive diseases is closely related to the abnormality of tiangui, which primarily manifests as tiangui deficiency and dysregulation of tiangui timing. In clinical practice, treatment should follow the principle of "supplementing its deficiency and regulating its timing", so as to restore the operating rhythm of tiangui.
8.Current Status of Prediction Models of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Emerging Acute Infectious Diseases
Jiaxin ZUO ; Chengyang JING ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Fang HAN ; Di WANG ; Xing LIAO ; Jing HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):247-254
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prediction model research for emerging acute infectious diseases, in order to provide reference for subsequent model construction and optimization. MethodsEight databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were systematically searched to comprehensively collect Chinese and English literature on TCM prediction models for emerging acute infectious diseases. The search period ranged from database inception to July 5, 2024. Reporting quality compliance was evaluated using the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis—Traditional Chinese Medicine (TRIPOD-TCM) guideline. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). ResultsA total of 21 studies were included, comprising 11 early warning model studies, 5 diagnostic model studies, 3 prognostic model studies, and 2 prescription prediction model studies, involving 84 models in total. The diseases involved were mainly viral infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and hepatitis B. The most frequently applied TCM theory was the "five movements and six climates" theory. The most commonly used modeling method was neural network-based approaches. The most frequently reported predictive factors were meteorological variables, including daily mean temperature, wind speed, precipitation, relative humidity, and vapor pressure. In terms of reporting quality, the included studies showed poor item-level compliance, with only 13 sub-items achieving compliance rates above 50%. Overall compliance ranged from 27% to 59% across studies. Although the included studies showed relatively good applicability, all were assessed as having a high risk of bias. The main sources of bias included inappropriate handling of missing data, absence of calibration methods, and unreasonable validation strategies, indicating deficiencies across multiple stages of model development. ConclusionCurrent research on TCM prediction models for emerging acute infectious diseases exhibits distinctive modeling characteristics. These models are based on traditional TCM theories such as the "five movements and six climates", incorporate TCM-specific features as predictive variables, and use TCM syndromes as outcomes. However, they generally suffer from low reporting compliance and a high risk of bias. Future studies should systematically design model development and validation processes, adhere to TRIPOD-TCM reporting standards, and apply PROBAST or develop dedicated bias risk assessment tools for TCM prediction models to improve methodological quality and promote their translation into clinical practice.
9.Comprehensive Evaluation of Acupuncture for Secondary Dysmenorrhea Based on Health Technology Assessment
Xue WU ; Zhiran LI ; Jing HU ; Xing LIAO ; Weiwei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):165-174
ObjectiveTo carry out a health technology assessment (HTA) of acupuncture for secondary dysmenorrhea (SD) caused by adenomyosis and endometriosis, in order to provide a reference for relevant medical decision-making. MethodsFrom the perspective of the health system, the assessment covers seven areas, including the technical characteristics, safety, effectiveness, economics, ethical fairness, organizational adaptability, and impact on patients and society. The results are reported accordingly. ResultsThe operational specifications of acupuncture are standardized, and the conditions for its use are clearly defined. Acupuncture has a lower overall incidence of adverse events. The main adverse events are localized pain, subcutaneous bleeding, and dizziness, with most symptoms being mild, all of which have corresponding standard treatments. No reports on occupational or environmental safety were found, and the safety operation specifications are available for reference. Compared with conventional Western medicine, acupuncture demonstrates higher effectiveness. Acupuncture may improve the quality of life scores of patients, though no significant difference was observed. The cost of acupuncture is higher than that of conventional Western medicine, but its overall economic value is greater. The informed consent information is relatively comprehensive. Most patients are aware of the potential benefits and risks of acupuncture and voluntarily opt for it. The treatment process fully respects patient privacy and human rights. The clinical application of acupuncture follows the current acupuncture medical service model, with no special requirements for the level of medical institutions. Patient accessibility and affordability are suitable. Patient satisfaction is high. Most patients indicated they would choose acupuncture again for SD. The main barriers to choosing acupuncture are psychological factors (such as fear of acupuncture), cost, and transportation issues. Nearly 70% of patients receiving acupuncture treatment benefit from medical insurance reimbursement, with reimbursement rates generally above 50%, indicating strong social security support. ConclusionThe implementation of HTA for acupuncture in the treatment of SD, using the standards for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is feasible. The implementation steps are clear, the data sources for each evaluation domain are adequate, the analysis methods are practical, and the evaluation results are comprehensive. Experts recommend that the findings be used as a reference for relevant medical decision-making.
10.Collection and Identification of Questions in Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseases in Endometriosis Based on the Delphi Method
Ruoxi ZHAO ; Guotao HU ; Weiwei SUN ; Zhiran LI ; Xing LIAO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):153-159
Objective To identify the basic and clinical questions of the Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseases in Endometriosis based on the Delphi method.Methods Based on the preliminary literature review,preliminary pan-research and expert interviews,the questions of the Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseasesin in Endometriosis were drafted.Totally 15 experts were selected for two rounds of Delphi method expert correspondence and the results were statistically analyzed to finalize the questions for inclusion in the guidelines.Results A total of 65 entries were finally identified for inclusion in the guideline questions and condensed into 8 guideline questions.The quality control of the two rounds of Delphi method was good.The positive coefficient of experts in both rounds was 100%.The coefficient of authority of experts was>0.70.In the degree of Delphi coordination,the mean coefficients of variation were 0.23 and 0.26,and the coefficients of Kendall's concordance were 0.510 and 0.309,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusion This study uses two rounds of Delphi method to determine the issues included in the Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseases in in Endometriosis,laying a solid foundation for the subsequent development of the guidelines.

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