1.Comorbidity Mechanism Between Ulcerative Colitis and Atrial Fibrillation Based on "Gut Microbiota-gut-heart" Axis
Meiyu FENG ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Yihang DU ; Xuanye DING ; Yuanhui HU ; Haitai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):276-281
The gut microbiota is regarded as the "eighth organ" of the human body and plays a critical regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology and a tendency toward recurrent episodes. In recent years, studies have shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a key role in its pathological processes. Meanwhile, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that imbalances in the gut microbiota and abnormalities in its metabolites are closely associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although UC and AF belong to diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular system, respectively, both exhibit systemic inflammatory characteristics and are often accompanied by gut microbiota dysregulation and abnormal metabolic products. However, systematic investigations into the mechanisms by which gut microbiota-derived metabolites act in these two diseases remain limited. Based on this, the present study adopts literature review and theoretical analysis methods, taking the "gut microbiota-gut-heart" axis as the entry point, to systematically summarize the signaling networks of three key classes of metabolites, i.e., short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), in the comorbidity mechanism of UC and AF. The findings indicate that these metabolites may activate key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB and NLRP3, thereby synergistically mediating intestinal barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammation and constructing a potential comorbidity network. On this basis, potential intervention strategies for the treatment of UC-AF comorbidity, including probiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation, are further discussed. This study aims to provide new theoretical evidence and research perspectives for prevention and treatment strategies of cross-system diseases.
2.Real-world study on the application and influencing factors of SGLT-2i in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Tiantian CAI ; Junlong CHEN ; Yihang ZHANG ; Siyi HE ; Jian LIU ; Ruonan XIAO ; Shangjian LUO ; Lei GAO ; Dongying ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1045-1049
OBJECTIVE To investigate the application and influencing factors of sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF) in the real world. METHODS Data from 358 patients with HFpEF who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2023 to May 2024 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into the SGLT-2i group and the non-SGLT-2i group based on whether they were prescribed SGLT-2i upon discharge. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and differences in drug treatment were compared between the two groups. Based on univariate analysis, multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent influencing factors of SGLT-2i use in patients with HFpEF, followed by further stratified analysis. RESULTS Among 358 HFpEF patients, the overall utilization rate of SGLT-2i was 33.5%. Combined with type 2 diabetes [OR=9.063,95%CI(4.924-16.679) ] , atrial fibrillation [OR=3.135,95%CI(1.590-6.178) ] , coronary artery heart disease [OR=1.888,95%CI(1.072-3.327) ] and the use of loop diuretics [OR=3.822, 95%CI (1.588-9.200) ] were all independent influencing factors for the use of SGLT-2i in patients with HFpEF ( P <0.05). The results of the stratified descriptive analysis were consistent with those of the multivariate analysis, showing a higher utilization rate of SGLT-2i among patients with concomitant T2DM,atrial fibrillation, coronary artery heart disease, and those receiving loop diuretics ( P <0.05); whereas the utilization rate of SGLT-2i was comparable across patients with different levels of renal function ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the real-world clinical practice, the utilization of SGLT-2i in patients with HFpEF remains suboptimal, and treatment coverage still needs to be improved. Their use of SGLT-2i is primarily influenced by the presence of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery heart disease, and the use of loop diuretics.
3.Modern research progress on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Xuefu zhuyu decoction
Yihang SHEN ; Baojun JU ; Xiao LI ; Miaomiao MA ; Kang XU ; Gentao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1762-1767
Xuefu zhuyu decoction is a classic formula for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, characterised by its remarkable ability to treat different diseases with the same approach. Qi stagnation and blood stasis, the primary syndrome for which this formula is indicated, has been found through modern medical research to be intrinsically linked to a wide range of pathophysiological processes, including microcirculatory disorders, abnormalities in hemorheology, inflammatory responses and endothelial dysfunction; which opens up vast scope for the innovative application of traditional formulas. In terms of pharmacological effect and mechanism, the formula exerts a synergistic regulatory effect across multiple key pathological pathways, including the regulation of coagulation function, the maintenance of vascular structure and function, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, the mitigation of oxidative stress, and the modulation of programmed cell death (such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis). This systematically demonstrates its scientific rationale, which is based on integrated regulation through multiple constituents, multiple targets and multiple pathways. In terms of clinical application, the formula has expanded from cardiovascular diseases to multiple disciplines, including gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology, neurology, endocrinology, gynaecology and andrology, with evidence-based medical evidence continuing to accumulate. Current research still faces bottlenecks such as a relatively low level of clinical evidence, insufficient systems biology analysis of the mechanisms underlying the compound’s formulation, and a weak correlation between quality control indicators and therapeutic efficacy. Future efforts should focus on conducting multicentre randomised controlled trials for conditions where the formula demonstrates particular efficacy, deepening research into the relationship between integrated pharmacology and spectrum-efficacy relationship, and promoting the precise application and formulation innovation of classical herbal formulas.
4.Modern research progress on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Xuefu zhuyu decoction
Yihang SHEN ; Baojun JU ; Xiao LI ; Miaomiao MA ; Kang XU ; Gentao ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1762-1767
Xuefu zhuyu decoction is a classic formula for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, characterised by its remarkable ability to treat different diseases with the same approach. Qi stagnation and blood stasis, the primary syndrome for which this formula is indicated, has been found through modern medical research to be intrinsically linked to a wide range of pathophysiological processes, including microcirculatory disorders, abnormalities in hemorheology, inflammatory responses and endothelial dysfunction; which opens up vast scope for the innovative application of traditional formulas. In terms of pharmacological effect and mechanism, the formula exerts a synergistic regulatory effect across multiple key pathological pathways, including the regulation of coagulation function, the maintenance of vascular structure and function, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, the mitigation of oxidative stress, and the modulation of programmed cell death (such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis). This systematically demonstrates its scientific rationale, which is based on integrated regulation through multiple constituents, multiple targets and multiple pathways. In terms of clinical application, the formula has expanded from cardiovascular diseases to multiple disciplines, including gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, urology, neurology, endocrinology, gynaecology and andrology, with evidence-based medical evidence continuing to accumulate. Current research still faces bottlenecks such as a relatively low level of clinical evidence, insufficient systems biology analysis of the mechanisms underlying the compound’s formulation, and a weak correlation between quality control indicators and therapeutic efficacy. Future efforts should focus on conducting multicentre randomised controlled trials for conditions where the formula demonstrates particular efficacy, deepening research into the relationship between integrated pharmacology and spectrum-efficacy relationship, and promoting the precise application and formulation innovation of classical herbal formulas.
5.Establishment of outcome indicators for the implementation of comprehensive inter-vention for multimorbidity of myopia and obesity among children and adolescents based on the RE-AIM framework
Yihang ZHANG ; Shan CAI ; Ziyue CHEN ; Yunfei LIU ; Jiajia DANG ; Di SHI ; Jiaxin LI ; Tianyu HUANG ; Yi SONG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):436-441
Objective:To develop outcome indicators for the implementation of comprehensive inter-ventions targeting the multimorbidity of myopia and obesity in children and adolescents,providing a basis for the co-prevention of multimorbidity and the outcome measurement of implementation research in children and adolescents.Methods:Based on the RE-AIM framework,a preliminary set of indicators was constructed.The Delphi method was employed,with experts scoring and providing feedback on the proposed indicators via questionnaires.After each round of consultation,expert enthusiasm index,authority coefficient,coordination degree,and consensus level were calculated.Expert opinions were col-lected and analyzed to modify,delete,or add indicators based on consultation results and screening crite-ria.Two Delphi rounds were conducted until consensus was achieved.Results:A total of 28 experts par-ticipated actually in both rounds.The Kendall's W coefficients for the two rounds of expert consultation were0.352(x2=413.952,P<0.001)and 0.499(x2=405.044,P<0.001),both statistically sig-nificant.The final outcome indicators for implementation research on comprehensive interventions for myopia and obesity comorbidity in children and adolescents included five primary dimensions with 13 secondary and 20 tertiary indicators.The dimension of reach included the number of children and adoles-cents involved,participant representativeness,and full-course participation representativeness.The di-mension of effectiveness included multimorbidity incidence,myopia incidence,spherical equivalent,body mass index(BMI),overweight and obesity prevalence,waist-to-height ratio,comprehensive health knowledge score,and comprehensive health behavior score.The dimension of adoption covered school representativeness and representativeness of school nurses and teachers involved in implementation.The dimension of implementation included fidelity,content modification,and cost.The dimension of mainte-nance included individual health outcomes and organizational sustainment.Conclusion:This study developed implementation outcome indicators for comprehensive interventions targeting multimorbidity of myopia and obesity among the children and adolescents based on the RE-AIM framework.These indica-tors can serve as a reference for optimizing intervention research strategies related to common multimor-bidity among children and adolescents in China.
6.Analysis of the prevalence of multimorbidity among adolescents aged 13-18 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2022 and its association with moderate to high-intensity physical activity
Tianyu HUANG ; Shan CAI ; Yihang ZHANG ; Jiaxin LI ; Ziyue SUN ; Tian YANG ; Jianqiong GAO ; Yanhui DONG ; Yi XING ; Xiuhong ZHANG ; Yi SONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):189-194
Objective:To analyze the changes in the prevalence characteristics of multimorbidity among adolescents aged 13-18 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2022 and to explore the association between multimorbidity and moderate to high-intensity physical activity among them.Methods:A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select students aged 13-18 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region every September from 2019 to 2022. Physical examinations, demographic characteristics, and depression-related surveys were conducted to analyze the multimorbidity of overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, myopia, spinal curvature abnormality, and depression. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between multimorbidity and moderate to high-intensity physical activity.Results:From 2019 to 2022, 70 972, 62 923, 80 254, and 78 288 study subjects were included, with the rates of multimorbidity being 56.4%, 55.4%, 57.2%, and 55.8%, respectively. The rates of multimorbidity remained relatively stable from 2019 to 2022 ( χ2=0.06, P=0.950). The incidence of multimorbidity among girls was significantly higher than that among boys ( P<0.001). The incidence of multimorbidity among urban students was significantly higher than that among suburban students ( P<0.001). The incidence of multimorbidity among high school students was higher than that among middle school students ( P<0.001). The top three multimorbidity combinations were myopia and overweight/obesity (26.4%), myopia and high blood pressure (24.4%), and myopia and depression (19.8%), while the least common combination was depression and spinal curvature abnormality (1.1%). The multimorbidity patterns showed no significant differences between years ( χ2=0.03, P=0.999). The multimorbidity status was significantly associated with the status of meeting the standard of moderate to high-intensity physical activity ( OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.80-0.86). The association was stronger in boys ( OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.73-0.81) compared with girls ( OR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.85-0.96), with a significant interaction term ( P<0.001). Conclusion:From 2019 to 2022, the incidence of multimorbidity among adolescents aged 13 to 18 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is relatively high, mainly due to the co-occurrence of myopia and other health problems. Adequate physical activity is an important factor in reducing multimorbidity.
7.Low Aortic Pulsatility Index and Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index Are Associated With Increased Mortality in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Awaiting Heart Transplantation
Yihang WU ; Yuhui ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):134-147
Background and Objectives:
Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tend to be accompanied by biventricular impairment. We hypothesized that the combination of the aortic pulsatility index (API) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) could refine risk stratification in DCM.
Methods:
We studied 120 consecutive patients with advanced DCM who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after RHC. We used the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the optimal cut-off of API and PAPI to predict outcomes.
Results:
The optimal cut-offs of API (1.02) and PAPI (2.16) were used to classify patients into four groups. There were significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among the four groups (both p<0.05).When delineating API by LVEF above or below the median (28%), the cumulative rate of survival in patients with API <1.02 was lower than that of those with API ≥1.02 in both higher and lower LVEF groups (both p<0.05). Similar trends were observed when delineating PAPI using TAPSE higher or lower than the cut-off (17 mm) (both p<0.05). The cumulative rate of survival in the API <1.02 and PAPI <2.16 group was lower than that in the API ≥1.02 and/or PAPI ≥2.16 (all p<0.05).
Conclusions
API and PAPI could add additional prognostic value to LVEF and TAPSE, respectively. The combination of API and PAPI could provide a comprehensive assessment of biventricular function and refine risk stratification.
8.Comparison of Embolization Coils and Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occluders for Coronary Artery Fistula Transcatheter Closure: A Single Centre Experience
Peijian WEI ; Yihang LI ; Liang XU ; Junyi WAN ; Fengwen ZHANG ; Gary TSE ; Jeffrey Shi Kai CHAN ; Shouzheng WANG ; Wenbin OUYANG ; Gejun ZHANG ; Fang FANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):199-212
Background and Objectives:
There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce.
Methods:
Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66).
Results:
No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342).
Conclusions
Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.
9.Comprehensive geriatric assessment-based screening and integrated intervention for osteosarcopenia risk factors in older adults: an application analysis in patients aged ≥80 years
Tian ZHANG ; Jiangming SHA ; Liming JIANG ; Quanzhong YIN ; Yihang GU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):479-485
Objective To explore the utility of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in screening risk factors for osteosarcopenia (OS) among older adults (≥80 years old) and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of CGA-guided integrated interventions for OS. Methods A total of 420 patients aged ≥80 years, recruited from the Department of Geriatrics, General Practice of The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, and community health centers from January 2022 to October 2024, were enrolled. Participants were classified into OS (n=139) and non-OS (n=281) groups based on diagnostic criteria. CGA was utilized to compare differences in general characteristics, laboratory indicators, comorbidities between groups. Binary logistic regression analysis identified independent risk and protective factors. Subsequently, 40 OS patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=20) receiving integrated interventions including nutritional support, exercise training, and psychological management or a control group (n=20, receiving routine care). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, gait speed, and bone mineral density (BMD) T-score were compared between groups after 3 months. Results The prevalence of OS in this cohort was 33.1%. Compared to the non-OS group, the OS group exhibited significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, comorbidity index, concomitant medication, cognitive impairment, visual and hearing impairment, sleep disorders, depression, marital status, social participation, activities of daily living, nutritional risk, total cholesterol, uric acid, and constipation (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified age and comorbidity index as significant risk factors for OS, while BMI, married status, total cholesterol, and activities of daily living (assisted and independent) served as protective factors. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in grip strength, gait speed, BMD T-score, and male ASMI compared to controls (P<0.05). Conclusions CGA demonstrates clinical utility in systematically identifying risk factors for OS in the old population. Multimodal interventions guided by CGA effectively improve musculoskeletal function in elderly OS patients.
10.Low Aortic Pulsatility Index and Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index Are Associated With Increased Mortality in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Awaiting Heart Transplantation
Yihang WU ; Yuhui ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(2):134-147
Background and Objectives:
Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tend to be accompanied by biventricular impairment. We hypothesized that the combination of the aortic pulsatility index (API) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) could refine risk stratification in DCM.
Methods:
We studied 120 consecutive patients with advanced DCM who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after RHC. We used the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the optimal cut-off of API and PAPI to predict outcomes.
Results:
The optimal cut-offs of API (1.02) and PAPI (2.16) were used to classify patients into four groups. There were significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among the four groups (both p<0.05).When delineating API by LVEF above or below the median (28%), the cumulative rate of survival in patients with API <1.02 was lower than that of those with API ≥1.02 in both higher and lower LVEF groups (both p<0.05). Similar trends were observed when delineating PAPI using TAPSE higher or lower than the cut-off (17 mm) (both p<0.05). The cumulative rate of survival in the API <1.02 and PAPI <2.16 group was lower than that in the API ≥1.02 and/or PAPI ≥2.16 (all p<0.05).
Conclusions
API and PAPI could add additional prognostic value to LVEF and TAPSE, respectively. The combination of API and PAPI could provide a comprehensive assessment of biventricular function and refine risk stratification.

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