1.Effects of Yixintai on Lipid Metabolism and Protein Expressions of CPT-1 and CD36 in Rats with Heart Failure
Yingli ZHOU ; Xi LUO ; Ziwei YIN ; Huizhen ZHENG ; Jiaming WEI ; Ziyan WANG ; Chengxin LIU ; Ya LI ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):82-88
Objective To observe the effects of Yixintai on lipid metabolism and the protein expressions of CPT-1 and CD36 in rats with heart failure;To explore the mechanism of its treatment of heart failure.Methods 106 out of 120 SD rats were selected to establish the heart failure model induced by myocardial infarction by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery,and 14 rats were selected as the sham-operation group.The successful model rats were randomly divided into model group,trimetazidine group and Yixintai low-,medium-and high-dosage groups,with 14 rats in each group.The administration group was given corresponding drugs by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.LVEF,LVFS,LVIDd and LVIDs were measured by color doppler ultrasonography,the contents of ANP,BNP,LA and FFA in serum were detected by ELISA,the contents of TG,TC,LDL and HDL were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer,HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphology of myocardial tissue,the expressions of CPT-1 and CD36 protein in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,LVEF and LVFS in the model group decreased(P<0.05),the LVIDs and LVIDd increased(P<0.05);the contents of serum ANP,BNP,LA,FFA,TG,TC and LDL increased(P<0.05),while the content of HDL decreased(P<0.05),with myocardial edema,irregular arrangement of myocardial fibers,increased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition;the protein expressions of CPT-1 and CD36 in myocardial tissue decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the LVEF and LVFS in Yixintai each dosage groups and trimetazidine group increased(P<0.05),LVIDs and LVIDd decreased(P<0.05);the contents of ANP,BNP,LA,FFA,TG,TC and LDL in serum of Yixintai medium-and high-dosage groups and trimetazidine group decreased(P<0.05),the content of HDL increased(P<0.05);myocardial edema was improved,inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced,collagen fiber deposition was reduced,and the protein expressions of CPT-1 and CD36 in myocardial tissue increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Yixintai may improve myocardial energy metabolism and treat heart failure by increasing the expression of CPT-1 and CD36 protein in myocardial tissue and promoting fatty acid β oxidation.
2.Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury (version 2025)
Aijun XU ; Shuixia LI ; Bo CHEN ; Mengyuan YE ; Lejiao LANG ; Ning NING ; Lin ZHANG ; Changqing LIU ; Zhonglan CHEN ; Weihu MA ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoning WANG ; Dongmei BIAN ; Jiancheng ZENG ; Xin WANG ; Yuan GAO ; Yaping CHEN ; Jiali CHEN ; Yun HAN ; Xiuting LI ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaojing SU ; Qiong ZHANG ; Tianwen HUANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Hua LIN ; Xingling XIAO ; Ruifeng XU ; Fanghui DONG ; Bing HAN ; Luo FAN ; Yanling PEI ; Suyun LI ; Xiaoju TAN ; Rongchen GUO ; Yefang ZOU ; Xiaoyun HAN ; Junqin DING ; Yi WANG ; Shuhua DENG ; Jinli GUO ; Yinhua LIANG ; Yuan CEN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Junru CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Lunlan LI ; Ying REN ; Yunxia LI ; Jianli LU ; Ying YING ; Lan WEI ; Yin WANG ; Qinhong XU ; Yanqin ZHANG ; Yang LYU ; Shijun ZHANG ; Sui WENJIE ; Sanlian HU ; Shuhong YANG ; Guoqing LI ; Jingjing AN ; Baorong HE ; Leling FENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):530-541
Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.
3.Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (version 2025)
Yong YANG ; Xiaoguang ZHOU ; Qixin CHEN ; Jian CHEN ; Jian DONG ; Liangjie DU ; Shunwu FAN ; Jin FAN ; Zhong FANG ; Haoyu FENG ; Shiqing FENG ; Haishan GUAN ; Aiguo GAO ; Yanzheng GAO ; Yong HAI ; Da HE ; Dengwei HE ; Haiyi HE ; Dianming JIANG ; Xuewen KANG ; Bin LIN ; Baoge LIU ; Changqing LI ; Fang LI ; Li LI ; Fangcai LI ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Hongjian LIU ; Xinyu LIU ; Yong LIU ; Zhongjun LIU ; Shibao LU ; Xuhua LU ; Fei LUO ; Yuhai MA ; Keya MAO ; Xuexiao MA ; Bin MENG ; Xu NING ; Limin RONG ; Hongxun SANG ; Jun SHU ; Tiansheng SUN ; Dasheng TIAN ; Zheng WANG ; Bing WANG ; Linfeng WANG ; Qingde WANG ; Qinghe WANG ; Lan WEI ; Jigong WU ; Baoshan XU ; Youjia XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Jinglong YAN ; Feng YAN ; Cao YANG ; Huilin YANG ; Qiang YANG ; Bin ZHAO ; Jie ZHAO ; Yue ZHU ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Wenzhi ZHANG ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Zhaomin ZHENG ; Yan ZENG ; Baorong HE ; Wei MEI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(7):613-626
Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.
4.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
5.Systemic inflammatory score predicts survival of patient with unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer treated by definitive chemoradiotherapy combined with consolidation immunotherapy
Shihong LUO ; Yupei YUAN ; Yu WANG ; Yin YANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Lei DENG ; Wenyang LIU ; Wenqing WANG ; Xin WANG ; Jima LYU ; Zongmei ZHOU ; Jianyang WANG ; Nan BI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(10):993-1000
Objective:To analyze the prognostic value of systemic inflammatory score (SIS) in patients with unresectable stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) combined with or without consolidation immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI).Methods:The medical record data of 229 patients who received dCRT from January 2014 to December 2017 and 183 patients who received dCRT combined with any form of ICI (induction, concurrent, consolidation or combination) from August 2018 to August 2022 in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. Upon admission, 1 and 3 months after treatment (efficacy evaluation) and upon tumor recurrence, peripheral blood count was collected, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and SIS were calculated, respectively. The SIS before, 1 and 3 months after treatment was defined as SIS 0, SIS 1 and SIS 3, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was considered as the primary endpoint. All patients were divided into dCRT group and dCRT+ICI group according to whether received immunotherapy, and then divided into different subgroups based on the cutoff value of SIS determined by X-Tile software. The prognostic value of SIS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency. The predictive value of SIS was compared with inflammatory indexes (NLR, PLR) and independent prognostic factors. Results:In the dCRT group, the optimal cutoff value of SIS 0 was 590×10 9 and 530×10 9 in the dCRT+ICIs group. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that SIS 0 was an independent predictive factor of OS, progression - free survival (PFS), local - recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) in the dCRT group, but not associated with DMFS in the dCRT+ICI group. In the dCRT group, SIS 1>970×10 9 (optimal cutoff value) predicted poor OS ( HR=2.512, 95% CI=1.622-3.198, P<0.001), PFS ( HR=1.726, 95% CI=1.187-2.509, P=0.004), and DMFS ( HR=1.625, 95% CI=1.029-2.564, P=0.037). In the dCRT+ICI group, SIS 3>1570×10 9 (optimal cutoff value) indicated poor OS ( HR=5.107, 95% CI=1.731-15.069, P=0.003). In both groups, the AUC of SIS was higher than NLR, PLR and other traditional clinicopathological predictive indexes except T stage. Conclusions:SIS before treatment can be considered as an independent, dependable and easily acquired prognostic marker in patients with unresectable stage Ⅲ NSCLC treated by dCRT or dCRT+ICI. In the dCRT+ICI group, the optimal time point of post-radiotherapy SIS (3 months after treatment) is postponed than that (1 month after treatment) in the dCRT group.
6.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
7.Chinese expert consensus on the evaluation of allergen-specific immunotherapy outcomes(Wuhan, 2025).
Yuqin DENG ; Xi LUO ; Zhuofu LIU ; Shuguang SUN ; Jing YE ; Tiansheng WANG ; Jianjun CHEN ; Meiping LU ; Yin YAO ; Ying WANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Bei LIU ; Qingxiang ZENG ; Yuanteng XU ; Qintai YANG ; Yucheng YANG ; Feng LIU ; Chengli XU ; Yanan SUN ; Haiyu HONG ; Haibo YE ; Liqiang ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Huabin LI ; Hongtian WANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Wenlong LIU ; Yu XU ; Hongfei LOU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1075-1085
Allergen-specific immunotherapy(AIT) remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis(AR). Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group(CRRCG) convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans
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Allergens/immunology*
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Desensitization, Immunologic
;
Immunoglobulin E
;
Quality of Life
;
Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
East Asian People
8.eIF3a function in immunity and protection against severe sepsis by regulating B cell quantity and function through m6A modification.
Qianying OUYANG ; Jiajia CUI ; Yang WANG ; Ke LIU ; Yan ZHAN ; Wei ZHUO ; Juan CHEN ; Honghao ZHOU ; Chenhui LUO ; Jianming XIA ; Liansheng WANG ; Chengxian GUO ; Jianting ZHANG ; Zhaoqian LIU ; Jiye YIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1571-1588
eIF3a is a N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader that regulates mRNA translation by recognizing m6A modifications of these mRNAs. It has been suggested that eIF3a may play an important role in regulating translation initiation via m6A during infection when canonical cap-dependent initiation is inhibited. However, the death of animal model studies impedes our understanding of the functional significance of eIF3a in immunity and regulation in vivo. In this study, we investigated the in vivo function of eIF3a using eIF3a knockout and knockdown mouse models and found that eIF3a deficiency resulted in splenic tissue structural disruption and multi-organ damage, which contributed to severe sepsis induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ectopic eIF3a overexpression in the eIF3a knockdown mice rescued mice from LPS-induced severe sepsis. We further showed that eIF3a maintains a functional and healthy immune system by regulating B cell function and quantity through m6A modification of mRNAs. These findings unveil a novel mechanism underlying sepsis, implicating the pivotal role of B cells in this complex disease process regulated by eIF3a. Furthermore, eIF3a may be used to develop a potential strategy for treating sepsis.
9.Albumin-bound paclitaxel plus anlotinib in patients with recurrent, platinum-resistant primary epithelial ovarian cancer (A-Plus): a phase II, single-arm, prospective study.
Yun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Yin WANG ; Ji-Bin LI ; Rongzhen LUO ; Chanjuan ZENG ; Yingxin HE ; Yanfang LI
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(5):820-830
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining albumin-bound paclitaxel (abpaclitaxel) and anlotinib for ovarian cancer. In this study, 44 patients diagnosed with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer were enrolled. Patients received ab-paclitaxel along with anlotinib until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Efficacy was assessed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria or Rustin's criteria. The primary endpoint was the investigator-evaluated objective response rate (ORR). 44 patients were enrolled between January 2021 and March 2023 with a median age of 49 years. Twenty-nine had measurable lesions and 15 had non-measurable lesions. Overall, the investigator-evaluated ORR was 56.8% (25/44; 95% CI 0.411-0.713) in intention-to-treat population and 58.1% (25/43; 95% CI 0.422-0.726) in per-protocol population. The median progression-free survival was 9.8 months, and the median duration of response was 7.4 months. For safety, grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) included leukopenia, gum pain, hypertension, and hand-foot syndrome. The response rates were 55.0% (11/20) in patients with previous use of antiangiogenic reagents and who had previous use of PARP inhibitors. The combination of ab-paclitaxel and anlotinib showed promising anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Patients with previous use of antiangiogenic drugs or PARP inhibitors still benefited from this protocol.
Humans
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Indoles/therapeutic use*
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Quinolines/therapeutic use*
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Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/drug therapy*
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Adult
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Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy*
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Prospective Studies
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage*
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Aged
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
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Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy*
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Progression-Free Survival
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Paclitaxel/administration & dosage*
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Treatment Outcome
10.Specific effect of inserted sham acupuncture and its impact on the estimation of acupuncture treatment effect in randomized controlled trials: A systematic survey.
Xiao-Chao LUO ; Jia-Li LIU ; Ming-Hong YAO ; Ye-Meng CHEN ; Arthur Yin FAN ; Fan-Rong LIANG ; Ji-Ping ZHAO ; Ling ZHAO ; Xu ZHOU ; Xiao-Ying ZHONG ; Jia-Hui YANG ; Bo LI ; Ying ZHANG ; Xin SUN ; Ling LI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):630-640
BACKGROUND:
The use of inserted sham acupuncture as a placebo in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is controversial, because it may produce specific effects that cause an underestimation of the effect of acupuncture treatment.
OBJECTIVE:
This systematic survey investigates the magnitude of insert-specific effects of sham acupuncture and whether they affect the estimation of acupuncture treatment effects.
SEARCH STRATEGY:
PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify acupuncture RCTs from their inception until December 2022.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
RCTs that evaluated the effects of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:
The total effect measured for an acupuncture treatment group in RCTs were divided into three components, including the natural history and/or regression to the mean effect (controlled for no-treatment group), the placebo effect, and the specific effect of acupuncture. The first two constituted the contextual effect of acupuncture, which is mimicked by a sham acupuncture treatment group. The proportion of acupuncture total effect size was considered to be 1. The proportion of natural history and/or regression to the mean effect (PNE) and proportional contextual effect (PCE) of included RCTs were pooled using meta-analyses with a random-effect model. The proportion of acupuncture placebo effect was the difference between PCE and PNE in RCTs with non-inserted sham acupuncture. The proportion of insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture (PIES) was obtained by subtracting the proportion of acupuncture placebo effect and PNE from PCE in RCTs with inserted sham acupuncture. The impact of PIES on the estimation of acupuncture's treatment effect was evaluated by quantifying the percentage of RCTs that the effect of outcome changed from no statistical difference to statistical difference after removing PIES in the included studies, and the impact of PIES was externally validated in other acupuncture RCTs with an inserted sham acupuncture group that were not used to calculate PIES.
RESULTS:
This analysis included 32 studies with 5492 patients. The overall PNE was 0.335 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.255-0.415) and the PCE of acupuncture was 0.639 (95% CI, 0.567-0.710) of acupuncture's total effect. The proportional contribution of the placebo effect to acupuncture's total effect was 0.191, and the PIES was 0.189. When we modeled the exclusion of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture, the acupuncture treatment effect changed from no difference to a significant difference in 45.45% of the included RCTs, and in 40.91% of the external validated RCTs.
CONCLUSION
The insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture in RCTs represents 18.90% of acupuncture's total effect and significantly affects the evaluation of the acupuncture treatment effect. More than 40% of RCTs that used inserted sham acupuncture would draw different conclusions if the PIES had been controlled for. Considering the impact of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture, caution should be taken when using inserted sham acupuncture placebos in RCTs. Please cite this article as: Luo XC, Liu JL, Yao MH, Chen YM, Fan AY, Liang FR, Zhao JP, Zhao L, Zhou X, Zhong XY, Yang JH, Li B, Zhang Y, Sun X, Li L. Specific effect of inserted sham acupuncture and its impact on the estimation of acupuncture treatment effect in randomized controlled trials: A systematic survey. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):630-640.
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
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Humans
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Placebo Effect
;
Placebos
;
Treatment Outcome

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