1.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Dominant Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zihan WANG ; Yanyu CHEN ; Yong CUI ; Qingwen TAO ; Mei MO ; Ke XUE ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):263-269
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a refractory autoimmune disease, is among the dominant diseases where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows advantages in the field of rheumatology and immunology. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital hosted the "46th Youth Salon on Dominant Diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)" organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, which led to a consensus on "the advantages, challenges, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational achievements of integrated TCM and Western medical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE." The diagnosis and treatment of SLE currently face several challenges, such as frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in the early stages, difficulty in achieving treatment targets, multiple side effects from pharmacotherapy, and the lack of management strategies for special populations, all of which hinder the fulfillment of the clinical needs of patients. Integrated TCM and Western medical approaches can improve clinical symptoms such as skin erythema, aversion to cold and cold limbs, fatigue, dry mouth, restlessness, and heat sensation in the palms and soles, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The approaches also help consolidate the efficacy of conventional Western medicine, slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, address multi-organ involvement, and prevent or treat complications. Additionally, they enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, prevent the side effects of Western medications, help reduce hormone use, and offer distinct advantages in the individualized intervention of special populations, contributing to the whole-process management of the disease. However, evidence-based medical support for this integrated approach remains limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Common evaluation systems and modern research methodologies should be adopted to clarify the efficacy of TCM in SLE treatment. Efforts should be made to carry out high-quality evidence-based medical research, strengthen the development of fundamental and pharmacological research, and further explain the distinct advantages of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Future efforts should focus on advancing the integration of TCM and modern medicine, incorporating multi-omics technologies, individualized stratification, and other precision medicine concepts, in combination with artificial intelligence. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration should be promoted to utilize modern technology in exploring the essence of TCM theories and screening effective formulae, thereby comprehensively improving the diagnosis and treatment of SLE through integrated TCM and Western medical approaches.
2.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Dominant Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zihan WANG ; Yanyu CHEN ; Yong CUI ; Qingwen TAO ; Mei MO ; Ke XUE ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):263-269
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a refractory autoimmune disease, is among the dominant diseases where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows advantages in the field of rheumatology and immunology. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital hosted the "46th Youth Salon on Dominant Diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)" organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, which led to a consensus on "the advantages, challenges, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational achievements of integrated TCM and Western medical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE." The diagnosis and treatment of SLE currently face several challenges, such as frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in the early stages, difficulty in achieving treatment targets, multiple side effects from pharmacotherapy, and the lack of management strategies for special populations, all of which hinder the fulfillment of the clinical needs of patients. Integrated TCM and Western medical approaches can improve clinical symptoms such as skin erythema, aversion to cold and cold limbs, fatigue, dry mouth, restlessness, and heat sensation in the palms and soles, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The approaches also help consolidate the efficacy of conventional Western medicine, slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, address multi-organ involvement, and prevent or treat complications. Additionally, they enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, prevent the side effects of Western medications, help reduce hormone use, and offer distinct advantages in the individualized intervention of special populations, contributing to the whole-process management of the disease. However, evidence-based medical support for this integrated approach remains limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Common evaluation systems and modern research methodologies should be adopted to clarify the efficacy of TCM in SLE treatment. Efforts should be made to carry out high-quality evidence-based medical research, strengthen the development of fundamental and pharmacological research, and further explain the distinct advantages of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Future efforts should focus on advancing the integration of TCM and modern medicine, incorporating multi-omics technologies, individualized stratification, and other precision medicine concepts, in combination with artificial intelligence. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration should be promoted to utilize modern technology in exploring the essence of TCM theories and screening effective formulae, thereby comprehensively improving the diagnosis and treatment of SLE through integrated TCM and Western medical approaches.
3.Analysis of clinical diagnosis,treatment and prognostic factors in 75 cases of urachal carcinoma
Yong ZHANG ; Lingang CUI ; Penghui YUAN ; Tianyu LYU ; Jiahao CUI ; Zhuo ZHAO ; Qingjun MENG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(9):733-738
Objective To explore the diagnosis,treatment and prognostic factors of urachal carcinoma(UrC),aiming to provide reference for the standardized diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 75 UrC patients confirmed with postoperative pathology treated in our hospital during Mar.2010 and Mar.2023.All patients underwent surgical treatment,and 35 received postoperative chemotherapy.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors.Kaplan-Meier curves were adopted to calculate the cumulative survival rates and overall survival(OS).Results Among the 75 patients,the male to female ratio was 2.8∶1 and the mean age was(58.4±2.2)years.Median follow-up was 60 months and median OS was 48 months.The 3-year survival rate was 67.3%and the 5-year survival rate was 38.8%.There were 19 cases(25.3%)of CK7 positive,60 cases(80.0%)of Sheldon stage Ⅲ and above,and 26 cases(34.7%)of postoperative recurrence.CK7 positive(P=0.001),Sheldon staging Ⅲ+Ⅳ(P=0.005)and postoperative recurrence(P=0.003)were independent prognostic factors.Conclusion Urachal carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor in males with occult onset.CK7 positive,Sheldon staging and postoperative recurrence were independent prognostic factors of this disease.
4.Related factors of hyperuricemia in adolescents with bipolar disorder
Yuyong SUN ; Xiaoyan LIU ; Wenjing CUI ; Pengfei GUO ; Yong XIA
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(1):32-36
Objective:To investigate the related factors of hyperuricemia(HUA)in adolescents with bipolar disorder.Methods:Fifty-nine adolescent patients with bipolar disorder and 60 normal controls were select-ed.General demographic and clinical data were collected.Serum uric acid(UA),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),fasting blood glucose(FPG),fructosamine(FA)and other physiological indices were detected.The Hamilton Depression Scale 17(HAMD-17)and Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale(BRMS)were used to evaluate the emotional symptoms of the patients.Results:The detection rate of HUA was higher in the adolescent patients with bipolar disorder than in the normal control group(30.5%vs.18.3%,P<0.05),and was higher in manic episode than in depressive episode(48.2%vs.20.8%,P<0.05).Unconditioned logistic regression analysis showed that high level of TG and high BMI were risk factors for hyperuricemia in adolescents with bipolar disorder(OR=2.51,1.34).Conclusion:This study shows that adolescents with bipolar disorder may have a higher risk of HUA than normal controls,and its oc-currence is associated with high TG level and BMI.
5.The surgeon's crucial role in the era of transcatheter aortic valve replacement:lifetime management
Tong TAN ; En-jun ZHU ; Hao CUI ; Yong-qiang LAI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):227-230
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)is increasingly being applied in low-risk and younger patients.However,this trend necessitates that cardiac surgeons take on the responsibility of comprehensive lifetime management.This article explores three critical aspects of lifetime management,including the selection of the initial valve,the procedural success and the device success rates of TAVR,and the durability of the valve.Younger TAVR recipients require comprehensive lifetime management strategies,including the potential risk of reintervention.Improving TAVR's procedural and device success rates is the cornerstone of lifetime management,necessitating efforts in surgical strategy and operation to reduce complications.Valve durability is a key guarantee;current surgical bioprosthetic valves show good durability,but long-term data on TAVR valves'durability is still needed.Meanwhile,novel valves are being improved in durability,offering new directions for optimizing lifetime management in TAVR patients.
6.Literature review and experience in treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection in operative area after cochlear implantation.
Wenwei LUO ; Peina WU ; Yuanpu LAI ; Yong CUI ; Hongming HUANG
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(5):453-456
Objective:Multi-drug resistant bacterial infection(MRSA) complications occurring in cochlear implant recipients is rare and of serious consequence. This paper aimed to summarize the treatment experience of a patient with MRSA infection after cochlear implantation. A patient with nasopharyngeal malignant tumor after radiotherapy developed to severe sensorineural deafness. She suffered MRSA infection nine days after cochlear implantation. Since the wound failed to heal after weeks of topical and systemic sensitive antibiotic therapy, the patient underwent surgery for wound debridement. The stimulator-receiver and the electrode of the implant was removed, negative pressure wound therapy was applied, and systemic anti-infection treatment with sensitive antibiotics for weeks, the patients recovered and was discharged from hospital 69 days after infection.
Humans
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Cochlear Implantation/adverse effects*
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Female
;
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
;
Staphylococcal Infections/therapy*
;
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
;
Cochlear Implants
;
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Postoperative Complications
;
Middle Aged
7.The decade of otoendoscope in China.
Yu SUN ; Xiuyong DING ; Yunfeng WANG ; Wuqing WANG ; Wei WANG ; Wenlong SHANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Zhaoyan WANG ; Haidi YANG ; Qiong YANG ; Yu ZHAO ; Zhaohui HOU ; Yong CUI ; Lingyun MEI ; Youjun YU ; Hua LIAO
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(12):1103-1109
8.Evolution-guided design of mini-protein for high-contrast in vivo imaging.
Nongyu HUANG ; Yang CAO ; Guangjun XIONG ; Suwen CHEN ; Juan CHENG ; Yifan ZHOU ; Chengxin ZHANG ; Xiaoqiong WEI ; Wenling WU ; Yawen HU ; Pei ZHOU ; Guolin LI ; Fulei ZHAO ; Fanlian ZENG ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Jiadong YU ; Chengcheng YUE ; Xinai CUI ; Kaijun CUI ; Huawei CAI ; Yuquan WEI ; Yang ZHANG ; Jiong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5327-5345
Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with 99mTc, 68Ga, and 18F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.
9.Histaminergic Innervation of the Ventral Anterior Thalamic Nucleus Alleviates Motor Deficits in a 6-OHDA-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.
Han-Ting XU ; Xiao-Ya XI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Yun-Yong XIE ; Zhi-San CUI ; Bei-Bei ZHANG ; Shu-Tao XIE ; Hong-Zhao LI ; Qi-Peng ZHANG ; Yang PAN ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG ; Jing-Ning ZHU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):551-568
The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K+ channels, or Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals
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Histamine/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Oxidopamine/toxicity*
;
Rats
;
Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
Neurons/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Optogenetics
10.Inhibition of interferon regulatory factor 4 orchestrates T cell dysfunction, extending mouse cardiac allograft survival.
Wenjia YUAN ; Hedong ZHANG ; Longkai PENG ; Chao CHEN ; Chen FENG ; Zhouqi TANG ; Pengcheng CUI ; Yaguang LI ; Tengfang LI ; Xia QIU ; Yan CUI ; Yinqi ZENG ; Jiadi LUO ; Xubiao XIE ; Yong GUO ; Xin JIANG ; Helong DAI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1202-1212
BACKGROUND:
T cell dysfunction, which includes exhaustion, anergy, and senescence, is a distinct T cell differentiation state that occurs after antigen exposure. Although T cell dysfunction has been a cornerstone of cancer immunotherapy, its potential in transplant research, while not yet as extensively explored, is attracting growing interest. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) has been shown to play a pivotal role in inducing T cell dysfunction.
METHODS:
A novel ultra-low-dose combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin, targeting IRF4 inhibition, was employed to investigate T cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine secretion, expression of T-cell dysfunction-associated molecules, effects of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, and allograft survival in both in vitro and BALB/c to C57BL/6 mouse cardiac transplantation models.
RESULTS:
In vitro , blockade of IRF4 in T cells effectively inhibited T cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and significantly upregulated the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), Helios, CD160, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA-4), markers of T cell dysfunction. Furthermore, it suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17. Combining ultra-low-dose Trametinib (0.1 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) and Rapamycin (0.1 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) demonstrably extended graft survival, with 4 out of 5 mice exceeding 100 days post-transplantation. Moreover, analysis of grafts at day 7 confirmed sustained IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) inhibition, enhanced PD-1 expression, and suppressed IFN-γ secretion, reinforcing the in vivo efficacy of this IRF4-targeting approach. The combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin synergistically inhibited the MAPK and mTOR signaling network, leading to a more pronounced suppression of IRF4 expression.
CONCLUSIONS
Targeting IRF4, a key regulator of T cell dysfunction, presents a promising avenue for inducing transplant immune tolerance. In this study, we demonstrate that a novel ultra-low-dose combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin synergistically suppresses the MAPK and mTOR signaling network, leading to profound IRF4 inhibition, promoting allograft acceptance, and offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for improved transplant outcomes. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and facilitate translation to clinical practice.
Animals
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Interferon Regulatory Factors/metabolism*
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Heart Transplantation/methods*
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T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
;
Sirolimus/therapeutic use*
;
Pyridones/therapeutic use*
;
Graft Survival/drug effects*
;
Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*

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