1.Coronary CT Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Asia and the United States: 2025 Status Update
Woo Jin AHN ; Maros FERENCIK ; Ming-Yen NG ; Liang ZHONG ; Mona BHATIA ; Akira KURATA ; Pannipa SUWANNASOM ; Yung-Liang WAN ; Trang Ngoc NGUYEN ; Suyon CHANG ; Sung Mok KIM ; Hwan Seok YONG ; Cherry KIM
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(1):27-33
Coronary CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is a noninvasive alternative to invasive FFR for assessing the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis. CT-FFR uses routinely acquired coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with artificial intelligence and computational fluid dynamics to estimate pressure gradients, thereby supporting clinical decisionmaking without procedural risk. Adoption and implementation vary widely across regions. In Asia, South Korea exclusively uses HeartMedi+, which enables rapid analysis, streamlined workflow integration, and high user satisfaction. Japan relies primarily on FFR CT, which has national reimbursement and significantly influences treatment strategies, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures. Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam remain in early or exploratory phases due to cost, reimbursement, and infrastructure barriers. In the United States, CT-FFR is guideline-endorsed and reimbursed, where HeartFlow is the most widely used, supported by robust clinical validation and outcome data. Despite regional variability, CTFFR offers a noninvasive solution that enhances patient management, reduces unnecessary invasive testing, and is poised for broader clinical integration as technology and validation advance.
2.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
3.Investigation on prevalence of pinworm infection among kindergarten children and knowledge of prevention and control among teachers and parents in Gaoyou City from 2023 to 2025
Wei WANG ; Yuhui XU ; Fang TIAN ; Jinbin GAO ; Zhong WAN ; Yong HE
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):309-313
Objective To investigate the prevalence of pinworm infections among kindergarten children and the effectiveness of health interventions among teachers and parents in Gaoyou City, so as to provide insights into optimization of enterobiasis control strategies. Methods From September to November each year from 2023 to 2025, Gaoyou City’s 57 kindergartens were divided into five zones based on the five cardinal directions: east, west, south, north, and center. At least one kindergarten was randomly selected as a survey site in each zone, with a minimum of 200 children surveyed per site. The transparent adhesive tape anal swab method was used to detect pinworm infection in the surveyed children, while the transparent adhesive tape sticking method was employed to assess pinworm egg contamination in the children’s home and classroom environments. Concurrently, health education interventions were conducted for kindergarten teachers and parents. Additionally, self-administered questionnaires were administered to teachers and parents to evaluate children’s hygiene behaviors and the awareness rates of pinworm prevention knowledge among teachers and parents before and after the health education interventions. Results From 2023 to 2025, a total of 1 939 children from nine kindergartens in Gaoyou City were tested for pinworm infection, with two cases detected, resulting in an overall infection rate of 0.10% (2/1 939). No pinworm eggs were found in the samples from the children’s families or classroom environments. In public kindergartens, the proportions of children practicing the four hygiene habits, namely “handwashing after defecation” [96.10% (1 305/1 358) vs. 74.65% (212/284); χ2 = 153.646, P < 0.05], “regular nail trimming” [92.93% (1 262/1 358) vs. 77.82% (221/284); χ2 = 61.349, P < 0.05], “not biting toys or pencils” [88.14% (1 197/1 358) vs. 76.76% (218/284); χ2 = 25.549, P < 0.05], and “showering twice or more per week” [89.03% (1 209/1 358) vs. 74.65% (212/284); χ2 = 41.699, P < 0.05], were all higher than those in private kindergartens. Before health education intervention, the awareness rates of pinworm prevention knowledge among teachers in public and private kindergartens were 86.89% (53/61) and 75.00% (21/28), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 1.935, P > 0.05). The awareness rates among parents of children in public and private kindergartens were 64.73% (879/1 358) and 57.39% (163/284), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 5.447, P < 0.05). After the intervention, the awareness rates among teachers in public and private kindergartens increased to 96.72% (59/61) and 82.14% (23/28), respectively, while those among parents rose to 88.95% (1 208/1 358) and 77.81% (221/284), both with statistically significant differences (χ2 = 5.628 and 25.808, both P < 0.05). Among the questionnaire items, teachers [32.58% (29/89)] and parents [26.00% (427/1 642)] had the lowest overall awareness rate regarding the “main reasons for the difficulty in preventing and controlling pinworm disease”. After the intervention, these rates increased to 77.53% (69/89) and 70.77% (1 162/1 642), respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of pinworm infection in kindergarten children in Gaoyou City is at a low level. Health intervention can effectively improve the knowledge level of teachers and parents on the prevention and treatment of pinworm disease, but further efforts are needed to strengthen the health education and management of pinworm disease in private kindergartens.
4.Study on quality standard of ethnic medicine Diplazium lanceum
Liyuan HU ; Chuhui ZHOU ; Limei LIANG ; Yong CHEN ; Jiajia ZHONG ; Jiangcun WEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1986-1991
OBJECTIVE To study the quality standard of the ethnic medicine Diplazium lanceum, and to provide reference for its quality control.METHODS The medicinal material of D. lanceum was identified by properties, microscopy, and thin-layer chromatography(TLC), and its moisture, ash, and extract contents were determined. The contents of chlorogenic acid and rutin in 10 batches of D. lanceum were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography . RESULTS The rhizome of D. lanceum is slender and creeping, the leaf is leathery and shriveled, and yellow sporangia are borne on the abaxial surface of the leaf. The transverse section of the leaf shows inclusions, sclerenchyma, phloem cells, etc.; the transverse section of the petiole shows ground tissue, sclerenchyma, endodermis, etc.; the transverse section of the rhizome shows ground tissue, tracheids, vascular bundles, etc.; and the powder shows spiral vessels and brown inclusions. The TLC identification results showed that the chromatogram of the test sample exhibited spots of the same color at the corresponding positions as the chromatogram of the chlorogenic acid reference substance. The content ranges of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, extract, chlorogenic acid, and rutin in the 10 batches of samples were 10.18%-12.43%, 7.08%-19.12%, 0.95%-10.62%, 14.13%-26.05%, 0.113 1-1.015 9 mg/g, and 0.009 9-0.208 9 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In the quality standard of D. lanceum, the moisture content should be ≤12.5%, total ash content should be ≤20.0%, acid-insoluble ash content should be ≤11.0%, extract content should be ≥14.0%, and chlorogenic acid content should be ≥0.11 mg/g. The established method is simple, specific, and reproducible, and can provide a scientific basis for the quality control of D. lanceum.
5.Establishment and preliminary testing of a double antibody sandwich ELISA method for Brucella detection
Meng-xin YAO ; Ze-yu PENG ; Wen-hao REN ; Yi-mei XU ; Wei GUO ; Chuang-fu CHEN ; Zhong-chen MA ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):255-262
This study was aimed at establishing a sensitive and specific sandwich ELISA detection method for Brucella.We screened monoclonal capture antibodies and detection antibodies for Brucella detection,and optimized and determined the opti-mal antibody coating time and concentration,as well as the optimal blocking solution,blocking time,and yin-yang critical val-ue.The specificity of this method was verified by examination of other bacteria prone to cross-reacting with Brucella.The sen-sitivity of the method was verified by detection of a gradient dilution of inactivated Brucella.Moreover,the sandwich ELISA detection results were compared with test tube agglutination and qPCR results.The selected capture antibody was 4A12,and the selected detection antibody was 6C12.Experimental analysis indicated that the optimal coating concentration for the 4A12 capture antibody was 5 μg/mL,and the optimal dilution ratio for the 6C12 detection antibody was 1∶2000.The optimal coating conditions were overnight at 4℃,and blocking with 5%skim milk powder for 2 hours.The established double antibody sand-wich ELISA method reacted with only Brucella but not other bacteria,thus demonstrating the method's good specificity.Inac-tivated Brucella solution was still detectable after dilution to 1 × 105 CFU/mL,thus demonstrating the method's good sensitiv-ity.The intra-and inter batch coefficients of variation were both below 10%,thus indicating the method's good repeatability.Thus,this study successfully established a dual antibody sandwich ELISA method for Brucella detection,which has good spe-cificity and sensitivity,and might provide an effective approach for the precise diagnosis and effective prevention and control of brucellosis.
6.Posterior minimally invasive surgery for treating paralytic scoliosis with pelvic obliquity in children following spinal cord injury
Yi CHEN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Zhong HE ; Zhen LIU ; Saihu MAO ; Benlong SHI ; Yong QIU ; Zezhang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(2):67-76
Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and traditional Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) in treating children with paralytic scoliosis with pelvic obliquity (PSPO) following spinal cord injury.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 25 patients with PSPO who underwent surgical treatment at the Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School from January 2017 to June 2023. The cohort included 4 males and 21 females, aged 12.3±2.8 years (range 9-14 years). Patients were divided into the MIS group (12 cases) and the PSF group (13 cases). Radiological parameters were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion volume, length of hospital stay, total hospitalization costs, and complications were recorded. The Scoliosis Research Society questionnaires-22 (SRS-22) Chinese version were used to assess patient satisfaction and efficacy.Results:There were no statistically significant differences between the MIS and PSF groups in age, gender, Risser sign, preoperative Cobb angle for scoliosis, pelvic tilt angle, or local kyphosis angle ( P>0.05). The MIS group demonstrated surgical time of 176±30 minutes, intraoperative blood loss of 300±70 ml, blood transfusion volume of 280±175 ml, and total hospitalization costs of 87'800± 13'300 yuan, all of which were lower than PSF group, with values of 280±91 minutes, 1'433±116 ml, 1'351±996 ml, and 14'8400±26'100 yuan, respectively. These differences were statistically significant ( t=3.789, P=0.001; t=29.328, P<0.001; t=3.667, P=0.001; t=7.271, P<0.001). In the MIS group, preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up Cobb angles were 79.11°±6.74°, 35.86°±4.98°, and 36.27°±4.84° respectively; pelvic tilt angles were 24.79°±5.58°, 9.18°±3.32°, and 8.79°±2.94°; local kyphosis angles were 38.84°±4.18°, 12.96°±4.87°, and 11.43°±6.08°, respectively. Postoperative and last follow-up angles were significantly reduced compared to preoperative values, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). In the PSF group, preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up Cobb angles were 82.06°±9.26°, 34.75°±5.14°, and 35.15°±5.04° respectively; pelvic tilt angles were 26.60°±6.21°, 10.12°±3.21°, and 9.91°±2.97°; local kyphosis angles were 40.92°±7.04°, 10.92°±7.26°, and 14.02°±5.58°, respectively. Differences from preoperative to postoperative measurements were statistically significant ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, both groups showed no significant loss of scoliosis correction, and there were no statistically significant differences between the groups postoperatively or at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). In the MIS group, one case of superficial surgical site infection and one case of postoperative atelectasis occurred. In the PSF group, two cases of deep surgical site infection, one case of poor screw placement, and two cases were transferred to the ICU postoperatively due to excessive intraoperative bleeding. Preoperative SRS-22 total scores were 2.0±0.6 for PSF and 2.1±0.4 for MIS. Postoperative SRS-22 total scores (excluding satisfaction) were 3.0±0.5 for PSF and 2.9±0.3 for MIS. The within-group differences from preoperative to postoperative were statistically significant ( P<0.05), while the between-group differences from preoperative to postoperative were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared to the PSF technique, MIS can shorten surgery time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complications, and decrease hospitalization costs. MIS can achieve similar early clinical efficacy.
7.Correlation between postoperative changes in femoral head coverage and sagittal imbalance in adult spinal deformity patients undergoing S 2-alar-iliac screw fixation
Dongyue LI ; Kiram ABDUKAHAR ; Jie LI ; Yanjie XU ; Zhong HE ; Zongshan HU ; Xiaodong QIN ; Zhen LIU ; Yong QIU ; Zezhang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(14):936-945
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between postoperative changes in femoral head coverage (FHC) after S 2-Alar-Iliac (S 2AI) screw fixation and the development of sagittal imbalance during follow-up in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD), providing insights for clinical assessment and treatment strategies. Methods:A consecutive cohort of 98 ASD patients who underwent S2AI fixation between September 2019 and September 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on changes in femoral head coverage (ΔFHC): the FHC-C group (upper quartile ΔFHC, 25 cases) and the FHC-NC group (lower quartile ΔFHC, 24 cases). Additionally, patients were classified into proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and non-PJK groups based on their clinical outcomes at the last follow-up. Standing full-spine anteroposterior and lateral X-rays were taken preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the two-year follow-up to measure and document the following spinal parameters: Cobb angle, proximal lumbar lordosis (PLL), distal lumbar lordosis (DLL), lumbar lordosis (LL), lordosis distribution index (LDI), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), coronal balance distance (CBD), thoracic kyphosis (TK), T 1 pelvic angle (T 1PA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), PI-LL, and proximal junctional angle (PJA). Parameters related to hip joint coverage included: femoral head coverage (FHC), lateral center-edge angle (LCE angle), acetabular index (AI), Sharp angle, and extrusion index (EI). Comparisons of radiographic indicators between the two groups were performed at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up assessments. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the hip pain and back pain. Results:At final follow-up, the incidence of PJK was significantly higher in the FHC-NC group [37.5% (9/24)] compared to the FHC-C group [16.0% (4/25)] (χ 2=3.952, P=0.042). Moreover, the increase in sagittal vertical axis (ΔSVA) was significantly greater in the FHC-NC group (35.9±44.7 mm vs. 14.6±31.8 mm, t=2.216, P=0.031). Patients with PJK had significantly higher preoperative T 1PA (36.8°±10.8° vs. 31.9°±18.4°, t=2.150, P=0.034) and lower immediate postoperative ΔFHC (1.7%±1.5% vs. 3.3%±2.5%, t=2.987, P=0.004), as well as lower changes in lateral center-edge angle during follow-up (0.3°±3.0° vs. 1.1°±8.9°, t=2.334, P=0.022). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between postoperative ΔFHC and both ΔSVA ( r=-0.374, P=0.008) and proximal junctional angle changes (ΔPJA, r=-0.429, P=0.006). Additionally, increases in VAS leg pain scores correlated negatively with immediate postoperative FHC ( r=-0.314, P=0.025) and ΔFHC ( r=-0.298, P=0.031). Logistic regression indicated that immediate postoperative ΔFHC was a protective factor against PJK [ OR=0.722, 95% CI (0.541, 0.963), P=0.009), with a ROC-determined optimal ΔFHC cut-off of 3.90% (AUC=0.723, Youden index=0.847). Conclusions:Postoperative evaluation of femoral head coverage is clinically important for ASD patients undergoing S2AI screw fixation. A pre-to-post ΔFHC below 3.90% may indicate reduced hip compensation capacity, increasing risks for hip pain, sagittal imbalance progression, and PJK postoperatively.
8.Development of a visualizable machine learning model for mechanical complication risk in adult spinal deformity surgery
Jie LI ; Zhen TIAN ; Zhong HE ; Xiaodong QIN ; Jun QIAO ; Saihu MAO ; Benlong SHI ; Yong QIU ; Zezhang ZHU ; Zhen LIU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(17):1137-1146
Objective:To predict mechanical complications (MC) following spinal deformity surgery for adult spine deformity (ASD) using machine learning models, identify key risk factors, and develop a visualizable tool for individualized risk assessment.Methods:Clinical and radiological data from 525 patients with ASD who underwent surgery in our hospital between January 2017 and December 2021 were collected. Patients were randomly assigned to a training set (70%) and a test set (30%) for model development. The cohort included 88 males and 437 females, with a mean age of 42.2±18.1 years. Variables included demographic data, comorbidities, local and systemic radiological parameters, paraspinal muscle fat infiltration (FI), and vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores. Multiple machine learning algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Light GBM, Support Vector Machine (SVM), XGBoost (XGB), and Logistic Regression (LR) were trained and evaluated. Model performance was compared using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and precision-recall curve (PRC). SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) was used to rank risk factors, while LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations) was applied to visualize MC risk in individual cases.Results:Of the 525 patients, 135 (25.7%) developed postoperative MC. Among these, 80 (59.3%) experienced proximal junction kyphosis or failure (PJK/PJF), 7 (5.2%) had distal junction kyphosis or failure (DJK/DJF), 28 (20.7%) sustained rod fractures, and 29 (21.5%) showed significant loss of correction. In the validation cohort, the RF model achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC=0.80), followed by GNB (0.77), XGB (0.76), LR (0.74), LightGBM (0.73), and SVM (0.66). The RF model also demonstrated the best PRC value (0.58), highest sensitivity (0.65), and lowest Brier score (0.20). GNB, Light GBM, and LR models achieved the highest accuracy (0.78 each), while LightGBM exhibited the highest specificity (0.93). SHAP analysis identified higher preoperative VBQ scores, larger T 1 pelvic angle (TPA), and higher paraspinal muscle FI as the main risk factors for MC. Based on the RF model, a LIME-based tool was successfully constructed for individualized MC risk estimation. Conclusion:The RF model demonstrated the best overall predictive performance for MC. A machine learning-based prediction model has the potential to provide valuable guidance for surgical decision-making in ASD patients.
9.The Construction Analysis on the Barriers and Optimization Strategies for Meaningful Use of Digital Technologies in Primary Care Facilities
Zhong LI ; Yong GAN ; Mingsheng CHEN ; Shan JIANG
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(5):70-74
Objective:According to the"Technology-Organization-Environment"framework,it aims to analyze barriers of meaningful use of digital technologies in primary care facilities and propose corresponding optimization strategies.Methods:Nvivo 11.0 Software is used to conduct thematic framework analysis on interview data of primary healthcare and administrative staff in a district of Jiangsu Province.Results:The barriers are as follows:(1)technology level:infrastructure needs improvement,unified technology standards for data,low level of technology usability and usefulness,and limited economic benefits;(2)organizational level:insufficient digital literacy of medical staff,low organizational innovation ability,lack of training,inertia of healthcare staff,and limited size of primary care facilities;(3)environmental level:insufficient government support,high government requirements of performance evaluation,low digital literacy of residents,not covered by medical insurance schemes,constraints on interests among stakeholders,and mismatched digital scenarios.The main reason for insufficient effective use of digital technologies includes insufficient adaptability between digital technologies and the practical needs of grassroots health services,lack of organizational change and proactive personnel behavior,low level of external environment optimization and institutional support.Conclusion:Policy makers and implementers should be demand-oriented,continuously improve digital technologies maturity in primary healthcare system,integrate organizational resources,achieve changes in primary healthcare models,optimize the external environment,and enhance collaborative governance levels.
10.Effects of dietary supplements on patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Chang-Shun CHEN ; Lei WEN ; Fei YANG ; Yong-Cheng DENG ; Jian-Hua JI ; Rong-Jin CHEN ; Zhong CHEN ; Ge CHEN ; Jin-Yi GU
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(4):357-369
BACKGROUND:
A growing body of research is exploring the role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis, highlighting an increasing emphasis on non-pharmacological interventions. Although more patients are turning to supplements to manage osteoarthritis, their actual effectiveness remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the available evidence concerning the efficacy of various dietary supplements in osteoarthritis treatment.
SEARCH STRATEGY:
We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science for studies on the use of various dietary supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis from the creation of each database until Jan 20, 2025.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
(1) Research object: osteoarthritis. (2) Intervention measures: patients in the treatment group received dietary supplements, while the control group received placebos. (3) Research type: randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:
Two researchers independently examined the literature and retrieved data based on predefined criteria. The information gathered included the first author, year of publication, sample size, participant demographics, length of the follow-up period, intervention and control measures, and inclusion indications. RCTs comparing dietary supplements to placebo with the pain and function subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) among patients with osteoarthritis were included. The optimal dietary supplement was identified based on the total ranking by summing the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) of these two scores. Furthermore, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to confirm the quality of the evidence.
RESULTS:
Overall, 23 studies covering 21 dietary supplements and involving 2455 participants met the inclusion criteria. In the WOMAC pain score, the SUCRA of passion fruit peel extract was 91% (mean difference [MD]: -9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-16.0, -2.3]), followed by methylsulfonylmethane (89%), undenatured type II collagen (87%), collagen (84%), and Lanconone (82%). The SUCRA (99%) of passion fruit peel extract (MD: -41.0; 95% CI: [-66.0, -16.0]) ranked first in terms of the WOMAC function score, followed by Lanconone (95%), collagen (86%), ParActin (84%), and Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (83%). The top three total rankings are passion fruit peel extract (95.0%), Lanconone (88.5%), and collagen (85.0%). However, the GRADE revealed low evidence quality.
CONCLUSION
Passion fruit peel extract was the best supplement for improving WOMAC pain and function scores in patients with osteoarthritis, followed by Lanconone and collagen. However, further large-scale, well designed RCTs are required to substantiate these promising findings. Please cite this article as: Chen CS, Wen L, Yang F, Deng YC, Ji JH, Chen RJ, Chen Z, Chen G, Gu JY. Effects of dietary supplements on patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 357-369.
Humans
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Dietary Supplements
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Osteoarthritis/drug therapy*
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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