1.Cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis:mechanisms and regenerative challenges
Xiao YANG ; Yuehui BAI ; Tiantian ZHAO ; Donghao WANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Shuo YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):926-935
BACKGROUND:The exact pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is currently unclear.Traditional clinical treatment strategies for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis are symptomatic treatments such as pain relief and reduction of inflammation,which can stop the progression of the disease to a certain degree but cannot reverse the destruction of the cartilage.Cartilage degeneration,as one of the most prominent pathologic features in the development of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,has been the subject of an increasing number of studies that focus on its pathogenesis.Consequently,we hope to provide an ideal radical solution for the regeneration of the temporomandibular joint.OBJECTIVE:To review the progress of research on cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.METHODS:The search terms were"temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,degradation of cartilage matrix,synovitis,oxidative stress,chondrocyte hypertrophy,chondrocyte apoptosis,ferroptosis,autophagy,angiogenesis,extracellular vesicles"in Chinese and English.Literature search was conducted in PubMed database and CNKI,and the time limit for the search was from January 2004 to October 2024.Screening was performed by analyzing and reading the literature,and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,81 papers were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Increased secretion of cartilage matrix degrading enzymes causes degradation of the cartilage matrix,leading to cartilage degeneration.(2)Synovitis promotes cartilage degeneration through macrophage M1-type polarization and production of inflammatory mediators.(3)Oxidative stress promotes cartilage degeneration by exacerbating the inflammatory response through overproduction of reactive oxygen species.(4)Chondrocyte phenotypic changes and death lead to the decrease of cartilage matrix synthesis,resulting in cartilage degeneration.(5)Blood vessels of subchondral bone penetrate the calcified cartilage layer to reach the superficial cartilage layer,which destroys the cartilage structure and leads to cartilage degeneration.(6)Bioactive substances carried by serum-derived extracellular vesicles in inflammatory states also promote cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
2.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
3.Compilation Instruction and Key Point Interpretation for Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance System in Medical Institutions
Shuoshuo WEI ; Fumei LIU ; Li ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Xin CUI ; Ruili WEI ; Shuo YANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):229-237
The Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance Systems in Medical Institutions (T/CACM 1563.2-2024) were the first special guideline in China to systematically assist medical institutions in establishing a pharmacovigilance system tailored to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This guideline was jointly developed with 23 authoritative medical and research institutions in China, under the lead of the Institute of Basic Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The purpose of this guideline was to standardize pharmacovigilance work throughout the entire lifecycle of TCM (including research and development, marketing, and application) and to establish a four-dimensional framework of "organizational structure, institutional system, information platform, and vigilance activities". Key components included the establishment of a TCM Safety Committee, the construction of nine core systems, the development of an information platform that complies with International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E2B standards, alongside the risk monitoring, identification, assessment, and control during clinical trials and post-marketing phases. Therefore, this guideline filled a significant gap in the systemic standards for TCM safety management within medical institutions. Strictly adhering to domestic and international laws and regulations, the guideline compilation involved multiple rounds of expert interviews, systematic evidence integration, and broad consensus. This guideline was specified to be applicable to medical institutions at all levels, primarily addressing core issues, including the difficulty in adverse reaction identification, low reporting rates, and incomplete risk management chains due to the complex composition and diverse application of TCM. The compilation process was scientific and rigorous, ensuring alignment with current national laws and regulations, and was registered internationally. In the future, implementation will be promoted through standardized training, tiered dissemination, as well as a post-effect evaluation and dynamic revision mechanism starting two years after publication. All these aimed to enhance medical institutions' proactive capabilities in preventing and controlling TCM safety risks, ensure patient medication safety, and promote the high-quality development of TCM.
4.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruili WEI ; Wenqian PENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):245-251
To standardize the clinical application of oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), and address the safety issues arising from their dosage form characteristics, irrational clinical use, and the lack of targeted pharmacovigilance systems, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the formulation and release of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines, aiming to inform the safe clinical use of oral CPMs and related pharmacovigilance work. According to the principles of GB/T1.1—2020 and the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision), the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a drafting group comprising 18 institutions. After multiple rounds of expert interviews, literature retrieval, evidence screening, and extensive solicitation of opinions, the Guidelines were registered internationally. Systematic standardization focused on safety monitoring, risk identification, assessment, control, and other aspects. The Guidelines clarified the characteristics of oral CPMs in terms of safety monitoring, known risks, and potential risks, compared to non-oral CPMs. Then, risk control measures were proposed, including medication in special populations and irrational medication. As a special guideline for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of oral CPMs, the Guidelines systematically construct a technical system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is essential for improving the clinical safety management of oral CPMs and provides an important reference for medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.
5.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
6.Compilation Instruction and Key Point Interpretation for Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance System in Medical Institutions
Shuoshuo WEI ; Fumei LIU ; Li ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Xin CUI ; Ruili WEI ; Shuo YANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):229-237
The Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance Systems in Medical Institutions (T/CACM 1563.2-2024) were the first special guideline in China to systematically assist medical institutions in establishing a pharmacovigilance system tailored to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This guideline was jointly developed with 23 authoritative medical and research institutions in China, under the lead of the Institute of Basic Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The purpose of this guideline was to standardize pharmacovigilance work throughout the entire lifecycle of TCM (including research and development, marketing, and application) and to establish a four-dimensional framework of "organizational structure, institutional system, information platform, and vigilance activities". Key components included the establishment of a TCM Safety Committee, the construction of nine core systems, the development of an information platform that complies with International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E2B standards, alongside the risk monitoring, identification, assessment, and control during clinical trials and post-marketing phases. Therefore, this guideline filled a significant gap in the systemic standards for TCM safety management within medical institutions. Strictly adhering to domestic and international laws and regulations, the guideline compilation involved multiple rounds of expert interviews, systematic evidence integration, and broad consensus. This guideline was specified to be applicable to medical institutions at all levels, primarily addressing core issues, including the difficulty in adverse reaction identification, low reporting rates, and incomplete risk management chains due to the complex composition and diverse application of TCM. The compilation process was scientific and rigorous, ensuring alignment with current national laws and regulations, and was registered internationally. In the future, implementation will be promoted through standardized training, tiered dissemination, as well as a post-effect evaluation and dynamic revision mechanism starting two years after publication. All these aimed to enhance medical institutions' proactive capabilities in preventing and controlling TCM safety risks, ensure patient medication safety, and promote the high-quality development of TCM.
7.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruili WEI ; Wenqian PENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):245-251
To standardize the clinical application of oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), and address the safety issues arising from their dosage form characteristics, irrational clinical use, and the lack of targeted pharmacovigilance systems, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the formulation and release of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines, aiming to inform the safe clinical use of oral CPMs and related pharmacovigilance work. According to the principles of GB/T1.1—2020 and the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision), the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a drafting group comprising 18 institutions. After multiple rounds of expert interviews, literature retrieval, evidence screening, and extensive solicitation of opinions, the Guidelines were registered internationally. Systematic standardization focused on safety monitoring, risk identification, assessment, control, and other aspects. The Guidelines clarified the characteristics of oral CPMs in terms of safety monitoring, known risks, and potential risks, compared to non-oral CPMs. Then, risk control measures were proposed, including medication in special populations and irrational medication. As a special guideline for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of oral CPMs, the Guidelines systematically construct a technical system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is essential for improving the clinical safety management of oral CPMs and provides an important reference for medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.
8.Cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis:mechanisms and regenerative challenges
Xiao YANG ; Yuehui BAI ; Tiantian ZHAO ; Donghao WANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Shuo YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):926-935
BACKGROUND:The exact pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is currently unclear.Traditional clinical treatment strategies for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis are symptomatic treatments such as pain relief and reduction of inflammation,which can stop the progression of the disease to a certain degree but cannot reverse the destruction of the cartilage.Cartilage degeneration,as one of the most prominent pathologic features in the development of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,has been the subject of an increasing number of studies that focus on its pathogenesis.Consequently,we hope to provide an ideal radical solution for the regeneration of the temporomandibular joint.OBJECTIVE:To review the progress of research on cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.METHODS:The search terms were"temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,degradation of cartilage matrix,synovitis,oxidative stress,chondrocyte hypertrophy,chondrocyte apoptosis,ferroptosis,autophagy,angiogenesis,extracellular vesicles"in Chinese and English.Literature search was conducted in PubMed database and CNKI,and the time limit for the search was from January 2004 to October 2024.Screening was performed by analyzing and reading the literature,and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,81 papers were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Increased secretion of cartilage matrix degrading enzymes causes degradation of the cartilage matrix,leading to cartilage degeneration.(2)Synovitis promotes cartilage degeneration through macrophage M1-type polarization and production of inflammatory mediators.(3)Oxidative stress promotes cartilage degeneration by exacerbating the inflammatory response through overproduction of reactive oxygen species.(4)Chondrocyte phenotypic changes and death lead to the decrease of cartilage matrix synthesis,resulting in cartilage degeneration.(5)Blood vessels of subchondral bone penetrate the calcified cartilage layer to reach the superficial cartilage layer,which destroys the cartilage structure and leads to cartilage degeneration.(6)Bioactive substances carried by serum-derived extracellular vesicles in inflammatory states also promote cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
9.Safety and effectiveness of lecanemab in Chinese patients with early Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from a multidimensional real-world study.
Wenyan KANG ; Chao GAO ; Xiaoyan LI ; Xiaoxue WANG ; Huizhu ZHONG ; Qiao WEI ; Yonghua TANG ; Peijian HUANG ; Ruinan SHEN ; Lingyun CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Rong FANG ; Wei WEI ; Fengjuan ZHANG ; Gaiyan ZHOU ; Weihong YUAN ; Xi CHEN ; Zhao YANG ; Ying WU ; Wenli XU ; Shuo ZHU ; Liwen ZHANG ; Naying HE ; Weihuan FANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Huijun JU ; Yaya BAI ; Jun LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2907-2916
INTRODUCTION:
Lecanemab has shown promise in treating early Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its safety and efficacy in Chinese populations remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and 6-month clinical outcomes of lecanemab in Chinese patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD.
METHODS:
In this single-arm, real-world study, participants with MCI due to AD or mild AD received biweekly intravenous lecanemab (10 mg/kg). The study was conducted at Hainan Branch, Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Patient enrollment and baseline assessments commenced in November 2023. Safety assessments included monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) and other adverse events. Clinical and biomarker changes from baseline to 6 months were evaluated using cognitive scales (mini-mental state examination [MMSE], montreal cognitive assessment [MoCA], clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes [CDR-SB]), plasma biomarker analysis, and advanced neuroimaging.
RESULTS:
A total of 64 patients were enrolled in this ongoing real-world study. Safety analysis revealed predominantly mild adverse events, with infusion-related reactions (20.3%, 13/64) being the most common. Of these, 69.2% (9/13) occurred during the initial infusion and 84.6% (11/13) did not recur. ARIA-H (microhemorrhages/superficial siderosis) and ARIA-E (edema/effusion) were observed in 9.4% (6/64) and 3.1% (2/64) of participants, respectively, with only two symptomatic cases (one ARIA-E presenting with headache and one ARIA-H with visual disturbances). After 6 months of treatment, cognitive scores remained stable compared to baseline (MMSE: 22.33 ± 5.58 vs . 21.27 ± 4.30, P = 0.733; MoCA: 16.38 ± 6.67 vs . 15.90 ± 4.78, P = 0.785; CDR-SB: 2.30 ± 1.65 vs . 3.16 ± 1.72, P = 0.357), while significantly increasing plasma amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) (+21.42%) and Aβ40 (+23.53%) levels compared to baseline.
CONCLUSIONS:
Lecanemab demonstrated a favorable safety profile in Chinese patients with early AD. Cognitive stability and biomarker changes over 6 months suggest potential efficacy, though high dropout rates and absence of a control group warrant cautious interpretation. These findings provide preliminary real-world evidence for lecanemab's use in China, supporting further investigation in larger controlled studies.
REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT07034222.
Humans
;
Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Middle Aged
;
Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism*
;
Biomarkers
;
East Asian People
10.Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapies for adult patients with mild and moderate major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hong-Jun KUANG ; Hui-Sheng YANG ; Yi-Xuan FENG ; Han TANG ; Qi FAN ; Yu-Qin XU ; Shuo CUI ; Richard MUSIL ; Hedi LUXENBURGER ; Yi-Xuan ZHANG ; Hong ZHAO ; Yu-Qing ZHANG
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):471-491
BACKGROUND:
Acupuncture therapy provides a complementary and alternative approach to treating major depressive disorder (MDD), but its efficacy and safety have still not been comprehensively assessed. Recently published systematic reviews remain confusing and inconclusive.
OBJECTIVE:
This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy alone or combined with antidepressants for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD.
SEARCH STRATEGY:
Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inceptions to March 2025.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture therapy with antidepressants, or acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants with acupuncture therapy or antidepressants for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:
Five reviewers independently extracted data from original literature using a standardized form, and the data were verified by two reviewers to ensure accuracy. Statistical meta-analyses, publication bias analyses, and subgroup analyses were performed by using Review Manager 5.3 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS:
A total of 60 eligible studies including 4675 participants were included. Low-certainty evidence showed that compared with antidepressants, acupuncture therapy (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-0.87, -0.27]; I2 = 86%; P = 0.006) or acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants (SMD = -1.00; 95% CI = [-1.18, -0.81]; I2 = 77%; P < 0.00001) may reduce the severity of depression at the end of treatment. Low-certainty evidence indicated that compared with acupuncture therapy alone, acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants slightly reduced the severity of depression at the end of treatment (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI = [-0.61, -0.14]; I2 = 18%; P = 0.002). Similar results were also found for acupuncture's relief of insomnia. The reported adverse effects of acupuncture therapy were mild and transient. For most of the subgroup analyses, acupuncture type, scale type, and the course of treatment did not show a significant relative effect.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture therapy may provide antidepressant effects and relieve insomnia with mild adverse effects for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD. But the certainty of evidence was very low. More high-quality, well designed, large-scale studies with long-term follow-up are needed in the future. Please cite this article as: Kuang HJ, Yang HS, Feng YX, Tang H, Fan Q, Xu YQ, Cui S, Musil R, Luxenburger H, Zhang YX, Zhao H, Zhang YQ. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapies for adult patients with mild and moderate major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):471-491.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
;
Depressive Disorder, Major/therapy*
;
Adult
;
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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