1.Analysis of the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Elements and Influencing Factors in Patients with Immune-Related Adverse Events from Malignant Tumors: A Retrospective Study Based on Propensity Score Matching
Xiyue WANG ; Wenping LU ; Zhili ZHUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1147-1156
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements in patients with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with malignant tumor immunotherapy and to explore the influencing factors for the occurrence of irAEs. MethodsClinical data were retrospectively collected from malignant tumor patients treated with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, including demographic information, tumor history, duration of immunotherapy, occurrence of irAEs, types and grades of irAEs (G1-G5), and TCM four-diagnostic information. Patients were divided into irAEs group and the non-irAEs group based on the occurrence of irAEs. Propensity score matching (PSM) at a 1∶2 ratio was performed to balance baseline characteristics between groups. Syndrome elements before treatment and cumulative contributions of syndrome elements before and after irAEs onset were evaluated using the "Syndrome Elements Differentiation Scale". Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with the occurrence of irAEs. The use of glucocorticoids in the irAEs group was also analyzed. ResultsAfter 1∶2 matching, 59 patients were included in the irAEs group and 118 were in the non-irAEs group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of age, gender, primary tumor site, pathological type, or tumor stage (P>0.05). Patients in the non-irAEs group were more likely to have received targeted therapy, while the irAEs group had a longer duration of immunotherapy and a higher rate of positive programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (P<0.05). In total, 72 irAEs events occurred among 59 patients, with an overall incidence rate of 19.4% (59/304) and a grade 3~5 incidence rate of 6.8% (4/59), mainly presenting as cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and pneumotoxicity.Before immunotherapy, the top three syndrome elements in the irAEs group were spleen (71.2%, 42/59), kidney (42.4%, 25/59), and lung (39.0%, 23/59). For the pathogenic nature elements, yin deficiency (52.5%, 31/59), phlegm (40.7%, 24/59), and dampness (35.6%, 21/59) ranked highest. Compared to the non-irAEs group, the distribution of spleen, kidney, liver, yin deficiency, and qi deficiency elements showed significant differences in the irAEs group (P<0.05). After the occurrence of irAEs, the cumulative contributions of spleen, lung, stomach, heart, yin deficiency, qi deficiency, and yang hyperactivity elements increased significantly (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that duration of immunotherapy, spleen syndrome element, kidney syndrome element, liver syndrome element, yin deficiency element, and qi deficiency element were independent risk factors for irAEs (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among the irAEs patients, 15 received glucocorticoid combined with TCM treatment, while 6 received glucocorticoid therapy alone. Patients receiving combined treatment required lower doses and shorter courses of glucocorticoids compared to those treated with glucocorticoids alone (P<0.05). ConclusionIn malignant tumor patients, spleen, kidney, lung, yin deficiency, phlegm, dampness, and qi deficiency are the predominant syndrome elements before and after the occurrence of irAEs. However, elements such as heat and qi stagnation significantly increase after irAEs onset. Duration of immunotherapy, spleen, kidney, liver syndrome elements, yin deficiency, and qi deficiency are independent risk factors for the development of irAEs.
2.Aromatic Substances and Their Clinical Application: A Review
Yundan GUO ; Lulu WANG ; Zhili ZHANG ; Chen GUO ; Zhihong PI ; Wei GONG ; Zongping WU ; Dayu WANG ; Tianle GAO ; Cai TIE ; Yuan LIN ; Jiandong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):264-272
Aromatherapy refers to the method of using the aromatic components of plants in appropriate forms to act on the entire body or a specific area to prevent and treat diseases. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic molecules, such as limonene, linalool, linalool acetate, geraniol, and citronellol. These chemicals have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of functions, including reducing anxiety, relieving depression, promoting sleep, and providing pain relief. Terpenoids are a class of organic molecules with relatively low lipid solubility. After being inhaled, they can pass through the nasal mucosa for transfer or penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream upon local application. Some of these substances also have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby exerting effects on the central nervous system. Currently, the academic community generally agrees that products such as essential oils and aromatherapy from aromatic plants have certain health benefits. However, the process of extracting a single component from it and successfully developing it into a drug still faces many challenges. Its safety and efficacy still need to be further verified through more rigorous and systematic experiments. This article systematically elaborated on the efficacy of aromatic substances, including plant extracts and natural small molecule compounds, in antibacterial and antiviral fields and the regulation of nervous system activity. As a result, a deeper understanding of aromatherapy was achieved. At the same time, the potential of these aromatic substances for drug development was thoroughly explored, providing important references and insights for possible future drug research and application.
3.Regional adipose distribution and metabolically unhealthy phenotype in Chinese adults: evidence from China National Health Survey.
Binbin LIN ; Yaoda HU ; Huijing HE ; Xingming CHEN ; Qiong OU ; Yawen LIU ; Tan XU ; Ji TU ; Ang LI ; Qihang LIU ; Tianshu XI ; Zhiming LU ; Weihao WANG ; Haibo HUANG ; Da XU ; Zhili CHEN ; Zichao WANG ; Guangliang SHAN
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;30():5-5
BACKGROUND:
The mechanisms distinguishing metabolically healthy from unhealthy phenotypes within the same BMI categories remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between regional fat distribution and metabolically unhealthy phenotypes in Chinese adults across different BMI categories.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional study involving 11833 Chinese adults aged 20 years and older. Covariance analysis, adjusted for age, compared the percentage of regional fat (trunk, leg, or arm fat divided by whole-body fat) between metabolically healthy and unhealthy participants. Trends in regional fat percentage with the number of metabolic abnormalities were assessed by the Jonckheere-Terpstra test. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression models. All analyses were performed separately by sex.
RESULTS:
In non-obese individuals, metabolically unhealthy participants exhibited higher percent trunk fat and lower percent leg fat compared to healthy participants. Additionally, percent trunk fat increased and percent leg fat decreased with the number of metabolic abnormalities. After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as BMI, higher percent trunk fat was associated with increased odds of being metabolically unhealthy [highest vs. lowest quartile: ORs (95%CI) of 1.64 (1.35, 2.00) for men and 2.00 (1.63, 2.46) for women]. Conversely, compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs (95%CI) of metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the highest quartile for percent arm and leg fat were 0.64 (0.53, 0.78) and 0.60 (0.49, 0.74) for men, and 0.72 (0.56, 0.93) and 0.46 (0.36, 0.59) for women, respectively. Significant interactions between BMI and percentage of trunk and leg fat were observed in both sexes, with stronger associations found in individuals with normal weight and overweight.
CONCLUSIONS
Trunk fat is associated with a higher risk of metabolically unhealthy phenotype, while leg and arm fat are protective factors. Regional fat distribution assessments are crucial for identifying metabolically unhealthy phenotypes, particularly in non-obese individuals.
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Phenotype
4.Bardoxolone methyl blocks the efflux of Zn2+ by targeting hZnT1 to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer.
Yaxin WANG ; Qinqin LIANG ; Shengjian LIANG ; Yuanyue SHAN ; Sai SHI ; Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Ziyu WANG ; Zhili XU ; Duanqing PEI ; Mingfeng ZHANG ; Zhiyong LOU ; Binghong XU ; Sheng YE
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):991-996
5.Research on the association between immune-related gene expression and panic disorder
Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Rongting RAN ; Xuelian LI ; Yujie LI ; Min DENG ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):392-397
BackgroundGenetic factor plays an important role in the pathogenesis of panic disorder. Previous studies have revealed that immune system dysregulation is closely related to mental disorders such as panic disorder, while the relationship between panic disorder and immune-related gene expression remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between the expression of CXCL8, IL6R, JUN, PTGS2, TGFBR1, TLR2, CCR4 genes and panic disorder, providing references for the diagnosis and treatment of panic disorder. MethodsA total of 52 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for panic disorder according to the Diagnosed and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) were enrolled at the Psychosomatic Medicine Center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to March 2021. Another 72 healthy individuals matched for age and gender from Chengdu were concurrently recruited as control group. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) was used to assess the severity of symptoms in panic disorder patients. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect gene expression levels in two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to determine the correlation between PDSS score and immune-related gene expression in research group. ResultsThe expression of the JUN, PTGS2 and TGFBR1 genes were significant higher in panic disorder patients than those in control group (Z=-4.172, -2.086, -3.018, P<0.05 or 0.01). After false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple testing, the differential expression of JUN and TGFBR1 genes remained statistically significant between two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of CCR4, CXCL8, IL6R and TLR2 genes between two groups (P>0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of the JUN gene in panic disorder patients was positively correlated with PDSS score (r=0.360, P<0.01), while the CCR4, CXCL8, IL6R, PTGS2, TGFBR1 and TLR2 genes showed no statistically significant correlation with the PDSS score (P>0.05). ConclusionThe expression of the JUN and TGFBR1 genes may be associated with panic disorder, and the expression of the JUN gene correlated with the severity of panic disorder. [Funded by Science and Technology Plan Project of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology (number, 2021YJ0440)]
6.Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Characteristics Associated with Immunotherapy Efficacy in Cervical Cancer Using Propensity Score Matching
Zhili ZHUO ; Wenping LU ; Yongjia CUI ; Xiyue WANG ; Lei CHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(8):1831-1838
Objective To investigate traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome characteristics associated with immunotherapy efficacy in cervical cancer using propensity score matching(PSM),aiming to identify the population benefiting from immunotherapy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in 253 cervical cancer patients,who received the treatment with programmed death receptor 1(PD-1)inhibitors at Guang'anmen Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2020 to October 2024.Clinical data and TCM four-examination data were collected.After balancing the confounders via PSM(1∶1 matching)and with therapeutic efficacy as the dependent variable,multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the characteristics of TCM syndrome in the immunotherapy-response group and then a predictive model was constructed.Results(1)After matching with PSM,198 cases were included,99 cases in response group and 99 cases in non-response group.(2)Analysis of the distribution of TCM syndrome elements showed that the differences in the pathogenic syndrome elements of qi deficiency,qi stagnation,blood stasis,heat and phlegm between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while there were no statistically significant differences in the disease-location syndrome elements of uterus,kidneys,lungs,spleen,liver,and heart,as well as in the pathogenic syndrome elements of blood deficiency,yin deficiency,yang deficiency,cold,and dampness(P>0.05).The main pathogenic syndrome elements in the response group were qi deficiency,blood deficiency and heat,while those in the non-response group were qi stagnation,heat and phlegm.(3)The results of univariate regression analysis showed that targeted therapy(P=0.040),programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression level(P<0.001),qi deficiency(P=0.009),blood deficiency(P<0.001),yang deficiency(P<0.001),yin deficiency(P<0.001),qi stagnation(P=0.003),blood stasis(P<0.001),cold(P<0.001),cold(P<0.001),heat(P<0.001),phlegm(P<0.001),and dampness(P<0.001)were the factors associated with the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors.(4)The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that previous targeted therapy(OR=0.36,95%CI:0.16-0.83)and pathogenic syndrome elements of qi stagnation(OR=0.23,95%CI:0.10-0.49),phlegm(OR=0.28,95%CI:0.13-0.61)were the risk factors of associated with the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors,while PD-L1 expression level(OR=15.27,95%CI:2.60-89.63),and pathogenic syndrome element qi deficiency(OR=2.90,95%CI:1.42-5.89)were the protective factors associated with the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in cervical cancer.(5)Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the predictive model for evaluating PD-1 inhibitor efficacy in cervical cancer was 0.78(95%CI:0.71-0.84),indicating certain predictive value.Conclusion PD-L1 expression level and TCM pathogenic syndrome elements such as qi deficiency,qi stagnation,and phlegm are the independent factors influencing PD-1 inhibitor efficacy in cervical cancer,providing insights for optimizing integrated TCM-western medicine treatment strategies.
7.Prospects for the development of space medicine experiments in China Space Station
Yinghui LI ; Zhaoxia LIU ; Lina QU ; Zhili LI ; GuangJun HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Zi XU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):189-198
Space medicine,as a comprehensive discipline ensuring the safety,health,and efficient performance of astronauts during manned space missions,focuses on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of multi-system physiological effects induced by extreme space environments and developing corresponding protective strategies.With China's space program transitioning into an application and development phase,space medical experiments—a critical domain within space applications—face significant opportunities and challenges.This paper reviews the international development trend in the field of medical experiments and the progress in China from perspectives including platform system construction,utilization of novel technologies,and scientific discoveries.It further outlines the engineering framework,guiding ideology,and key research directions for space medical experiments under China's Space Station Application and Development Project.Deliberations and prospects center on the in-depth analysis of the adaptation law of life in space flight,the application of big data and artificial intelligence technology,the emerging challenges it faces,and the scientific research organization models.This work aims to provide a reference for the development of space medical experiment field in China.
8.Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on postoperative muscle atrophy in patients with foot and ankle fracture: A randomized controlled pilot study
Ying Xue ; Xiaoqian Dai ; Xueming Chen ; Shiqi Guo ; Chunxian Wang ; Zhili Li ; Rui He ; Zhaoxia Liu ; Yinghui Li ; Baixiao Zhao
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):308-316
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for muscle atrophy in patients with immobilization after surgical fixation of foot and ankle fractures.MethodsThis was a two-arm randomized controlled trial wherein 80 patients were recruited and divided into control (n = 40) and intervention (n = 40) groups. The control group received conventional orthopedic treatment, whereas the intervention group received TEAS and conventional treatment. The intervention group received TEAS 3 times a week for 30 min each time for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were muscle thickness (MT) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles, whereas the secondary outcome measure was echo intensity (EI). Data were collected before the fixation operations (baseline assessment) and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention.ResultsCompared with baseline, the MT and CSA were reduced in both groups by the end of treatment, whereas EI increased in both groups. At week 4, the reduction in the rectus femoris CSA in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = .02); however, the between-group differences in the MT and EI (all P .05) were not significant. No serious adverse events were observed in either group.ConclusionOur study showed that TEAS can improve muscle atrophy by attenuating the decline in the muscle CSA. Because this was only a pilot trial, subsequent studies will need longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes.
9.Mechanism of Youguiwan Regulating BMP-2/Smad Signaling Pathway to Promote Bone Formation in Postmenopausal Rats with Osteoporosis
Feifei MENG ; Zhili GAO ; Jiayun WANG ; Na LI ; Huaxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):100-106
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Youguiwan on bone metabolism and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)/Smad signaling pathway in ovaries-removed rats with osteoporosis and study the mechanism of Youguiwan in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. MethodA postmenopausal rat model of osteoporosis was prepared by bilateral ovariectomy. The 40 female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, including sham operation group, model group, alendronate sodium group (0.1 mg·kg-1), and high-dose and low-dose (5.36 and 2.68 g·kg-1) groups of Youguiwan. The drug was given seven days after modeling, once a day for 12 weeks. After the treatment, the changes in femur tissue structure were observed by micro-CT, including bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Ossification was observed by saffrane-solid green staining, and serum levels of bone metabolism markers, including bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (BGP), type Ⅰ procollagen amino terminal propeptide (PINP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA expression levels of Runx2, BMP-2, and Smad1 in rat femur were detected by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the sham operation group, bone trabecula in the model group was sparse. BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). BS/BV (P<0.05) and Tb.Sp were increased. The content of BGP, BALP, PINP, and TRACP-5b in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of Runx2, BMP-2, and Smad1 in rat femur were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the number of bone trabeculae in the high-dose and low-dose groups of Youguiwan was increased, and the bone microstructure was improved. BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th were increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), and BS/BV and Tb.Sp were increased. The content of bone metabolic markers decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYouguiwan has certain preventive and therapeutic effects on postmenopausal osteoporosis, and its mechanism may be related to promoting bone formation by regulating the BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway.
10.Risk Prediction Model for Radiation-induced Dermatitis in Patients with Cervical Carcinoma Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy
Hong YANG ; Yaru ZHANG ; Fanxiu HENG ; Wen LI ; Yumei FENG ; Jie TAO ; Lijun WANG ; Zhili ZHANG ; Xiaofan LI ; Yuhan LU
Asian Nursing Research 2024;18(2):178-187
Purpose:
Radiation-induced dermatitis (RD) is a common side-effect of therapeutic ionizing radiation that can severely affect patient quality of life. This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for the occurrence of RD in patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy using electronic medical records (EMRs).
Methods:
Using EMRs, the clinical data of patients who underwent simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer hospital between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided into two groups: a training group and a validation group. A predictive model was constructed to predict the development of RD in patients who underwent concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. Finally, the model's efficacy was validated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.
Results:
The incidence of radiation dermatitis was 89.5% (560/626) in the entire cohort, 88.6% (388/438) in the training group, and 91.5% (172/188) in the experimental group. The nomogram was established based on the following factors: age, the days between the beginning and conclusion of radiotherapy, the serum albumin after chemoradiotherapy, the use of single or multiple drugs for concurrent chemotherapy, and the total dose of afterloading radiotherapy. Internal and external verification indicated that the model had good discriminatory ability. Overall, the model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .66.
Conclusions
The risk of RD in patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy is high. A risk prediction model can be developed for RD in cervical carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy, based on over 5 years of EMR data from a tertiary cancer hospital.


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