1.Effects of LOX-1 gene G501C variation on brain structural changes and cognitive function in patients with white matter hyperintensities
Yajun ZHOU ; Shujian CHEN ; Zhixin WANG ; Yayu WANG ; Chaojuan HUANG ; Xia ZHOU ; Xiaoqun ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):562-568
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) gene G501C on brain structure and cognitive function in patients with white matter hyperintensities (WMH). MethodsA total of 118 patients with WMH were enrolled. All participants underwent T1-weighted and T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) MRI to assess gray matter structure and WMH burden, and completed the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Partial correlation and mediation analyses were performed to explore the impact of LOX-1 polymorphism on cognitive function. ResultsParticipants were divided into GG+GC group (n = 35) and CC group (n = 83). The GG+GC group showed lower MMSE and MoCA scores (MMSE: P=0.003; MOCA: P=0.015), as well as greater WMH burden (all P0.001), compared with the CC group. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis revealed reduced left thalamic volume in the GG+GC group, which was correlated with cognitive scores (all P0.05). Subregional thalamic analysis further showed volume reductions in the lateral, ventral, medial, and pulvinar thalamic regions (all P0.05) in the GG+GC group, all positively associated with cognitive performance (all P0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that volumes of the medial and pulvinar thalamic regions mediated the association between genotype and cognitive function (MMSE, MoCA), and that WMH volume mediated the effect on MoCA scores. ConclusionThe LOX-1 G501C polymorphism may indirectly affect cognitive function by influencing specific thalamic subregional volumes and white matter damage, suggesting a potential mediating role of thalamic structures between genetic background and cognitive impairment.
2.Molecular Characterization Network of Dampness-heat Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Complicated by Glucose Metabolism Disorder Based on Shadowless Scleral Imaging and Metabolomics Technology
Caiying HE ; Hang ZHOU ; Yanqi CHI ; Baixue LI ; Liang HUANG ; Zhu CHEN ; Dafeng LIU ; Dong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):271-285
ObjectiveThis paper aims to conduct the feature analysis and correlation analysis on the ocular collateral features and differential metabolites in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) complicated by glucose metabolism disorder (GMD),particularly those with the damp-heat syndrome type,by integrating shadowless scleral imaging and metabolomics technologies. MethodsA total of 313 patients were recruited from the Hepatology and Endocrinology Outpatient Departments of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria,and they were divided into a CHB group and a CHB complicated by GMD groups (damp-heat syndrome group and non-damp-heat syndrome group). All patients underwent high-definition ocular image acquisition and feature extraction using an intelligent analysis system for shadowless scleral imaging to analyze the differences in the counting of morphological feature scores of ocular collaterals among groups. By using a digital sampling method,24 patients from each group were randomly selected,along with 20 healthy volunteers,for untargeted metabolomic analysis of peripheral serum. Differential metabolites were identified,statistically analyzed,and subjected to potential biomarker analysis and pathway enrichment. Spearman method was performed to conduct the correlation analysis on the differential ocular collateral features and differential metabolites,followed by correlation network construction. ResultsCompared with those in the CHB group,patients with CHB complicated by GMD showed significant changes in ocular collateral feature scores such as "hillock","blood vessels",and "pale dusky coloration" (P<0.05). In comparison with those in the healthy group,metabolites including N-acetylglucosamine,acetylhomoserine,and myo-inositol (AUC>0.7) were identified as potential biomarkers for the disease. Compared with those in the CHB complicated by GMD group with non-damp-heat syndrome,patients with damp-heat syndrome exhibited significant changes in feature scores of "plaques","yellow coloration","spleen",and "gallbladder" (P<0.05). In comparison with those in the healthy group,metabolites such as O2′-4a-cyclic tetrahydrobiopterin,theobromine,xanthurenic acid,and L-glutamic acid 5-phosphate (AUC>0.7) were identified as potential biomarkers for the damp-heat syndrome type. The Spearman correlation analysis reveals weak to moderate linear correlations between the differential scleral collateral features and metabolites. By constructing a "disease-syndrome" network of ocular diagnosis and metabolites,"xanthurenic acid-gallbladder" and "theobromine-plaque/yellow coloration" were identified as specific molecular-phenotypic correlated biomarker clusters for CHB complicated by GMD with dampness-heat syndrome. ConclusionPatients with CHB complicated by GMD demonstrate differential ocular diagnostic features and serum metabolites corresponding to disease states and dampness-heat syndrome. These objective biomarkers can guide both clinical syndrome differentiation and medication. The macro-micro integration based on ocular feature clusters and potential metabolic biomarkers offers an innovative approach to a combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment model for this disease.
3.Short-Term Efficacy and Long-Term Recurrence Rate of Traditional Chinese Medicine Versus Western Surgical Treatment for Mixed Hemorrhoids:A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data
Kang DING ; Zhimin FAN ; Xiaojie ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Yuanyuan GE ; Huiting ZHU ; Yuxin ZHU ; Xia YANG ; Jun DU ; Shicai HUANG ; Yang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):747-754
ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting clinical data from 17,831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group (11,646 cases), and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group (6185 cases). Propensity score matching (1∶1 matching) was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms (rectal bleeding, degree of prolapse) and secondary symptoms (anal distension, anal edema, wound secretion and exudation, anal stenosis, residual skin tags, perianal itching, and anal pain) measured on days 7, 28, and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching, 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge, the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding [OR=5.786, 95%CI (3.092,10.827)], degree of prolapse [OR=4.510, 95%CI (1.649,12.333)], and anal edema [OR=3.188, 95%CI (1.295,7.845)] compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge, the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding [OR=5.237, 95%CI (1.077,25.464)] and anal pain [OR=11.697, 95%CI (1.186,115.336)] (P<0.05). Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% (8/726), while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% (10/444), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionBased on real-world data, TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement, particularly in terms of hemostasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.
4.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
5.NG2-Glia Cause Diabetic Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption by Secreting MMP-9
Xiaolong LI ; Yan CAI ; Zhu ZHONG ; Maolin LI ; Dong HUANG ; Zhifei QIAO ; Hongli ZHOU ; Zuo ZHANG ; Jiyin ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):47-61
Background:
Disorders of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) arising from diabetes mellitus are closely related to diabetic encephalopathy. Previous research has suggested that neuron-glia antigen 2 (NG2)-glia plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the BBB. However, the mechanism by which NG2-glia regulates the diabetic BBB remains unclear.
Methods:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice and db/m mice were used. Evans-Blue BBB permeability tests and transmission electron microscopy techniques were applied. Tight junction proteins were assessed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. NG2-glia number and signaling pathways were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Detection of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in serum was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
In T2DM db/db mice, BBB permeability in the hippocampus significantly increased from 16 weeks of age, and the structure of tight junction proteins changed. The number of NG2-glia in the hippocampus of db/db mice increased around microvessels from 12 weeks of age. Concurrently, the expression of MMP-9 increased in the hippocampus with no change in serum. Sixteen- week-old db/db mice showed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hippocampal NG2-glia. Treatment with XAV-939 improved structural and functional changes in the hippocampal BBB and reduced MMP-9 secretion by hippocampal NG2-glia in db/db mice. It was also found that the upregulation of β-catenin protein in NG2-glia in the hippocampus of 16-week-old db/db mice was significantly alleviated by treatment with XAV-939.
Conclusion
The results indicate that NG2-glia can lead to structural and functional disruption of the diabetic BBB by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, upregulating MMP-9, and degrading tight junction proteins.
6.Research progress on pharmacological mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the treatment of hypertension
Xiyu HUANG ; Guosheng LUO ; Bin ZHU ; Zhexue HE ; Yongguang HUANG ; Jiafu ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1791-1796
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind, Gastrodiae Rhizoma contains main active ingredients such as gastrodin, gastrodia polysaccharides and gastrodigenin. It exerts the effects of extinguishing wind and relieving convulsions, calming liver yang, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, which is highly consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of hypertension. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Gastrodiae Rhizoma, herb pair compatibility, and classic prescriptions in hypertension. It is found that Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active ingredients can collaboratively exert antihypertensive effects by regulating hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other pathways, alleviate hypertensive vascular injury, and ameliorate damage to target organs including the heart, brain and kidney induced by hypertension. Compatibility of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with medicinal materials such as Uncaria, Chuanxiong, and Danshen produces remarkable synergistic efficacy against hypertension. Classic prescriptions containing Gastrodiae Rhizoma represented by Tianma gouteng decoction and Banxia baizhu tianma decoction can inhibit inflammation, resist oxidation, and protect vascular endothelium, so as to ameliorate hypertensive vascular injury and lower blood pressure.
7.Research progress on pharmacological mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the treatment of hypertension
Xiyu HUANG ; Guosheng LUO ; Bin ZHU ; Zhexue HE ; Yongguang HUANG ; Jiafu ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1791-1796
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind, Gastrodiae Rhizoma contains main active ingredients such as gastrodin, gastrodia polysaccharides and gastrodigenin. It exerts the effects of extinguishing wind and relieving convulsions, calming liver yang, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, which is highly consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of hypertension. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Gastrodiae Rhizoma, herb pair compatibility, and classic prescriptions in hypertension. It is found that Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active ingredients can collaboratively exert antihypertensive effects by regulating hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other pathways, alleviate hypertensive vascular injury, and ameliorate damage to target organs including the heart, brain and kidney induced by hypertension. Compatibility of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with medicinal materials such as Uncaria, Chuanxiong, and Danshen produces remarkable synergistic efficacy against hypertension. Classic prescriptions containing Gastrodiae Rhizoma represented by Tianma gouteng decoction and Banxia baizhu tianma decoction can inhibit inflammation, resist oxidation, and protect vascular endothelium, so as to ameliorate hypertensive vascular injury and lower blood pressure.
8.Screening the advantageous population for liver cancer undergoing yttrium-90 microsphere selective internal radiation therapy
Licong Liang ; Yuchan Liang ; Wensou Huang ; Yongjian Guo ; Jingjun Huang ; Jingwen Zhou ; Liteng Lin ; Xinxin Nie ; Mingyue Cai ; Kangshun Zhu
Liver Research 2026;10(1):61-70
Yttrium-90 microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), also known as transarterial radioembolization, has become one of the pivotal treatments for liver cancer, particularly for selected advantageous patient groups. This review summarizes the characteristics of different patients with liver cancer that could obtain maximum benefit from SIRT and discusses key factors affecting efficacy and safety, including tumor characteristics, liver function, patient performance status, and treatment intent. In evaluating appropriate candidates, mapping serves as a crucial simulation procedure to assess tumor vascular anatomy, predict lung shunting, and guide catheter positioning and dose planning. This procedure substantially enhances therapeutic precision while minimizing the risk of nontarget radiation-related adverse events, such as radiation-induced pneumonitis and gastrointestinal toxicity. Several studies have suggested that SIRT is not only suitable for patients with early or limited hepatocellular carcinoma but can also be used as a bridging therapy for liver transplantation and conversion therapy for unresectable liver cancers. In combination with systemic treatments, SIRT has demonstrated survival benefits in patients with unresectable liver cancer. This review also highlights the importance of further optimizing patient screening through personalized dosimetry and mapping to ensure the precision and safety of treatment. A thorough review of relevant literature and clinical practice offers clinicians comprehensive suggestions on patient screening and clarifies the promise of SIRT in the liver cancer population.
9.Analysis and prevention strategies for abnormal blood waste events in blood collection and supply processes
Kaiqiang LIU ; Huayou DAI ; Minyu HUA ; Tingting HU ; Weifei QIN ; Jixia ZHOU ; Xiaojing LIU ; Huaying CAI ; Chenghui LUO ; Shoubing ZHU ; Yanhua SHI ; Xi DENG ; Xia HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1061-1066
Objective: To analyze the characteristics and key risk factors of abnormal blood disposal throughout the 2024-2025 blood collection and supply process based on nationwide multi-site monitoring data, develop a comprehensive prevention and control strategy across the entire chain, reduce preventable blood waste, and ensure clinical blood safety. Methods: According to the Guidelines for Haemovigilance (T/CSBT 001-2026), we extracted 74 cases of abnormal blood disposal events reported by the China Blood Transfusion Association′s Blood Safety Monitoring System from January 1 2024, to December 31 2025, and conducted descriptive statistical analysis on the distribution of events, types of deviations, root causes, and classifications of disposal manifestations. Results: A total of 664 adverse events related to blood collection and supply were reported over two years, with 74 cases involving discarded abnormal blood units, accounting for 11.1% of the total. Among these, blood component preparation (40.5%) and blood collection (37.8%) remained traditional high-risk stages. The proportion of blood waste occurring during storage, distribution, and transportation increased from 7.7% in 2024 to 34.3% in 2025. Deviations from standard operating procedures (SOP) by personnel were the primary cause, accounting for 74.3% of cases. Discarded blood units were categorized into four types: compromised closed blood bag systems (40 cases), mainly due to inadequate heat sealing, physical damage, or dropped bags; blood out of the cold chain (12 cases), primarily resulting from blood being left at work sites; imbalanced proportion of preservation solution (10 cases), mostly caused by blood collection volumes exceeding the standard capacity of blood bags; and other causes (12 cases). Conclusion: Human operational errors are the core cause of abnormal blood waste. The collection and preparation stages have long been at high-risk, and the risks in the storage and transportation stages have been increasing year by year. We should focus on standardizing personnel management, improving specialized operation norms such as heat sealing, transportation, and storage, establishing a full-process intelligent cold chain monitoring and multi-node visual verification mechanism, and systematically reducing the occurrence rate of abnormal blood waste through a closed-loop quality intervention system, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of voluntary blood donation resources.
10.A Cross-Sectional Study on the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitutions and Factors Associated with Hyperuricemia
Zhongyi ZHANG ; Fangli LI ; Shiping HU ; Shujie AN ; Xihuan ZHU ; Jiahui ZHANG ; Luyao JIN ; Yuhan ZONG ; Mengru ZHOU ; Ji WANG ; Huaiyu WANG ; Qi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2210-2218
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and factors associated with hyperuricemia (HUA) in the HUA population, providing a reference for persona-lized prevention and management of HUA. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals who had completed both serum uric acid (SUA) testing and TCM constitution identification during health examinations. According to SUA levels, participants were divided into a hyperuricemia group and a normal SUA group; according to the constitution identification results, participants were classified into balanced constitution, single biased constitution, and mixed constitution. The distribution characteristics of TCM constitution were compared between the two groups; participants in the hyperuricemia group were stratified by sex and age (≥18 years and <40 years, ≥40 years), and the distribution characteristics of TCM constitution were compared across different sex and age groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with HUA, with further stratified analyses by sex and age. ResultsA total of 10 920 participants were included, comprising 4170 cases (38.19%) in the hyperuricemia group and 6750 cases (61.81%) in the normal serum uric acid group. According to TCM constitution, there were 420 cases (3.85%) with balanced constitution, 6108 cases (55.93%) with single biased constitution, and 4392 cases (40.22%) with mixed constitution. In the hyperuricemia group, there were 80 cases (19.05%) with balanced constitution; 2275 cases (37.25%) with single biased constitution, among which damp-heat constitution (1205 cases, 52.97%), phlegm-dampness constitution (500 cases, 21.98%), and qi-stagnation constitution (181 cases, 7.96%) accounted for relatively high proportions; and 1815 cases (41.33%) with mixed constitution, among which mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness (51.35%, 932 cases), mixed constitution involving blood stasis (47.00%, 853 cases), and mixed constitution involving damp-heat (41.21%, 748 cases) accounted for relatively high proportions. Logistic regression showed that qi-stagnation constitution (OR=1.68), mixed constitution involving qi-stagnation (OR=1.53), mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness (OR=1.55), and mixed constitution involving blood stasis (OR=1.50) were independently associated with HUA (P<0.05). Sex-stratified analysis showed that mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness was positively associated with HUA risk in females; age-stratified analysis showed that, among individuals aged ≥18 and <40 years, qi-stagnation constitution, mixed constitution involving qi stagnation, and mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness were positively associated with HUA risk (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of HUA differs markedly by sex and age. Mixed constitution accounts for a higher proportion of HUA patients. Qi-stagnation constitution, mixed constitution involving qi stagnation, mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness, and mixed constitution involving blood stasis are associated with HUA. Notably, the specific association of mixed constitution involving phlegm-dampness in females and qi-stagnation constitution in young adults is particularly prominent.


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