1.Mechanism Exploration of Doxorubicin and Sepsis Induced Myocardial Injury: Differences and Convergences
Tao ZHANG ; Zihan NAN ; Lixia LIU ; Jiaqi LIU ; Xiukai CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Suwen SU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):23-32
Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and sepsis-induced myocardial injury (SIMI) represent significant clinical challenges in patients undergoing chemotherapy, sharing a common pathological basis of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has recently been shown to play a critical role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SIMI. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms underlying myocardial injury caused by DOX and sepsis, identifying ferroptosis as a central common pathway. DOX triggers a burst of reactive oxygen species within mitochondria and inhibits glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity through redox cycling of its quinone group and high-affinity accumulation in mitochondrial cardiolipin. LPS, by activating pattern recognition receptors and related inflammatory signaling pathways, provokes a cytokine storm and mitochondrial dysfunction. Both can disrupt the core regulatory axis of cysteine-glutathione (GSH)-GPX4, synergistically promoting ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, epigenetic regulation plays a key role in DOX- and LPS-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and may serve as a promising therapeutic target. A deeper understanding of the ferroptosis mechanism and its epigenetic regulatory network in the synergistic injury induced by DOX and sepsis is of great importance for developing novel strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity and improve outcomes in cancer patients with concurrent infections.
2.Association of vegetables and fruits intake with depressive symptoms in Yunnan multi ethnic first year junior high school students
CHEN Yiyao*, DU Yeming, YIN Wan, HUANG Jianhong, LIU Zihan, JIANG Yinghong, YU Qiaoying, PAN Lijuan, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):32-36
Objective:
To explore the association of vegetables and fruits intake with depressive symptoms among multi ethnic first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide data support for preventing and reducing depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students.
Methods:
From October to December 2022, a cluster random sampling method was used to select 8 500 first year junior high school students from 11 ethnic minority areas in Yunnan Province (Fugong County, Longling County, Longyang District, Luchun County, Mojiang County, Nanjian County, Qiaojia County, Shuangjiang County, Tengchong City, Yuanmou County, Zhenyuan County), to investigate with a questionnaire. The Dietary Frequency Questionnaire was used to collect dietary behavior datas, and the Chinese version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess depressive symptoms. The generalized linear model was used to analyze the association of vegetable and fruit intake with depressive symptoms in students, and stratified analysis was performed according to ethnicity.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province was 29.5%. The detection rates of depressive symptoms in Han and minority first year junior high school students were 26.9% and 31.6%. After controlling for demographic variables such as gender, age, family residence and other confounding factors, the generalized linear model analysis results showed that the intake of leafy vegetables ( β= -0.07 , 95%CI =-0.12 to -0.01), flat fruits ( β=-0.06, 95%CI =-0.12 to -0.00) and hot natured fruits ( β=0.11, 95%CI = 0.04- 0.17) were associated with depressive symptoms in Han first year junior high school students (all P <0.05). The intake of melon and fruit vegetables ( β=-0.06, 95%CI =-0.11 to -0.01) and hot natured fruits ( β=0.06, 95%CI =0.01-0.12) were associated with depressive symptoms in ethnic minority first year junior high school students (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
The intake of vegetables and fruits among multi ethnic first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province is related to the risk of depressive symptoms. It is suggested to strengthen the consumption guidance and education of vegetables and fruits to prevent depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students.
3.Construction and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model for Inflammatory Remission Outcome of Bushen Zhiwang Decoction(补肾治尪汤)in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Syndrome
Zihan WANG ; Xiaojing LIU ; Yanyu CHEN ; Tianyi LAN ; Huilan YANG ; Hongwei YU ; Qingwen TAO ; Yuan XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):523-533
ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome treated with Bushen Zhiwang Decoction (补肾治尪汤, BZD) based on metabolomics. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted, enrol-ling 60 RA patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. All patients were treated with BZD and conventional-dose oral conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) for 12 months. Clinical data were collected, and the change in disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) after treatment compared with baseline (△DAS28) was used as the primary outcome and grouping criterion. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment to analyze plasma metabolites. Differential analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to preliminarily screen differential metabolites, followed by machine learning algorithms to further identify a core metabolite combination. Based on the expression levels of the core metabolite combination, a novel metabolite index, namely the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score (Met-IRS), was calculated using standar-dized metabolite values, and its clinical applicability was evaluated. A clinical prediction model was constructed by integrating clinical characteristics and Met-IRS, and the model performance was assessed. ResultsAmong the 60 patients, those with △DAS28 ≥ 0.27 were assigned to the high inflammatory remission group, while those with △DAS28 < 0.27 were assigned to the low inflammatory remission group, with 30 cases in each group. Compared to the low inflammatory remission group, the high inflammatory remission group showed a higher frequency of methotrexate use and a lower positive rate of rheumatoid factor (RF) (P<0.05). Seven core metabolites were identified as the optimal combination, including mangiferic acid, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 40∶6, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 18∶0, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 36∶1, glucosylceramide, lysophosphatidylcholine 22∶5, and pregnanetriol ketone. The calculated Met-IRS comprehensively reflected the characteristics of differential metabolites and demonstrated clinical applicability. Met-IRS was significantly higher in the high inflammatory remission group than in the low inflammatory remission group, and was positively correlated with high inflammatory remission outcomes (P<0.05). Based on the variables Met-IRS, methotrexate use, leflunomide use, and RF positivity, a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission in RA treatment (Cj-RTRM) was constructed. Model performance evaluation demonstrated that the model had good clinical predictive ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.880, sensitivity 0.967, specificity 0.700 and Youden's index 0.667. ConclusionThe clinical prediction model Cj-RTRM constructed based on the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score Met-IRS can effectively predict clinical inflammatory remission outcomes in RA patients treated with BZD and accurately identify the advantageous population for this treatment. This model provides guiding evidence for dynamic inflammation monitoring, targeted management, and identification of populations with advantages in traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation Versus Surgical Treatment for Type A Distal Radius Fracture
Yang SHAO ; Zihan WANG ; Jianwei WANG ; Guoda DAI ; Hengyan CUI ; Zhen HUA ; Tingchen ZHU ; Shaoshuo LI ; Jun MAO ; Fenghua CHEN ; Shuai TAO ; Mao WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1078-1085
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation versus surgical treatment for type A distal radius fracture (DRF) and to explore the factors influencing the choice of treatment. MethodsA multi-center retrospective study was conducted, collecting data from 1237 type A DRF patients treated in 11 hospitals in Jiangsu province from September, 2023 to April, 2025. Among them, 851 patients in the TCM group received manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation, and 386 patients in the surgical group underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height were compared before treatment, 5-7 days after treatment, and 4-6 weeks after treatment. The wrist joint function scores including Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores at 12 weeks after treatment were recorded. Subgroup analysis was conducted for the excellent rate of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores, stratified by age (<50, 50-59, 60-69, ≥70 years old) and AO subtypes (A1, A2, A3). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors influencing treatment choice. ResultsOn 5-7 days after treatment, the surgical group had lower VAS scores than the TCM group, while 4-6 weeks after treatment, the TCM group showed lower VAS scores than the surgical group (P<0.01). In terms of radiographic indicators, except for the palmar tilt before treatment being higher in the surgical group than in the TCM group (P<0.01), there were no significant differences in palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height at other timepoints (P>0.05). Twelve weeks after treatment, the surgical group had a higher average Gartland-Werley score and the excellent rate than the TCM group (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with A2 type DRF aged 50-59 and 60-69 years old, the excellent rates of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores in the TCM group were higher than those in the surgical group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and the degree of swelling on the affected side were independent factors influencing the choice of treatment (P<0.05). ConclusionBoth TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation and surgical treatment for type A DRF can achieve good therapeutic effects. TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation has certain advantages in medium- and long-term pain relief, especially in elderly patients, where wrist joint function recovery is more stable. Age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and swelling degree are the main factors influencing the treatment choice.
5.Factors influencing home-based rehabilitation exercise and digital intervention needs among patients with spinal muscular atrophy: a qualitative study
Jiayin ZHENG ; Zihan XU ; Qingyu LI ; Yuhang ZHANG ; Siwen HUANG ; Xiaohu FU ; Guangyu ZHANG ; Wenzhu LI ; Qiao CHEN ; Qiqi WANG ; Sitong LUO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(10):1194-1203
ObjectiveTo explore the factors influencing home-based rehabilitation exercise and the needs for digital interventions among patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), based on the behavior change wheel (BCW), and to provide evidence for the development of digital home-based rehabilitation interventions. MethodsA two-phase qualitative study was conducted from December, 2024 to March, 2025. Using convenience sampling, 14 participants were recruited, including patients with SMA, primary caregivers, rehabilitation professionals, clinicians, a patient organization representative and a health policy expert. In phase 1, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven participants, including patients, caregivers and a patient organization representative, to identify factors influencing home-based rehabilitation exercise and unmet needs. In phase 2, a focus group involving 12 stakeholders was conducted, including five participants who had participated in phase 1, to explore requirements for the functions, knowledge content and interface design of a digital intervention, five of them had participated in phase 1. Overall, the two phases involved 14 individual participants, accounting for 19 participant-instances. Thematic analysis was performed using both deductive and inductive approaches, guided by the capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior (COM-B) model. ResultsSix themes were identified. phase 1 showed that patients with SMA experienced inadequate continuity of rehabilitation services and limited access to professional rehabilitation resources, with interruptions in institution-based rehabilitation coexisting with declining adherence to home-based exercise. Home-based rehabilitation exercise was jointly influenced by capability-, opportunity- and motivation-related factors, including limited capabilities of patients and caregivers, constraints in time and supportive conditions and insufficient goals, feedback, and incentives. Individualized rehabilitation plans and professional guidance were the major unmet needs. phase 2 showed that the core functions of a digital intervention should include individualized exercise plans, professional guidance and feedback, reminders and incentives, safety monitoring, remote assessment, and privacy and permission management. Core knowledge content should include stratified exercise guidance, caregiving skills, recognition of abnormal conditions, and information on when and how to seek help. The interface should be simple, impose a low user burden and accommodate different types of users. ConclusionHome-based rehabilitation exercise among patients with SMA is jointly influenced by multiple capability-, opportunity- and motivation-related factors. Digital interventions should prioritize individualized rehabilitation plans, professional guidance and sustained behavioral support. These findings may inform the development of a digital home-based rehabilitation intervention prototype for patients with SMA; its feasibility, safety, clinical effectiveness and economic value require further evaluation.
6.Clinical study on the combination of Jianpi Bushen Jiedu Prescription with 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy and targeted therapy for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer
Yuying HUANG ; Juan CHEN ; Tao GONG ; Miao MA ; Yanhua ZHAO ; Zihan LIN ; Haina DU ; Xiaokang TIAN ; Mingzhi FANG ; Min LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(8):1059-1065
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Jianpi Bushen Jiedu Prescription combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy and targeted therapy for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver and kidney yin deficiency combined with spleen deficiency pattern.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 72 hospitalized patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated at the Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to January 2024 were enrolled as study subjects. Using a random number table method, they were allocated into two groups, with 36 patients in each group. The control group received the mFOLFOX6/FOLFIRI combined with bevacizumab regimen, while the treatment group was administered additional oral Jianpi Bushen Jiedu Prescription on the basis of the control group. Two weeks was a cycle in both groups, with a total of 6 cycles of treatment. Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), and carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA724) were detected using electrochemiluminescence; the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale was utilized to evaluate patients' functional status; vital signs were continuously monitored, and adverse reactions were recorded. The short-term efficacy and TCM syndrome efficacy of patients were evaluated.Results:The treatment group demonstrated higher objective response rate (ORR) [31.25% (10/32) vs. 21.88% (7/32), χ2=0.72] and disease control rate (DCR) [84.38% (27/32) vs. 71.88% (23/32), χ2=1.46] compared to the control group, without statistical significance ( P>0.05). Post-treatment levels of CEA [4.09 (3.31,8.57) μg/L vs. 10.07 (4.55,22.35) μg/L, Z=-2.10] and CA72-4 [4.54 (2.04,10.99) mU/L vs. 9.48 (4.34,18.95) mU/L, Z=-2.52] in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome was significantly higher in the treatment group [78.13% (25/32)] compared with the control group [50.00% (16/32)], with statistical significance ( χ2=5.50, P=0.019). Post-treatment KPS scores in the treatment group [80.0 (80.0, 80.0) vs. 70.0 (62.5, 80.0), Z=-2.76] were significantly higher compared with the control group ( P<0.01). During the treatment period, the treatment group showed statistical significance compared with the control group in the incidence of hemoglobin decrease ( χ2=4.66), leukopenia decrease ( χ2=4.27), and peripheral neuropathy ( χ2=3.93), with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The addition of Jianpi Bushen Jiedu Prescription to 5-FU-based chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy demonstrates significant clinical benefits in advanced colorectal cancer patients, including reducing tumor marker levels, alleviating clinical symptoms, improving quality of life, and mitigating treatment-related toxicities, with a good safety.
7.Screening and validation of chemoresistance marker in lung adenocarcinoma based on gene expression profile
Handong Wei ; Shuxing Chen ; Linting Liu ; Zihan Jing ; Yiting Yang ; Qiong Song ; Wenchu Wang ; Chunlin Zou ; Lihui Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(10):1818-1827
Objective:
To discover molecular markers associated with lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis/prognosis and drug resistance through screening of differentially expressed genes based on published chip data in gene expression databases using bioinformatics methods.
Methods:
Comprehensive analysis was performed in available mRNA microarray datasets including lung adenocarcinoma tissues dataset GSE32863 and lung adenocarcinoma taxane-platin resistance dataset GSE77209 from the gene expression omnibus(GEO) database. Gene ontology enrichment analysis, gene pathway enrichment analysis and protein interaction network analysis were performed based on significantly correlated genes. The expression level of genes was validated in the cancer genome atlas(TCGA) dataset. Survival differences were assessed by the log-rank test in TCGA lung adenocarcinoma dataset. Based on the publications genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer(GDSC) database in CellMiner cross database(CellMiner CDB), Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between differentially expressed genes and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50) of anticancer drugs.
Results :
There were a total of 77 genes which had a different expression in resistance lung adenocarcinoma cells and lung adenocarcinoma cancer tissues. The functional enrichment analysis showed that these co-different expression genes were mainly enriched in microtubule, extracellular exosome, cell cycle and signaling by nuclear receptors. Protein-protein interactions(PPI) network screened 6 most connected genes as molecular complex(MCODE). Among the MCODE, overexpressed ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 T(UBE2T), kinesin family member 20A(KIF20A), PCNA clamp associated factor(KIAA0101), pituitary tumor-transforming gene 1(PTTG1) and NIMA related kinase 2(NEK2) were associated with poor outcomes. Survival analysis results showed that these five genes were upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and drug-resistant cells and were significantly associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Drug sensitivity analysis results suggested that high expression of PTTG1 and UBE2T was significantly associated with sensitivity to multiple anticancer drugs, including paclitaxel and docetaxel. RT-PCR validation showed that PTTG1 andUBE2T were highly expressed in docetaxel-resistant cells A549-TXR and H358-TXR.
Conclusion
PTTG1 andUBE2T holds the potential to be chemoresistance markers in lung adenocarcinoma.
8.Delivery of Sophora flavescens Ait. using a dissolving microneedle enables enhanced psoriasis treatment
Zihan Zhou ; Jie Zhang ; Yiwen Chen ; Bingbing Wang ; Ping Hou ; Zifan Ding ; Luzheng Zhang ; Jianlin Wang ; Nailiang Yang ; Cong Yan
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):277-286
ObjectiveTo assess the efficiency of a Sophora flavescens Ait (S. flavescens, Ku Shen)-soluble microneedle (SFA-MN) for improving skin lesion symptoms in mice with psoriasis.MethodsSFA-MNs were prepared using a two-mold molding process with 20% w/v polyvinylpyrrolidone and 15% w/v polyvinyl alcohol. The SFA-MNs were assessed for morphology, mechanical properties, in vitro dissolution, identification of components, and skin lesion improvement in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice.ResultsThe SFA-MNs demonstrated good mechanical properties for efficiently penetrating the dermis, facilitating efficient drug delivery. Furthermore, they effectively inhibited mast cell levels in the dorsal lesion area of psoriasis mice and reduced the expression of the T-lymphocyte factor cluster of differentiation 3 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, this system alleviated skin inflammation, splenic swelling, and thymic atrophy in the psoriasis-like mouse model. Seven major components were detected from SFA-MNs by comparison of the mass-to-nucleus ratios (m/z) of the secondary fragments N-methylcytisine, 5α, 9α-dihydroxymatrine, sophoramine, matrine, oxysophocarpine, oxymatrine, and kushenol O.ConclusionThe drug delivery strategy combining traditional herbal S. flavescens with soluble microneedle technology provides more targeted and effective immune regulation for treating psoriasis-like mice models, enabling enhanced therapeutic effects compared with the control group.
9.Nutritional status and its interventions in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Xiaoxuan WANG ; Zihan YU ; Bangmao WANG ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(3):231-240
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic immune-mediated disease with uncertain causes. Malnutrition in IBD patients, attributed to factors such as inadequate intake, increased consumption, poor absorption, and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, poses a prevalence of 23%–50%, elevating the risk of readmission and mortality while diminishing quality of life. Therefore, urgent implementation of personalized dietary interventions is crucial for enhancing adherence and rectifying malnutrition in IBD patients.
10.Analysis of Anti-inflammatory Activities and Effective Components of Six Species of Selaginella
You WU ; Xueyan ZHANG ; Zihan LI ; Su XU ; Keli CHEN ; Juan LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):143-153
Objective The anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plants in the six species of Selaginella genus were compared,and their effective parts and components were analyzed.Methods The total flavonoid content of various extraction parts and the main components of ethyl acetate part of Selaginella were determined by ultraviolet and high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),respectively.In vitro inflammatory cell models were constructed using Concanavalin A(ConA)and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced rat splenic lymphocytes and mouse macrophages,and cell viability was measured by CCK-8 methods.The nitric oxide(NO)level was determined by the Griess method,and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.The mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and TNF-α,among other inflammatory factors,were detected by RT-PCR.Results The flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate part of Selaginella was relatively high,and biflavonoids such as amentoflavone was the main components.All the extraction parts of the six species of Selaginella showed no significant cytotoxicity.The ethyl acetate part,roberstonin-4'-methylether,and amentoflavone could significantly reduce the release of NO in RAW264.7 cells or lymphocytes,and the ethyl acetate part of Selaginella labordei were the most effective in both models.Selaginella labordei had a rich variety of biflavonoid components,with roberstonin-type biflavonoids relatively higher than other species.The mechanism of action was related to the inhibition of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α levels,the downregulation of mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,iNOS,and others.Conclusion All six species of Selaginella have certain in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and Selaginella labordei showed stronger activity,with biflavonoids as their main active components.


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