1.Similarities and Differences between Myofascial Trigger Points and Sinew Knot:from the Perspective of the Channel Sinew Theory
Zijie CHEN ; Haohan ZHU ; Xingke SONG ; Xue PU ; Junying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1023-1026
Myofascial trigger points, as hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle, can induce local or referred pain, and show a high degree of similarity to acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly the so-called sinew knot lesion point. From the perspective of channel sinew theory, and by examining the correlations of myofascial trigger points with acupoints and channel sinew disorders, this study aims to compare the similarities and differences between MTrPs and sinew knot lesion points in terms of pathological mechanisms, needling analgesic mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches. The goal is to deepen the understanding of MTrPs and dry needling, and provide a modern scientific perspective on channel sinew theory and the sinew knot lesion point.
2.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.
3.Similarities and Differences between Myofascial Trigger Points and Sinew Knot:from the Perspective of the Channel Sinew Theory
Zijie CHEN ; Haohan ZHU ; Xingke SONG ; Xue PU ; Junying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1023-1026
Myofascial trigger points, as hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle, can induce local or referred pain, and show a high degree of similarity to acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly the so-called sinew knot lesion point. From the perspective of channel sinew theory, and by examining the correlations of myofascial trigger points with acupoints and channel sinew disorders, this study aims to compare the similarities and differences between MTrPs and sinew knot lesion points in terms of pathological mechanisms, needling analgesic mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches. The goal is to deepen the understanding of MTrPs and dry needling, and provide a modern scientific perspective on channel sinew theory and the sinew knot lesion point.
4.The role and clinical application progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation
Huan TANG ; Zeping GUI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):44-50
Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal failure, and antibody-mediated rejection remains the leading cause of late allograft loss. Macrophages, as central effectors of innate immunity, play a crucial role in the initiation, progression and tissue damage of antibody-mediated rejection. This article reviews the spatiotemporal dynamic evolution of macrophage polarization status in different stages of antibody-mediated rejection, the fine regulation of key signaling pathways for macrophage polarization, macrophage related molecules and the application prospects of targeted macrophage therapy. In depth analysis of the research progress of macrophages in antibody-mediated rejection, aiming to provide important theoretical basis for the development of precision diagnostic tools based on macrophages and novel immune intervention targets for antibody mediated rejection, ultimately promoting the improvement of long-term prognosis in kidney transplantation.
5.Discussion on the biological connotations of the pathogenesis of "earth congestion and wood depletion" in anxiety based on "intestinal flora-bile acid metabolism"
Yanan WANG ; Yuehan SONG ; Simin CHEN ; Jiayi CHEN ; Xinyi LYU ; Jiahui HE ; Kaiyue RU ; Zijie CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1347-1352
In recent years, the relationship between intestinal flora dysbiosis and abnormal bile acid metabolism and anxiety has received widespread attention. This article discussed the biological mechanism of the pathogenesis of anxiety from the perspective of intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism, in order to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the TCM prevention and treatment of anxiety. According to TCM, spleen and stomach belong to earth, liver and gallbladder belong to wood, when spleen qi is healthy, the normal distribution of water and grain essence can be achieved, so that the liver can be nourished, qi and blood is sufficient, and its excretory function is normal, and the bile is sufficient. Once the spleen is not healthy, the distribution of water and grain essence is good, affecting the metabolism of fluids, resulting in phlegm and dampness, the qi is not smooth, can affect the liver's excretory function; liver and wood depression for a long time, transgressing the spleen and earth, qi and blood lack of biochemical sources, the formation of soil congestion and wood depression of the pathological phenomenon will appear. From the viewpoint of modern medicine and molecular biology, changes in the structure of intestinal flora affect the organism through neurological, endocrine, immune and metabolic pathways, which is consistent with the pathogenesis of "congestion of the earth"; disorders in the metabolism of bile acids can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and synaptic structure in the brain, causing anxiety symptoms, which is consistent with the characteristics of "wood depression". The bile acid metabolism disorder can cause neurotransmitter and synaptic structure changes in the brain, causing anxiety symptoms, which is consistent with the characteristics of "wood depression". It is important to regulate the intestinal flora and bile acid metabolism pathway to ease the liver and strengthen the spleen to improve anxiety.
6.Metabolic and bariatric surgery′s historical progression and transformative shifts induced by GLP-1 receptor agonists
Zijie XU ; Ruiqi LI ; Shuai ZHAO ; Yayan FU ; Wei WANG ; Daorong WANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(5):296-301
With obesity rates climbing worldwide, metabolic and bariatric surgery has evolved over seven decades into a pivotal therapeutic approach for treating severe obesity and related disorders. Recent research highlights that new anti-diabetic and weight-loss drugs, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), are catalyzing a paradigm shift in obesity management. Within this context, the key scientific challenge in metabolic surgery is thoroughly investigating how pharmacological interventions and surgical procedures work together in weight management, especially evaluating if new drugs can match bariatric surgery's long-term effectiveness, complication management, and metabolic changes. Resolving this interdisciplinary debate will influence precision medicine in obesity treatment and reshape future multidisciplinary care models for metabolic disorders.
7.The Dance Between Schwann Cells and Macrophages During the Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injury.
Wei LI ; Guixian LIU ; Jie LIANG ; Xiao WANG ; Meiying SONG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Luoyang WANG ; Zijie YANG ; Bei ZHANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(8):1448-1462
Schwann cells and macrophages are the main immune cells involved in peripheral nerve injury. After injury, Schwann cells produce an inflammatory response and secrete various chemokines, inflammatory factors, and some other cytokines to promote the recruitment and M2 polarization of blood-derived macrophages, enhancing their phagocytotic ability, and thus play an important role in promoting nerve regeneration. Macrophages have also been found to promote vascular regeneration after injury, promote the migration and proliferation of Schwann cells along blood vessels, and facilitate myelination and axon regeneration. Therefore, there is a close interaction between Schwann cells and macrophages during peripheral nerve regeneration, but this has not been systematically summarized. In this review, the mechanisms of action of Schwann cells and macrophages in each other's migration and phenotypic transformation are reviewed from the perspective of each other, to provide directions for research on accelerating nerve injury repair.
Schwann Cells/metabolism*
;
Peripheral Nerve Injuries/physiopathology*
;
Animals
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Macrophages/immunology*
;
Nerve Regeneration/physiology*
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Humans
;
Cell Movement/physiology*
8.Left ventricular myocardial work in detecting early cardiac dysfunction in patients with Fabry disease
Hong ZHOU ; Zijie GUO ; Jing WANG ; Shengnan ZHANG ; Wenrui AI ; Jingchao LU ; Songyun ZHANG ; Hongning YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(8):708-716
Objective:To utilize the left ventricular myocardial work(LVMW)technique for early identification of myocardial damage in patients with fabry disease(FD).Methods:In an observational cross-sectional study,35 patients with FD who visited the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2023 to April 2024 were included. They were categorized into two groups based on left ventricular mass index(LVMI):the non-left ventricular hypertrophy group(LVH-FD group,14 cases)and the left ventricular hypertrophy group(LVH+FD group,21 cases). Further gender-stratified analysis was performed on parameters related to left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)and LVMW. Additionally,for the FD group with normal LVGLS,a comparison of their LVMW-related parameters was made with a control group. A control group consisting of 28 healthy subjects from the same period was selected for comparison. The LVGLS,global work index(LVGWI),global constructive work(LVGCW),global wasted work(LVGWW),and global work efficiency(LVGWE)of the three groups were analyzed using two-dimensional speckle tracking and non-invasive myocardial work techniques,and intergroup comparisons of these parameters were performed. Pearson's linear correlation was applied to analyse the correlation between LVGWI,LVGWE and LVMI.Results:① According to the LVMI grouping results,compared with the control group,the LVH-FD group showed decreased LVGWI( P<0.05),while the LVH+FD group exhibited reductions in LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE(all P<0.05). Compared to the LVH-FD group,the LVH+FD group demonstrated lower LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE(all P<0.05). ② Gender subgroup analysis revealed that in the female subgroup,no statistically significant differences were observed in LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE between the female control group and the female LVH-FD group(all P>0.05). However,the female LVH+ FD group showed decreased LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE compared to both the female control group(all P<0.05)and the female LVH-FD group(all P<0.05). In the male subgroup,compared to the male control group,the male LVH-FD group had reduced LVGWI( P<0.05)but no significant differences in LVGLS or LVGWE(both P>0.05). The male LVH+ FD group displayed lower LVGLS,LVGWI,and LVGWE compared to both the male control group(all P<0.05)and the male LVH- FD group(all P<0.05). ③Compared with the control group,the LVGLS-normal FD group had a reduced LVGWI( P<0.05),while there were no statistically significant differences in LVGLS,LVGWE,LVGCW,and LVGWW between these two groups(all P>0.05). ④LVGWI and LVGWE were negatively correlated with LVMI( r=-0.617,-0.707;both P<0.001). Conclusions:LVMW can detect early cardiac dysfunction in patients with FD and is of guiding value for their clinical management.
9.Clinical phenotype and genotype analysis of retinitis pigmentosa sine pigmento caused by BBS gene mutations
Zijie CHEN ; Yufei TAO ; Yun WANG ; Qinyu HUANG ; Mingmin YANG ; Xuyang LIU ; Ning FAN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(3):178-185
Objective:To observe and analyze the pathogenic genes and clinical phenotype characteristics of retinitis pigmentosa sinepigmento(RPSP).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. Two patients (proband) and five family members from two RPSP families admitted to Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University in December 2022 and Shenzhen Eye Hospital in July 2023 were included in the study. Two families have no blood relationship and were both Han Chinese. Detailed ocular and systemic medical history and specialized examinations were performed for all members, including color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and full field electroretinogram (ff-ERG) examination. The peripheral venous blood of all members was collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. Pathogenic genes and their loci were screened using whole exome high-throughput sequencing technology. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the pathogenic genes in the two pedigrees. The pathogenicity of candidate variants was evaluated according to the American Society for American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) classification criteria and guidelines for genetic variants.Results:The two probands were male, aged 9 and 7 years, respectively. The main complaint was poor binocular vision for 6 and 3 years and poor treatment effect of amblyopia. The proband (Ⅱ2) in family 1 had a pale red color on the optic disc, with leopard-like changes in the posterior pole and thinner retinal arteries. FAF showed mottled fluorescence attenuation outside the macular vascular arch. There was no significant waveform in both bright and dark visual responses of ff-ERG. He also had 6-toed deformity of both feet, renal cysts, and a slightly overweight body. The clinical diagnosis was non-pigmentary retinitis pigmentosa. The proband of family 2 (Ⅱ1) had poor binocular vision in a dark environment and had atrophy lesions on the nasal side of the optic disc and leopard print like changes in the fundus. FAF showed uneven enhancement in the fovea. ff-ERG showed severe abnormalities in dark and light response, with significant decrease and delay in b-wave amplitude and latency. He had no other systemic abnormalities. The clinical diagnosis was binocular RPSP. There were no abnormal ocular and systemic manifestations in the two family members. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation (c.534+1G>T) of BBS2 gene, which was inherited from the mother and father respectively. Based on clinical manifestations and genetic testing results, the final diagnosis was Bardet Biedl syndrome. The genetic sequencing results confirmed a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.950T>G: p. Leu317Arg missense mutation and c.849+1G>C splicing mutation) of BBS7 gene. His father (Ⅰ1) and mother (Ⅰ2) carried M1 heterozygous variants. Combined with the clinical manifestations and genetic testing results, the final diagnosis was Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). Family 2 proband (Ⅱ1) carried the BBS7 gene C.950T>G (p.Leu317Arg) (M2) missense variation and C.849 +1G>C (M3) splice site variation. His father (Ⅰ1) and mother (Ⅰ2) carried M3 shear site variation and M2 missense variation, respectively. The two families all fit the autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, and the genotype and clinical phenotype were coseparated. According to ACMG guidelines, M1, M2 and M3 were all identified as possible pathogenic variants. Conclusions:BBS2 gene M1 homozygous variation and BBS7 gene M2, M3 complex heterozygous variation are the possible pathogenic genes in family 1 and family 2, respectively. Two families are affected by BBS and RPSP, respectively.
10.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of right atrial diverticulum with thrombus:a case report
Hong ZHOU ; Xiaoxu WANG ; Ruoxuan MA ; Zijie GUO ; Hongning YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(1):49-51
Right atrial diverticulum is a rare congenital cardiac malformation with a very low incidence and few reports in the literature. It is a sac-like structure originating from the free wall of the right atrium or the right auricle,and the wall of the diverticulum is mostly composed of normal myocardial tissue. Patients with diverticulumare asymptomatic in the early stage of the disease,and it is mostly detected by imaging examinations. The patient was a 96-year-old male admitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University with intermittent chest tightness,shortness of breath,and dizziness for more than half a month. Echocardiography and contrast echocardiography were performed 1 d after the patient was admitted to the hospital,suggesting the diagnasis of right atrial diverticulum with thrombosis,and coronary CT angiography was performed 4 d after the patient was admitted to the hospital,which considered right atrial diverticulum,with an internal filling defect,and suspected thrombus formation. The patient was older and did not receive further diagnosis and treatment,and cardiac ultrasound was repeated 1 month later,with no significant change in the size and morphology of the mass within the right atrial diverticulum. By analyzing in detail a case with right atrial diverticulum initially misdiagnosed as pericardial effusion,this article aimed to raise cardiac sonographers' awareness of the diagnosis of right atrial diverticulum and to explore the key role of cardiac acoustic contrast technology in cardiac ultrasound diagnosis.

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