1.Regulatory effect of compound Agrimonia pilosula enteritis capsule on bile acid metabolism in improving ulcerative colitis with dampness-heat syndrome
Shenmeng YAO ; Zhen ZHANG ; Xiaodong WEN ; Xia WANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):78-89
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of compound Agrimonia pilosula enteritis capsules (CAPEC) on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice with dampness-heat syndrome. The mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, the model group, the positive drug (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) group, the low-dose CAPEC (CAPEC-L) group and the high-dose CAPEC (CAPEC-H) group. The mice models were established by using high-fat high-sucrose diet, feeding with distilled spirit and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The effects of CAPEC on bile acids (BAs) metabolic profiles in bile and the FXR-SREBP-1 signaling pathway were investigated in the model of UC in mice with dampness-heat syndrome by ELISA, qRT-PCR, UHPLC-QQQ/MS, and histopathological analysis. The results showed that, compared with the model group, the CAPEC-L group and the CAPEC-H group significantly reduced the disease activity index (DAI), and proinflammatory cytokine levels (including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in both serum and colon tissues. Additionally, CAPEC markedly ameliorated intestinal inflammation, hepatic lipid accumulation, and pathological alterations in tongue tissue. The CAPEC-H group significantly attenuated the abnormal elevation of BAs profiles in bile, and up-regulated hepatic mRNA levels of Cyp7a1, Cyp7b1, Cyp27a1, Bsep, Fxr, and Shp, while down-regulating Srebp-1 and Cyp8b1 expression. The experimental results suggest that CAPEC alleviates UC with dampness-heat syndrome by ameliorating BAs metabolic disorders, hepatic lipid accumulation, and intestinal inflammation. These findings provide mechanistic insights into CAPEC’s traditional effects of clearing heat and drying dampness, and strengthening the spleen to relieve diarrhea.
2.Epidemiological characteristics of category C intestinal infectious diseases among children and adolescents in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2024 and the association with meteorological factors
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):553-557
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of category C intestinal infectious diseases among children and adolescents in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2024 and the association with meteorological factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for the targeted prevention and control of infectious diseases for children and adolescents.
Methods:
Using data from the "Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System" of the "China Disease Prevention and Control Information System" covering the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2024, the study analyzed clinical and confirmed cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, other infectious diarrhea, and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis among individuals aged 6-19 years old to describe demographic and temporal characteristics. It used Joinpoint regression to calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC) to analyze incidence trends, and Spearman s correlation was combined to generalize linear models so as to assess the association between category C intestinal infectious diseases and meteorological factors.
Results:
From 2012 to 2024, a cumulative total of 61 019 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease among children and adolescents, 58 498 cases of other infectious diarrhea, and 6 377 cases of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis were reported. The AAPC in the incidence rates of these three diseases was 19.19%, 31.03% and 31.48 %, respectively(all P <0.05). Notably, the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease increased significantly after 2022 (APC= 133.66 %, P <0.01). The temporal distribution showed that hand,foot,and mouth disease was most prevalent in May,June and July (seasonal index of 2.39,3.64,1.97), other infectious diarrhea was most prevalent in February,March and December (seasonal index of 1.22,1.25,1.47), and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis peaked in September and October (seasonal index of 4.22,2.16). Monthly average temperature could increase the risk of hand,foot,and mouth disease( β = 0.18 ,95% CI =0.11-0.25); as monthly average wind speed increased, the incidence of other infectious diarrhea ( β =-0.86, 95% CI = -1.50 to -0.22) and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis ( β =-1.32, 95% CI =-2.60 to -0.05) both decreased (all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Among children and adolescents in Shenzhen, category C intestinal infectious diseases remain prevalent throughout the year;the number of reported hand, foot, and mouth disease cases has shown an upward trend in recent years.Temperature and wind speed significantly affect the number of reported cases of three types with category C intestinal infectious diseases.
3.Pleiotrophin (PTN): Multifunctional Regulation and Therapeutic Potential in The Nervous System
Xin TIAN ; Zhen ZHANG ; Fu-Cheng LUO ; Tao LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):550-563
Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), cerebral ischemia, and multiple sclerosis (MS), impose an escalating global health burden and remain largely incurable. These disorders arise from multifactorial and interconnected pathological processes, such as chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, protein misfolding and aggregation, demyelination, and neurovascular dysfunction. Despite substantial advances in elucidating disease-associated molecular mechanisms, current therapeutic strategies are predominantly symptomatic and fail to effectively halt or reverse disease progression. This limitation highlights the urgent need to identify endogenous regulatory molecules capable of coordinating neuronal survival, synaptic maintenance, inflammatory control, and tissue repair within the central nervous system (CNS). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a heparin-binding, growth-associated cytokine that has emerged as a key regulator of neural development, plasticity, and regeneration. Structurally, PTN contains multiple high-affinity heparin-binding domains that facilitate interactions with extracellular matrix components and cell surface proteoglycans, enabling spatially restricted and context-dependent signaling. Through these molecular properties, PTN functions as a multifunctional organizer of neural growth, plasticity, and tissue remodeling across developmental and adult stages. Its diverse biological effects are executed through a multi-receptor signaling system that integrates extracellular cues with intracellular programs governing cellular survival, migration, and differentiation. Notably, PTN displays a highly dynamic and cell type-specific expression pattern in the central nervous system, being enriched in neural progenitor cells during development and later restricted to discrete neuronal populations, neural stem cells, and non-neuronal niche cells—including astrocytes, pericytes, and vascular endothelial cells—which serve as critical sources of PTN under physiological and pathological conditions. PTN expression is tightly regulated during development and exhibits pronounced plasticity in response to pathological stimuli. Under physiological conditions, PTN is transiently expressed during critical windows of neural growth and synaptogenesis, supporting neuron-glia interactions and myelin formation. In contrast, in pathological contexts such as amyloid β-protein (Aβ) accumulation in AD, dopaminergic neuron degeneration in PD, demyelination in MS, and ischemic brain injury, PTN expression is frequently dysregulated, suggesting an active role in disease-associated remodeling rather than a passive bystander effect. Importantly, accumulating evidence indicates that PTN exerts a dual and context-dependent influence on neurological disorders. On the one hand, aberrant PTN signaling may contribute to maladaptive responses, including sustained glial activation, dysregulated neuroinflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and enhanced Aβ deposition. On the other hand, PTN displays robust neuroprotective and reparative functions by promoting neuronal survival, enhancing oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination, and stimulating post-injury angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tissue repair and functional recovery. At the mechanistic level, PTN signaling is characterized by extensive cross-talk among receptor-dependent pathways. Activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) triggers canonical PI3K-AKT-mTOR and MAPK cascades that support neuronal survival and axonal integrity. PTN binding to protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z1 (PTPRZ1) induces conformational inhibition of its phosphatase activity, resulting in increased phosphorylation of downstream effectors such as β-catenin, Fyn, and Src, which regulate neuronal migration and synaptic stabilization. Syndecan-3 (SDC3) functions as both a co-receptor and an independent signaling mediator by capturing extracellular PTN, amplifying ALK- and PTPRZ1-dependent signaling, and directly modulating cytoskeletal dynamics through PKC and ERK pathways. In parallel, PTN interaction with αVβ3 integrin contributes to remodeling of the neurovascular niche, linking angiogenesis with neurogenesis and neural repair. From a translational perspective, therapeutic strategies targeting PTN can be broadly classified into 3 categories: direct enhancement of PTN signaling through exogenous protein supplementation or gene therapy-mediated upregulation, pharmacological modulation of PTN-associated receptor pathways and downstream signaling nodes, and exploitation of PTN as a dynamic biomarker to inform disease stratification and therapeutic responsiveness. These complementary approaches underscore the growing interest in PTN-centered interventions across a spectrum of neurological disorders. In summary, PTN functions not merely as a classical trophic factor but as a central signaling hub integrating inflammatory regulation, neural regeneration, and vascular remodeling within the CNS. This review aims to synthesize current insights into PTN’s molecular architecture, multi-receptor signaling mechanisms, and disease-specific functions, and to highlight emerging therapeutic strategies targeting PTN. By conceptualizing PTN as a dynamic modulator of neuronal resilience rather than a static biomarker, we propose that precise modulation of PTN signaling may offer promising avenues for therapeutic development in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.
4.Efficacy and safety of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation as a surgical alternative for multiple pulmonary nodules
Changhui MA ; Bin ZHANG ; Linxiang YU ; Zhong GUAN ; Junyi YANG ; Haiwen ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):299-305
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in treating multiple pulmonary nodules. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 113 patients with multiple pulmonary nodules admitted to Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2020 to October 2022. The patients were divided into the RFA group (n=50) and the VATS group (n=63) based on the treatment method. Perioperative indicators (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay), oncological outcomes (recurrence-free survival [RFS], overall survival [OS]), and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Results The operation time in the RFA group was significantly shorter than that in the VATS group ([75.2±20.1] min vs [102.3±28.7]) min, P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative length of hospital stay. After follow-up of 24 (12, 30) months, no statistically significant differences were found in RFS (HR=1.25, P=0.445) or OS (HR=1.42, P=0.402) between the two groups. Mixed ground-glass nodules with high solid component and solid nodule were identified as independent risk factors for RFS (HR=2.44, P=0.023; HR=2.97, P=0.007) and OS (HR=2.87, P=0.022; HR=3.43, P=0.005) in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules. The total complication rate in the RFA group was lower than that in the VATS group (12.0% vs 34.9%, P=0.009). Conclusions The efficacy of CT-guided RFA in treating multiple pulmonary nodules is comparable to that of VATS, with good safety, and it shows promise as an alternative to surgical treatment for multiple pulmonary nodules.
5.Effects of dapagliflozin on inflammatory level and prognosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial infarction
Mengmei LI ; Weifeng ZHANG ; Xiaowen ZHEN ; Weisheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):38-44
Objective To investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on inflammatory factors and prognosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods In a randomized, double-blind trial, 146 patients with T2DM and AMI (within 7 days of onset) were divided into dapagliflozin (dapagliflozin 10 mg/d combining AMI standard therapy) and control (AMI standard therapy) groups, and were followed up for 12 months. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) rate at 12 months were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the cumulative incidences of MACE in the two groups. Results Three patients were withdrawn or dropped out. At 12 months, IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP levels were significantly lower in dapagliflozin group (n=71) than those in control group (n=72, P<0.01), approaching normal levels. Compared with the control group, LVEF was higher (P<0.01), BNP was lower (P<0.01), MACE incidence was lower (P=0.047) in dapagliflozin group at 12 months. Generalized linear mixed models showed significant group-time interactions in IL-1β, IL-6, and hs-CRP (P<0.001), and these factors declined faster in the dapagliflozin group. Kaplan-Meier curve showed the cumulative incidences of MACE and heart failure were lower in dapagliflozin group than those in non-dapagliflozin group (P<0.05). Conclusions For patients with T2DM patients and AMI, dapagliflozin has good anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects.
6.A systematic review of application value of machine learning to prognostic prediction models for patients with lumbar disc herniation
Zhipeng WANG ; Xiaogang ZHANG ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Xiyun ZHAO ; Yuanzhen LI ; Chenglong GUO ; Daping QIN ; Zhen REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):740-748
OBJECTIVE:Based on different algorithms of machine learning,the prediction model of lumbar disc herniation has become a trend and hot spot in the development of precision medicine.However,there is limited evidence on the reporting quality and methodological quality of prediction models of lumbar disc herniation outcomes using machine learning.This article is aimed to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation by comprehensively analyzing the report quality and risk of bias of previous studies that developed and validated prognosis prediction models based on machine learning through a comprehensive literature search,in order to explore the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the prognosis of lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:The databases of CNKI,WanFang,VIP,SinOMED,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and The Cochrane Library were searched by computer.Studies on the use of machine learning to develop(and/or validate)prognostic prediction models for lumbar disc herniation were collected from the inception of the database to December 31,2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted data,and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.The reporting quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed by the Multivariable Transparent Reporting of Predictive Models(TRIPOD)statement and the Predictive Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool(PROBAST).The results of the evaluation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and visual charts.RESULTS:(1)A total of 23 articles were included,and the TRIPOD compliance of each study ranged from 11%to 87%,with a median compliance of 54%.The quality of reporting of titles,detailed descriptions of treatment measures,blinding of predictors,handling of missing data,details of risk stratification,specific procedures for enrollment,model interpretation,and model performance was mostly poor,with TRIPOD adherence rates ranging from 4%to 35%.(2)Of all included studies,61%had a high risk of bias and 39%had an unclear overall risk of bias.The area under the curve,accuracy,sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the model.The areas under the curve of 20 models were reported,ranging from 0.561 to 0.999.Three models reported the accuracy of the model,ranging from 82.07%to 89.65%.(3)Among all included studies,the statistical analysis domain was most often assessed as having a high risk of bias,mainly due to the small number of valid samples,the selection of predictors based on univariate analysis and the lack of calibration and discrimination assessment of the model in the study.CONCLUSION:These results indicate that machine learning can achieve good predictive ability in the development and validation of prognostic models for lumbar disc herniation.The commonly used algorithms include regression algorithm,support vector machine,decision tree,random forest,artificial neural network,naive Bayes and other algorithms.Reasonable algorithms combined with clinical practice can improve the accuracy of prognosis prediction of lumbar disc herniation.However,the reporting and methodological quality of prognosis prediction models based on machine learning are poor,the prediction performance of different models varies greatly,and the generalization and extrapolation of research models are unclear.There is an urgent need to improve the design,implementation and reporting of such studies.To promote the application of machine learning in the clinical practice of lumbar disc herniation prediction models,it is necessary to comprehensively consider various predictors related to the prognosis of the disease before modeling,and strictly follow the relevant standards of PROBAST tool during modeling.
7.Current Status and Strategies of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Xuezhi ZHANG ; Xia DING ; Zhen LIU ; Hui YE ; Xiaofen JIA ; Hong CHENG ; Zhenyu WU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):111-116
This paper systematically reviews the current status of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, as well as recent progress in clinical and basic research both in China and internationally. It summarizes the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Hp infection management, including improving Hp eradication rates, enhancing antibiotic sensitivity, reducing antimicrobial resistance, decreasing drug-related adverse effects, and ameliorating gastric mucosal lesions. These advantages are particularly evident in patients who are intolerant to bismuth-containing regimens, those with refractory Hp infection, and individuals with precancerous gastric lesions. An integrated, whole-process management approach and individualized, staged comprehensive treatment strategies combining TCM and western medicine are proposed for Hp infection. Future prevention and control of Hp infection should adopt an integrative Chinese-western medical strategy, emphasizing prevention, strengthening primary care, implementing proactive long-term monitoring, optimizing screening strategies, and advancing the development of novel technologies and mechanistic studies of Chinese herbal interventions. These efforts aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical pathways for the establishment and improvement of Hp infection prevention and control systems.
8.Research progress on the relationship between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity
GAO Lei ; YE Zhen ; WANG Wei ; ZHAO Dong ; XU Peiwei ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):48-54
Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue. Current research indicates that early life obesogen exposure has emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. While obesogens have been confirmed to influence the development and progression of childhood obesity through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and epigenetic programming, controversies remain regarding the establishment of causal relationships, assessment of combined exposures, and validation of transgenerational effects in humans. In recent years, novel approaches including multi-omics technologies, exposome-based analysis, and multigenerational cohort studies have integrated dynamic biomarker monitoring with analyses of social-environmental interactions, offering new perspectives and methodologies for constructing a systematic "exposure-mechanism-outcome" research framework. This article reviews literature from PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2025 on the association between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity, summarizing evidence on the health effects of early life obesogen exposure, major exposure pathways and internal exposure assessment, interactions and amplifying effects of social and environmental factors, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying obesogen action. It further examines current research frontiers and challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for early prevention and precision intervention of childhood obesity.
9.Late identification and its influencing factors of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024
XU Guangming ; ZHANG Zhen ; YE Xiaohong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):71-74
Objective:
To investigate the late identification and its influencing factors of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City, Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2024, so as to provide a basis for formulating targeted AIDS prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data on newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024, including demographic characteristics and detection modes, were collected through the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Control System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The new identification rate and late identification proportion of HIV/AIDS cases were analyzed. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to assess trends in both the new identification rate and late identification proportion from 2015 to 2024. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for late identification among HIV/AIDS cases.
Results:
A total of 589 newly reported HIV/AIDS cases were documented in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024. The new identification rate declined from 5.08/105 in 2015 to 3.53/105 in 2024 (AAPC=-6.161%, P<0.05). Among them, 225 cases were late identified. After excluding 4 cases with inferred late identification, the late identification proportion increased from 24.53% in 2015 to 58.97% in 2024 (AAPC=7.595%, P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥25 years (25~<50 years, OR=3.569, 95%CI: 1.567-8.130; ≥50 years, OR=8.683, 95%CI: 3.440-21.917) and passive detection (OR=1.730, 95%CI: 1.022-2.928) were associated with a higher risk of late identification. In contrast, being married or having a spouse (OR=0.565, 95%CI: 0.332-0.960) was associated with a lower risk of late identification.
Conclusions
The new identification rate of HIV/AIDS cases in Linhai City from 2015 to 2024 showed a downward trend, while the proportion of late identification exhibited an upward trend. Age, marital status, and detection mode were identified as influencing factors for late identification among HIV/AIDS cases.
10.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.


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