5-methylcytosine RNA modification is a key regulator of neuroblastoma oncogenesis and differentiation. NSUN6, a 5-methylcytosine-specific messenger RNA methyltransferase, modulates messenger RNA methyltransferase activity and translation termination. Yet, its potential link to neuroblastoma risk has not been previously reported. The present study aimed to reveal the relationship between NSUN6 gene polymorphisms and the risk of neuroblastoma in children from Jiangsu province.

In this case-control study, we investigated three NSUN6 gene polymorphisms (rs3740102 A>C, rs12780826 T>A, and rs61842187 G>C) in 402 neuroblastoma cases and 473 controls, all of whom were children from Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China. DNA from these subjects was assessed using the TaqMan method. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between NSUN6 gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. Additionally, the Genotype-Tissue Expression database was utilized to elucidate the impact of these polymorphisms on NSUN6 and nearby gene expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the non-parametric test were conducted on the R2 platform to assess the relationship between gene expression, prognosis, and neuroblastoma risk.

Carriage of two to three protective genotypes (rs3740102 AA/AC, rs12780826 TT/TA, rs61842187 CC) was significantly associated with a lower risk of neuroblastoma (adjusted odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.23–0.73, P = 0.002), with consistent results across all subgroups. Expression quantitative trait locus analysis showed these single-nucleotide polymorphisms may upregulate the expression of NSUN6 and CACNB2. Furthermore, higher NSUN6 and CACNB2 expression was correlated with a potentially lower risk of neuroblastoma, improved overall survival (NSUN6: P = 2.54e-03; CACNB2: P = 6.35e-06) and event-free survival (NSUN6: P = 7.90e-04; CACNB2: P = 4.64e-06), as well as a lower likelihood of MYCN amplification.

NSUN6 rs3740102 AA/AC, rs12780826 TT/TA, and rs61842187 CC genotypes may be associated with a better prognosis of neuroblastoma. This association may be related to the potential upregulation of NSUN6 gene expression and a lower likelihood of MYCN amplification.

COVID-19 has resulted in significant long-term sequelae in convalescent patients, impacting overall quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown promise in managing post-COVID-19 symptoms through syndrome differentiation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in COVID-19 convalescent patients in a real-world setting.

This prospective, real-world study will be conducted at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A total of 528 COVID-19 convalescent patients will be recruited and divided into two groups: a control group receiving routine Western medical treatment and an intervention group receiving additional TCM treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Patients will be assessed for three major TCM syndromes: Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency, Qi-Yin Deficiency, and Cold Phlegm Obstructing the Lung, with corresponding TCM prescriptions administered accordingly. The primary outcome measure will be the improvement in clinical symptom scores based on a TCM symptom scoring system. Secondary outcomes will include changes in laboratory tests, imaging studies, heart function classification, and quality of life scores. Safety will be assessed through liver and kidney function tests and adverse event monitoring.

The study is expected to demonstrate that TCM treatment, based on syndrome differentiation, can significantly improve clinical symptoms and overall health in COVID-19 convalescent patients compared to routine Western medical treatment. These findings will provide evidence for integrating TCM into post-acute COVID-19 care.

This study will contribute to the evidence supporting TCM as an effective treatment for post-COVID-19 syndrome, enhancing patient outcomes and informing comprehensive recovery strategies.