EPMA Journal

The use of predictive, preventive, and personalized medical approaches to optimize hypertension management
Bajinka O, Jallow L, Zhang Y, Feng X, Zhan X and Li N
Hypertension, a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, exhibits significant heterogeneity due to genetic, metabolic, and environmental influences. Traditional one-size-fits-all management is inadequate, necessitating predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM) approaches.
Bidirectional associations between kidney function decline and carotid plaque progression: a longitudinal cohort study in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine
Wang J, Zhao X, Jin R, Wu Z, Zhao Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Chen S, Guo X and Tao L
Atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease are major contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality worldwide. However, how kidney function decline and carotid plaque (CP) progression influence each other over time remains unclear. In the context of predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine (PPPM/3PM), we investigated the bidirectional associations between kidney function decline and CP progression by leveraging both baseline and repeated measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and total plaque area (TPA). Understanding these relationships may facilitate early risk stratification at the subclinical stage and guide targeted preventive and personalised interventions for high-risk individuals, ultimately improving long-term cardiorenal outcomes.
Explainable multiomic screening for suboptimal health status in young adults: 3PM-guided innovation is envisaged
Lu Q, Liu P, Huang G, Liu L, Ge Y, Wang J, Hou H and Wang Y
Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a reversible predisease stage and represents a key "window of opportunity" for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM/PPPM). However, current screening methods still rely mainly on subjective questionnaires and lack objective, interpretable, and actionable tools for timely intervention. We aimed to develop an exploratory prototype system that combines multiomic signals with explainable artificial intelligence to apply 3PM in young adults.
Multivariable data-driven framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine for long-term atrial fibrillation risk in patients with new-onset obstructive sleep apnea
Zhu J, Wang Y, Duan S, Liu C, Yin W, Yang Y, Zhu T and Wang J
Atrial fibrillation (AF) presents a significant challenge in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as traditional risk factors often fail to accurately predict individual risk levels. This study exemplifies the paradigm of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) by developing a comprehensive predictive nomogram for atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in patients with diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Multimodal AI-based modeling of glaucoma progression: a 3PM-guided approach integrating structural, functional, and vascular patterns
Kurysheva NI, Rodionova OY, Pomerantsev AL, Ponomareva SI and Golubnitschaja O
Glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The development of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM) strategies in the area is essential to address high inter-individual heterogeneity in glaucoma progression, in order to effectively protect stratified patients against disease progression.
Repurposing holistic effects of metformin from diabetes management to skin wound healing: a 3PM-guided innovation
Zhou S, Zhang K, Cai B, Li J and Yin G
Metformin has recently garnered attention for its unique role in cellular metabolism regulation, prompting investigations into its potential applications in skin wound healing. Predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) is the most advantageous healthcare framework and is appropriate for managing chronic illnesses. This review systematically outlines the key signaling pathways through which metformin modulates inflammatory responses via metabolic reprogramming. Integrating the 3PM concept, it explores innovative application strategies for metformin in wound management, thereby proposing a working hypothesis: metformin may be utilized for personalized prevention and treatment of skin wounds. It focuses on the latest research advances in the field of wound healing, particularly the potential of metformin in local applications, as well as studies combining it with innovative carriers such as hydrogels, nanofibers, and microneedles. These studies not only expand the therapeutic scope of metformin but also provide novel perspectives and solutions to the management of chronic wounds.
in noncommunicable disease management: therapeutic prospects within the PPPM framework
Bao B, Zhang P, Li Y, Tian T and Xie Y
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, And age-related degenerative diseases, account for 74% of global mortality, imposing heavy burdens on healthcare systems and global sustainable development. Current management strategies face challenges such as poor long-term drug adherence and complex comorbidities. Functional foods and nutraceuticals, particularly those rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that embody the "food-medicine homology" principle, have emerged as promising adjuncts for NCD prevention and treatment. () is an edible and medicinal plant with a long history. Rich in bioactive components such as lignans, polysaccharides, and terpenoids, it exhibits multi-targeted pharmacological activities and holds great potential in improving clinical diseases and progressing suboptimal health to optimal, making it a promising candidate for integrated health strategies.
Enhancing cardiovascular risk prediction in hypertensive adults: a 3PM-based evaluation of insulin resistance and arterial stiffness
Lan Y, Wu Z, Wu D, Xu L, Wei H, Wu C, Chen Y, Li X and Wu S
Hypertension management remains challenging due to coexisting insulin resistance (IR) and arterial stiffness-two silent yet synergistic drivers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This study aimed to evaluate their joint impact on ASCVD risk and assess their utility in predictive, preventive, and personalized strategies.
Global, regional, and Chinese disease burden and trends of colorectal cancer, 1990-2021: An update from the GBD 2021 study and implications for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine
Kou Y, Lu Y, Huang R, Sun B, Ye S, Zhang Q, Yang K, He K, Wu T, Dong X, Chen Y, Ge L and Yang Y
In the era of shifting healthcare, a "reactive" approach to colorectal cancer (CRC) management-that is, initiating treatment only after the onset of symptoms-remains a major global health challenge. This study uses the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data to quantify CRC burden and provide a foundation for developing targeted Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (PPPM/3PM) strategies worldwide, especially in China.
Glioma angiogenesis phosphoproteome landscape and biomarker sets identified with phenome-centered multiomics toward 3P medical approaches
Gong X, Guo T, Li C, Li Z, Li X, Yang L, Li N and Zhan X
Protein phosphorylation is an important molecular event in tumor angiogenesis that is a canonical hallmark in glioma. We hypothesize that the phosphoproteome and phosphorylation-mediated signaling networks are significantly different in glioma neovascular tissues compared to controls, which aimed to identify glioma angiogenesis phosphoproteomic landscape, phosphorylation-mediated signaling pathways, kinase-substrate networks, and phosphorylation biomarkers with integration of phosphoprotein data and multiomics data, for deep understanding of molecular mechanisms of glioma angiogenesis, discovery of effective antiangiogenesis therapeutic targets, and establishment of angiogenesis-related phosphorylation biomarker signature for patient stratification, early-stage diagnosis, and effective prognostic assessment, in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM, 3PM) approaches. This study used laser capture microdissection to isolate neovascular tissues from gliomas, followed by quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis, which identified 195 differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) with 635 phosphosites and 58 hub DPPs. Pathway analysis of 195 DPPs found that cell adhesion-related pathways and HIF-1 signaling pathway were significantly regulated by phosphorylation to associate with glioma angiogenesis. Upstream kinase analysis found 321 upstream kinases to regulate the intratumoral neovascular tissue-associated phosphorylation, including 12 kinases that were differentially expressed in glioma neovascular tissues and 2 kinases (CAMK2D and MYLK) that were also DPPs, and 48 chemotherapeutic agents as kinase inhibitors such as staurosporine that had antiangiogenesis effects in glioma. Integrated analysis of DPPs and DEGs (differentially expressed genes) revealed 82 overlapped molecules; of them, SYN1, STX1A, PRKAR2B, PACSIN1, LSP1, HSPB1, and DMTN were associated with overall survival of glioma, and ANK1, L1CAM, and LSP1 were constructed as glioma prognosis signature. Immunohistochemistry confirmed hypophosphorylation at PDHA1-Ser293/300 in glioma angiogenesis. This study provided the first phosphoproteome landscape, kinase profile, phosphorylation-mediated signaling pathway network alterations in human glioma neovascular tissues, and effective tumor angiogenesis-based biomarkers for patient stratification, prognostic assessment, and targeted therapy in glioma. These findings provide concrete molecular targets for antiangiogenic therapy and establish clinically actionable biomarkers for glioma patient stratification in the 3PM framework.
Development of a predictive framework for ovarian reserve decline based on pelvic microbiota dysbiosis
Luo J, Cao L, Li J, Zhang T, Chu K, Xu W, Wu Z, Shen W, Zhou J and Li C
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial condition, not solely related to aging. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental and biological factors, including the pelvic microbiota, may influence ovarian function across different age groups. In this study, we examined the association between pelvic microbiota dysbiosis and DOR, with the broader goal of identifying early microbiota-based markers to support predictive diagnosis, preventive strategies, and personalized reproductive care.
Ferroptosis in acinar cells of traumatic pancreatitis: implications for predictive, preventive, and personalized approaches in intra-abdominal infection management
Zhao Z, Dai R, Lu W, Ming L, Ji J, Gan H, Chen Y, Sun R, Jiang Q, Wang Z and Huang Q
Traumatic pancreatitis (TP) is a distinct subtype of pancreatitis. Although ferroptosis of pancreatic acinar cells is well documented in acute pancreatitis (AP), studies on ferroptosis in TP and its relationship with subsequent intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) remain limited and unclear. Incorporating predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM) strategies could significantly enhance TP management, particularly through early detection and targeted interventions.
Creatine as a mitochondrial theranostic in predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine
Ostojic SM and Rátgéber L
Creatine, traditionally recognized for its role in skeletal muscle energy metabolism, is increasingly emerging as a mitochondria-targeted theranostic agent with significant relevance to the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM). However, several critical gaps currently limit its translation into clinical practice: (1) the lack of sensitive and standardized biomarkers for early detection of bioenergetic deficits, (2) limited incorporation of creatine profiling into predictive risk models, (3) insufficient personalization of supplementation strategies despite known interindividual variability in transporter function, endogenous synthesis, and tissue kinetics, and (4) underdeveloped clinical validation of advanced creatine formulations and delivery systems. This mini review addresses these unmet needs by consolidating evidence on creatine's multifaceted biological functions-including stabilization of mitochondrial membranes, regulation of oxidative stress, support of mitochondrial biogenesis, and modulation of apoptotic signaling-across physiological and pathological states. By sustaining ATP homeostasis via the creatine kinase-phosphocreatine system and influencing mitochondrial dynamics and redox balance, creatine represents both a therapeutic and diagnostic candidate for diseases characterized by impaired bioenergetics. From a PPPM perspective, creatine profiling through biofluids, tissue sampling, and advanced imaging (e.g., proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy) offers a minimally invasive approach for early detection, patient stratification, and monitoring of mitochondrial function. Personalized intervention strategies-guided by molecular and phenotypic profiling-have the potential to maximize efficacy and minimize risk, while creatine loading or depletion tests may serve as functional biomarkers of mitochondrial reserve capacity and supplementation responsiveness. Finally, integration of creatine-centered diagnostics and therapeutics with multi-omics data, computational modeling, and digital health monitoring could overcome existing translational barriers. By reframing creatine from a sports nutrition supplement to a scalable, safe, and cost-effective component of mitochondrial medicine, this review outlines a pathway to address current diagnostic, predictive, and therapeutic deficits, ultimately supporting proactive, systems-level approaches to health maintenance and disease prevention.
Establishment of reference intervals for serum immunoglobulin G -glycosylation features in healthy Chinese adults: a nationwide survey in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine
Liu C, Wang Y, Li X, Xu X, Xu R, Tian C, Chen Z, Lu X, Li Y, Wang M, Tang Z, Chen X, Ding G, Tan X, Li D, Hou H and Wang W
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and viral infections. While various models of serum IgG glycosylation have been developed to identify individuals at high risk for relevant diseases, reference intervals (RIs) for the levels of IgG glycans have not been established yet. Identifying RIs for serum IgG -glycans closely associated with biological aging and disease risk contributes to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM), which results in improvement of patients' outcomes, enhancement of healthcare efficiency, and in reducing burden of chronic diseases. This study is aimed at defining the age- and sex-specific RI in healthy Chinese adults.
Systemic inflammation at the oral-ocular interface: a 3P medicine perspective on the relationship between periodontitis and eye diseases
Oh E, Jun JH, Choi JY and Yoo TK
Periodontitis is a common source of chronic systemic inflammation, driven by bacterial translocation and cytokine release through ulcerated gingival epithelium, and may contribute to the development of various chronic ocular diseases. This study investigated the association between periodontitis and multiple ocular conditions, interpreting the findings within the framework of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (3PM).
The 3PM transformation potential of minimal residual disease in solid tumor management: a bibliometric analysis and review
Chen Y, Li X, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Wang H, Na F, Guan Q, Li Z, Li H and Zhao M
Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in the study of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with solid tumors. Increasing evidence supports that monitoring and quantifying MRD can provide prognostic insights and enable personalized treatment strategies for patients who achieve complete remission. Although MRD is gradually being integrated into the clinical management of solid tumors, several challenges remain unresolved. This review combines bibliometric analysis with advances in cutting-edge technologies to examine the evolving landscape of MRD, emphasizing its alignment with the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) paradigm. By synthesizing research trends, key challenges, and innovative approaches, we highlight the predictive value of MRD for relapse risk, its preventive role in early intervention, and its potential to guide real-time personalized therapies. We advocate for the standardization and integration of MRD monitoring into routine clinical oncology practice, reinforced by expert recommendations grounded in 3PM principles.
Advanced 3PM strategies in traditional Chinese medicine gels for wound healing integrating 3D/4D printing, network pharmacology and multiomics technologies
Ni S, Zhao W, Elumalai K and Kumar PV
This review examines advanced predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3PM) strategies, along with the targeted modern approach for enhancing the performance and clinical utility of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) gels for wound healing. These strategies are based on recent technological advancements involving 3D/4D printing, network pharmacology and multiomics technologies. TCM gels, characterized by their multicomponent and multitarget mechanisms, hold great potential for addressing the diverse challenges in the wound healing process, including inflammation, angiogenesis disorders and microbial infections. Their therapeutic effects are optimized through the modernization of classical TCM formulas, innovative design of matrix materials and functionalized drug delivery techniques. The underlying mechanisms of TCM gels are elucidated using multiomics technologies, while clinical translation focuses on standardization, quality control and rigorous clinical trial design. Future directions may include personalized treatment plans, care for complex wounds and the integration of environmentally sustainable and smart technologies. To achieve broader utilization in modern wound healing, challenges related to standardization and regulatory compliance must be addressed. The successful incorporation of TCM gels into current wound care systems can significantly contribute to public health, supporting the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
Developing and validating an explainable clinlabomics-based machine-learning model for screening primary angle-closure glaucoma in the context of PPPM
Li Z, Ren J, Wu J, Li Y, Song Y, Zhang M, Li S and Cao W
Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a common cause of blindness. Early screening is critical to prevent vision loss, yet current methods rely on specialized ophthalmic imaging, which are resource-intensive and reactive, detecting structural damage only after symptom onset. Therefore, we propose a novel clinlabomics-based machine learning prediction model as a screening tool to stratify individuals at high risk for glaucoma, enabling targeted ophthalmic evaluations, preventing progression of optic nerve damage, and facilitating personalized, long-term monitoring in alignment with the principles of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM).
How to use an extensive Flammer syndrome phenotyping for a holistic protection against health-to-disease transition - facts and practical recommendations
Golubnitschaja O
Due to their phenotype-associated attitude predominantly oriented towards high performance, Flammer syndrome (FS) phenotype carriers are blessed to a successful career in corresponding professional branches. This advantage is however associated with significant health risks. FSP carriers are extremely stress-sensitive. Corresponding pathways are epigenetically regulated, and modifiable risk factors are associated with the phenotype-specific psycho-somatic patterns such as a drive for meticulousness, perfectionism and exercised rigour applying strictness, discipline, or thoroughness to their own behaviour and actions. The FS phenotype is typically characterised by chronication of the transient sympathoexcitation and its dominance over parasympathetic relaxation. Chronification of the parasympathetic-sympathetic imbalance in form of sympathetic overdrive leads to chronic ischemic events in peripheral vessels and progressing tissue damage associated with the cyclic ischemia-reperfusion. Ischemic damage can be roughly estimated by levels of the vasoconstrictor endotelin-1 (ET-1) measured in blood. However, other risk factors on the one hand and compensatory mechanisms on the other hand are decisive for the damage extent at individual level. For example, chronically increased ET-1 and even mild hyperhomocysteinaemia synergistically may cause a progressing disease of small vessels, systemic inflammation and chronification of mitochondrial stress potentially resulting in chronic fatigue and mitochondrial burnout with a spectrum of associated pathologies in affected individuals. That is why predictive diagnostics utilising comprehensive individualised patient profiles are crucial for the cost-effective targeted prevention and creation of personalised treatment algorithms. Due to the high level of algorithms' complexity, an application of AI is essential. FS is usually established early in life during pubertal maturation of otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, FS phenotyping is instrumental for 3PM-guided cost-effective primary healthcare. To meet the needs of this patient cohort, an application of the digital health monitoring including records of mitochondrial homeostasis is strongly recommended to protect the FS phenotype carriers against health-to-disease transition. To this end, patient friendly non-invasive approach is already established utilising tear fluid multi-omics, mitochondria as vital biosensors and AI-based multi-professional data interpretation; the approach is offered to the FS phenotype carriers.
IgG N-glycosylation contributes to different severities of insulin resistance: implications for 3P medical approaches
Chen X, Balmer L, Lin K, Cao W, Huang Z, Chen X, Song M and Chen Y
Reliable biomarkers capturing immunometabolic processes in insulin resistance (IR) remain limited. IgG N-glycosylation modulates immune responses and reflects metabolic disorders, yet its role in IR remains unclear. This study investigated its potential for early detection, risk stratification, and targeted prevention within the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine (PPPM/3PM).
Advancing predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine in eyelid diseases: a concerns-based and expandable screening system through structural dissection
Cao J, You K, Xu P, Sun Y, Shao J, Zhou Y, Li H, Lou L, Miao Q and Ye J
Early recognition of eyelid morphological abnormalities was crucial, as untreated conditions could lead to blinding complications. An eyelid screening system that could provide both anatomical and pathological information was essential for formulating personalized treatment strategies. This study aimed to develop a clinically concerns-based framework capable of identifying common eyelid diseases requiring further intervention by evaluating individual anatomical and pathological changes. This approach would enhance individualized and efficient prevention, while supporting targeted treatment strategies.