1.Jianpi Xiaoai Prescription Ameliorates Chemotherapy Resistance in Colon Cancer by Targeting FGF2 to Inhibit PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Xiaolan JIAN ; Kangwen NING ; Jiaxiang YANG ; Shenglan KOU ; Wanting KUANG ; Ziqi WANG ; Yuqin TAN ; Puhua ZENG ; Lingjuan TAN ; Wei PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):120-130
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription (JPXA) in ameliorating the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of colon cancer. MethodsA HCT116/5-FU resistant cell line was established. Different concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%) of JPXA-containing serum and drug-free serum were used for intervention, and 10% fetal bovine serum (10% FBS), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor (AZD4547), and recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were set as the control groups. Sensitive HCT116 cells were used in the FGF2 group, while HCT116/5-FU cells were used in other groups. Drug resistance, the level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium, the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells, and the protein levels of FGF2/FGFR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) were determined. The drug-resistant cells were transplanted into the axilla of nude mice to establish a tumor model. The modeled mice were allocated into model, JPXA (15 g·kg-1), 5-FU (0.02 g·kg-1), JPXA+5-FU (15 g·kg-1+0.02 g·kg-1), AZD4547 (0.012 5 g·kg-1), and AZD4547+5-FU (0.012 5 g·kg-1+0.02 g·kg-1) groups. The tumor growth and the protein levels of FGF/FGFR and PI3K/Akt in each group were observed. ResultsThe survival rate of HCT116/5-FU cells decreased in all the JPXA groups with different concentrations. The cell survival rate was decreased most obviously in the 20% JPXA group. The level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium and the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells of each JXPA group decreased, and the decrease was the most significant in the 20% group (P<0.01). HCT116/5-FU cells showed up-regulated protein levels of FGF2 and phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (p-FGFR1), but down-regulated protein level of FGFR1 (P<0.01). JPXA down-regulated the expression of FGF2 and p-FGFR1 and up-regulated the expression of FGFR1 (P<0.05). In addition, JPXA down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), while up-regulating the expression levels of Akt and Bcl-2-asociated death promoter (Bad) (P<0.05). Animal experiments showed that the JPXA combined with 5-FU significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant tumors, reduced the protein levels of FGF2, p-FGFR1, phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (p-PI3K), p-Akt, and p-mTOR, and increased the expression of Bad. It indicated that JPXA can inhibit the FGF2/FGFR1 signaling in colon cancer and regulate PI3K/Akt and downstream signaling pathways. ConclusionJPXA can ameliorate the chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer through down-regulating FGF2 expression and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X ray absorptiometry in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):569-573
Objective:
To compare the consistency between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) in measuring body composition among Tibetan children and adolescents and to explore the applicability of BIA in plateau region, so as to provide scientific and convenient body composition measurement support among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From May to June, 2022, a total of 344 Tibetan children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were selected from Golmud Municipal National Middle School and Changjiangyuan Nationality Primary School in Qinghai Province by cluster sampling method, and their fat mass, fat mass percentage and lean mass were measured by DXA and BIA. The consistency and correlation between the two methods were assessed by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis.
Results:
DXA measured fat mass and fat mass percentage were significantly higher than those obtained by BIA (6-12 years old: Z =9.91, 11.28; 13-17 years old: Z =9.02, 10.21), while lean mass and lean mass percentage were significantly lower than BIA results (6-12 years old: Z =-11.60, -11.30; 13-17 years old: Z =-10.77, -10.36) (all P < 0.05 ). The two methods showed strong correlations in fat mass and lean mass (all r >0.80, all ICC >0.90), but exhibited poor agreement in fat mass percentage and lean mass percentage (6-12 years old: Lin s CCC =0.64, 0.41; 13-17 years old: Lin s CCC = 0.79 , 0.35). Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference between the two methods was negatively correlated with the average value in FM%(6-12 years old: r =-0.75, 13-17 years old: r =-0.79, both P <0.01).
Conclusion
BIA and DXA show high consistency in measuring body fat mass and lean body mass in Tibetan children and adolescents, although some bias is still present in certain individuals.
3.Mass Spectrometry-based Antibody Sequencing Technologies
Sheng-Mei LIU ; Peng XUE ; Xiao-Jian WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):840-854
Antibodies play a critical role in adaptive immune responses and serve as key components in disease diagnosis and treatment. These molecules exhibit dynamic post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as glycosylation and phosphorylation, which regulate their effector functions. To date, nearly all of our knowledge about antibody repertoires has come from B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing (BCR-seq), which facilitates the profiling of clonal composition and the tracing of maturation trajectories within B-cell repertoires. However, circulating antibodies found in bodily fluids—such as serum, saliva, milk, mucosal secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid—exhibit diversities and specificities beyond what BCR-seq alone can predict. Therefore, identifying and quantifying antibody clonotypes at the protein level could enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies in personalized medicine. The critical gap between genotype and phenotype necessitates complementary methodologies that enable the direct characterization of antibody proteins in their native functional states. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) is currently the only feasible approach for this task and primarily includes database-dependent methods—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—as well as database-independent de novo sequencing technology. These strategies enable multi-level, high-precision characterization ranging from peptides and domains to intact antibody molecules. Unlike the shotgun strategy commonly used in routine proteomics, obtaining full sequences of all antibodies presents unique challenges. It requires specialized methodological adaptations to address issues related to dynamic range, sequence variation, and sample complexity. This review introduces the technical principles, methodological workflows, and recent applications of various mass spectrometry-based antibody repertoire sequencing (Ab-seq) strategies, with a focus on approaches designed to improve sequence coverage and identification accuracy. These include multi-enzyme digestion, hybrid fragmentation methods, and artificial intelligence-assisted de novo sequencing. By systematically comparing database-dependent techniques—such as bottom-up, middle-down, and top-down approaches—with database-independent de novo sequencing, this review outlines their respective advantages and limitations in terms of sample throughput, sequence coverage, post-translational modification characterization, and data analysis complexity. In addition, this review discusses emerging technological trends, including the integration of ion mobility separation, native mass spectrometry, and artificial intelligence-driven data interpretation, which are expected to enhance the depth and accuracy of antibody characterization. Although current methods continue to face challenges related to sample complexity, dynamic range, and unambiguous sequence variant assignment, we emphasize the importance of integrating BCR-seq and Ab-seq data to construct gene-protein association maps. These maps help validate sequence accuracy and facilitate epitope discovery. This dual-platform strategy helps bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype, thereby enhancing both the resolution and scope of antibody repertoire studies. Such an integrative approach also offers a valuable tool for therapeutic antibody development, structure-function analysis, and precise evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
4.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
5.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
6.Effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway
Qinwen TAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Ruixi ZHONG ; Yuanqin DU ; Jian XU ; Jinli NONG ; Yujiao PENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):300-306
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the proliferation, migration, and aerobic glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using cell experiments, as well as related mechanisms. MethodsHuman liver cancer cell line Huh7 was selected, and Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank serum group, inhibitor group, and high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups. Rat serum containing the drug was prepared for the incubation of Huh7 cells. CCK8 assay and scratch assay were used to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells; glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes and metabolites were measured to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on aerobic glycolysis of liver cancer cells; RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the mRNA expression, related proteins, and phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test or the Dunnett’s T3 test were used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank serum group, the Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in OD value, migration rate during different periods of time, glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase), and glycolytic metabolites (pyruvate, lactic acid, ATP) (all P<0.05). RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the blank serum group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of mTOR, and the high- and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of AKT (all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the blank serum group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of mTOR-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins, and the high- and middle-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of AKT-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins (all P<0.05). ConclusionThis study preliminarily verifies that the serum containing Bijia Decoction Pill can inhibit the aerobic glycolysis of human hepatoma Huh7 cells, thereby inhibiting their proliferation and migration, possibly by inhibiting the expression of the proteins related to the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
7.Quantitative analysis on microvasculature in the optic disc area of patients with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion
Jia SUN ; Jian LIU ; Peng YAN ; Nan LU ; Zhiming SHAN ; Dongni YANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):152-156
AIM: To observe the changes of retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness and radial peripheral capillary(RPC)density in patients with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO), and further analyze the correlation between RPC density and RNFL thickness.METHODS: Observational study. Totally 37 patients with unilateral BRVO diagnosed at the ophthalmology department of First Hospital of Qinhuangdao from October 2020 to January 2022 were selected, the 37 affected eyes were the unilateral BRVO group, and 37 fellow healthy eyes were the contralateral unaffected group, and 35 healthy individuals(35 right eyes were selected)without ocular diseases during the same period were selected as the normal control group. The best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior segment, fundus and optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)were examined in both eyes of all BRVO patients and healthy individuals. The central macular thickness(CMT), the RNFL thickness, and the optic disc-AV crossing distance(DAVD)were measured by built-in software of the OCTA equipment. The optimized U-net algorithm was used to eliminate the large blood vessels, and then the RPC density was calculated. The CMT, RNFL thickness and RPC density were compared among the three groups. And the correlations of the RPC density with the CMT, RNFL thickness, and the DAVD were investigated.RESULTS: Compared with the contralateral unaffected group and the normal control group, the CMT and the RNFL thickness were significantly thickened in the unilateral BRVO group(all P<0.05); there were no statistical differences in the CMT and the RNFL thickness between the contralateral unaffected group and the normal control group(all P>0.05). The RPC density in the unilateral BRVO group increased compared with the contralateral unaffected group and decreased compared with the normal control group, but there was no statistically difference(all P>0.05). However, the RPC density in the contralateral unaffected group decreased compared with the normal control group(P<0.05). The RPC density in the unilateral BRVO group was not correlated with the CMT(P=0.960), but positively correlated with the RNFL thickness(r=0.401, P=0.014)and negatively correlated with the DAVD(r=-0.339, P=0.040).CONCLUSION: The RNFL thickened significantly and the RPC density did not change significantly in the optic disc area of BRVO patients. The RPC density is positively correlated with the RNFL thickness, indicating that the RNFL thickness can be used as a monitoring indicator to analyze and study the damage degree of the RPC density.
8.Study of adsorption of coated aldehyde oxy-starch on the indexes of renal failure
Qian WU ; Cai-fen WANG ; Ning-ning PENG ; Qin NIE ; Tian-fu LI ; Jian-yu LIU ; Xiang-yi SONG ; Jian LIU ; Su-ping WU ; Ji-wen ZHANG ; Li-xin SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):498-505
The accumulation of uremic toxins such as urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and uric acid of patients with renal failure
9.Correlation Between Quality of Life and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Yibin ZHANG ; Qi LU ; Baitong WANG ; Yixun QI ; Hanying XU ; Peng XU ; Meijin SONG ; Peixi ZHAO ; Zhiguo LYU ; Jian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):275-281
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the correlation between the quality of life (QOL) and different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), identifying potential influencing factors to provide new insights for clinical interventions and improving the QOL of patients with MG. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 93 adults with MG who visited the Department of Neurology at the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from March 2023 to January 2024. Statistical analysis was performed on the clinical data collected using SPSS 24.0 software. ResultsAmong the 93 patients with MG, the average score for myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 (MGQOL-15) was 17.65±6.27, and that for the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was (106.13±11.83) scores. The QOL was rated as good for 16 patients and moderate for 77 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of MGQOL-15, SF-36, and their individual scales by gender or education level. Age showed statistically significant differences in MGQOL-15 and the role physical (RP) scale (P<0.05), and occupational type showed significant differences in the vitality (VT) scale (P<0.01). The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification had statistical significance on the total SF-36 score (P<0.01), VT scale (P<0.01), role emotional (RE) scale (P<0.05), social functioning (SF) scale (P<0.05), and physical functioning (PF) scale (P<0.01). Among patients with different TCM syndromes, there were significant differences in MGQOL-15 scores (F=4.919, P<0.01). Moreover, significant differences were observed in SF-36 scores (P<0.01), VT scale (P<0.01), RE scale (P<0.05), mental health (MH) scale (P<0.01), and SF scale (P<0.05). ConclusionFactors affecting the QOL of patients with MG include age, occupational type, and clinical classification of MG. Specifically, a greater impact on the QOL of older patients is observed, while physical laborers have a poorer QOL compared to non-physical laborers. Patients classified as MGFA type Ⅱ and higher have a poorer QOL. Additionally, there is a potential correlation between the QOL and TCM syndromes, with patients presenting with spleen and kidney Qi deficiency having a lower QOL than those with spleen and stomach Qi deficiency or Qi and Yin deficiency, which is particularly evident in the VT, RE, MH, and SF scales.
10.Digital-Intellectualized Upgrade and Clinical Application of National Rare Diseases Registry System of China
Jian GUO ; Ye JIN ; Peng LIU ; Dingding ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN ; Yicheng ZHU ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):54-60
Since its establishment in 2016, the National Rare Diseases Registry System of China (NRDRS) has accumulated valuable case data and bio-specimen for basic and clinical research on rare diseases in China. However, the emerging challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases make it unable for data and resource platform to fully meet the diversified needs. Under this backdrop, we have developed a protocol to optimize and upgrade the system based on the core functions of the NRDRS platform. The goal is to leverage intelligent digital technologies to transform NRDRS into a new platform integrating multimodal data and auxiliary diagnostic and treatment functions. It is specified as the development and construction of "one platform and four intelligent tools." Currently, we have upgraded and developed NRDRS platform, intelligent tool for genotype-phenotype analysis of rare diseases, AI-assisted diagnostic tool for rare diseases, remote multidisciplinary diagnosis and teaching tool for rare diseases, drug screening and validation tool for rare diseases. The next step will focus on the promotion of the application of these tools in clinical settings in order to address the issue of severe imbalance in the allocation of resources for the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. This article provides an overview of the digital and intelligent upgrades of the NRDRS, the trials in applications in clinical settings, and direction in the future.


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