1.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
2.Current strategies and future directions in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration
Jian XU ; Jie WANG ; Haixin FU ; Chaopeng LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):56-62
Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)is a progressive visual impairment fundus disease that frequently occurs in individuals aged >55 years. The main risk factors are aging, long-term smoking, genetics, and racial differences. Pathogenesis includes abnormal function of the retinal pigment epithelium, damaged blood-retinal barrier, and abnormal immune function. Currently, intravitreal injection(IVI)of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs is the preferred treatment option for ARMD in clinical practice. However, it also faces challenges such as repeated treatments, high medical costs, and poor patient compliance. The predicament in the treatment of ARMD has given rise to several new treatment options. This article aims to review the treatment methods and progress of dry ARMD and wet ARMD, providing new ideas for addressing the limitations of the current clinical anti-VEGF treatment.
3.Study on the apoptosis-inducing effect of esculetin on acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells via regulating the AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway
Weihua SONG ; Fuying CHU ; Wei XIE ; Jinliang CHEN ; Ping ZHAO ; Hong QIU ; Jian TAO ; Xiang CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):36-41
OBJECTIVE To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of esculetin (Esc) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) HL-60 cells by regulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2)/MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) pathway. METHODS AML HL-60 cells were randomly divided into control group (routine culture), Esc low-concentration group (L-Esc group, 25 μmol/L Esc), Esc medium-concentration group (M-Esc group, 50 μmol/L Esc), Esc high-concentration group (H-Esc group, 100 μmol/L Esc), and high-concentration of Esc+ SC79 (AKT agonist) group (100 μmol/L Esc+5 μmol/L SC79). Cell proliferation in each group was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was measured by using the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3], AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway-related proteins (p-AKT, AKT, SKP2, MTH1), along with the upstream and downstream proteins of AKT phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (P21) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (P27). RESULTS Compared with control group, the cell viability, colony number, and the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K proteins as well as protein expressions of SKP2, MTH1 and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while ROS level, apoptosis rate, and the expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, P21 and P27 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, the effects of Esc exhibited concentration-dependence (P<0.05). Compared with H-Esc group, above indexes of high-concentration of Esc+ SC79 group were reversed significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Esc may promote massive ROS production and induce activation of apoptosis in HL-60 cells by inhibiting the AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway, thus inhibiting the proliferation of HL-60 cells.
4.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
5.Current status of talent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China: based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework
Jian CHEN ; Zheheng LI ; Dingxuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):110-116
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status and existing challenges in talent cultivation for sports rehabilitation in China based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework (RCF). MethodsData were collected from 104 higher education institutions nationwide that offer undergraduate programs in sports rehabilitation, including enrollment scale, regional distribution, degree conferral and training curriculum. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to examine the status and characteristics from three dimensions: institutional distribution, competency development and resource allocation, in terms of institutional type, regional distribution density, curriculum structure differences, competency-oriented training approaches and resource allocation patterns. ResultsTalent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China currently faced a three-dimensional dilemma involving competency, resources, and public cognition. In terms of competency structure, a disconnect existed between medical fundamentals and exercise practice: physical education institutions provided insufficient medical training, whereas medical institutions lacked systematic instruction in exercise techniques. Regarding resource allocation, significant regional disparities were observed, with institutions heavily concentrated in Southwest (24.0%), East China (19.2%), and North China (15.4%), while Northwest China accounted for only 3.8%, forming a pronounced east-west gap. At the cognitive level, the public generally perceived sports rehabilitation as a service exclusive to athletes, and within the discipline, divergences persisted among the medical-oriented, sports-oriented, and integrated schools of thought. These challenges collectively hindered the quality of talent supply and regional balance. ConclusionTalent cultivation in sports rehabilitation in China is at a pivotal stage of transition from rapid expansion to quality enhancement. It is necessary to realign the knowledge structure and competency system of training programs with the five core competency domains of RCF.
6.Research progress on the association between physical activity and sleep quality in adolescents
WANG Jinxian*, LIU Yuan, WU Jian, WU Huipan, WANG Zhe, ZHANG Yingkun, WANG Yi, YIN Xiaojian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):140-143
Abstract
To promote adolescents active participation in physical activity and improve sleep quality, the article analyzes the relationship of adolescent physical activity with subjective sleep satisfaction, sleep latency, sleep continuity, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration. It explores potential mechanisms underlying the link between physical activity and sleep quality, including physiological mechanisms (circadian rhythms, body temperature, neuroendocrine systems, and immune function), and psychological mechanisms (stress relief, improvement of negative emotions, and promotion of mental relaxation). Based on existing research, it is recommended that adolescents engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity daily to promote improved sleep quality.
7.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.
8.Effect and mechanism of Biejiajian Pill on subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells
Lu LU ; Huanling CHEN ; Jian XU ; Yuanqin DU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yingsheng WU ; Chengting WU ; Wei BAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Hongna HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):125-133
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills (BJJW) on the growth of liver cancer, as well as its potential mechanism in mediating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway through mitochondrial energy metabolism. MethodsHuman hepatoma Huh7 cells were used to establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor. A total of 18 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group, BJJW group (2.2 g/kg), and metformin group (250 mg/kg), and the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Tumor volume and weight were monitored during the experiment; HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes; the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tumor tissue were measured; immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the BJJW group had a tumor inhibition rate of 45.73%, with significant reductions in both tumor volume and weight (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant reduction in the number of tumor cells and the presence of extensive necrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant increase in ROS level (P<0.001) and a significant reduction in ATP level (P<0.001), as well as significant increases in p-AMPK/AMPK ratio (0.81±0.20 vs 0.13±0.04, P<0.01) and p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio (0.69±0.17 vs 0.18±0.13, P<0.01) and a significant reduction in p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (1.34±0.16 vs 3.20±0.62, P<0.01). ConclusionBJJW may inhibit the growth of liver cancer by inducing mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction, increasing the level of ROS, reducing the level of ATP, and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
9.Comparison of the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate with "open tunnel" and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Jidong XU ; Ning JIANG ; Jian LI ; Zhikang CAI ; Jianwei LYU ; Chuanyi HU ; Jingcun ZHENG ; Zhonglin CAI ; Huiying CHEN ; Yan GU ; Yuning WANG ; Jiasheng YAN ; Zhong WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):34-38
[Objective] To compare the clinical efficacy of super pulse thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (SPThuLEP) with "open tunnel" and transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in order to provide reference for the treatment options of BPH. [Methods] The clinical data of 112 BPH patients treated in our hospital during Jan.2023 and Jul.2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 treated with SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" and 57 with HoLEP.The operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, postoperative bladder irrigation, catheter indwelling time, hospitalization time and complications were compared between the two groups.The changes of maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), postvoid residual (PVR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were compared between the two groups before operation and one month after operation. [Results] All operations were successful without conversion to open or transurethral plasmakinetic resection.The postoperative decrease of hemoglobin in SPThuLEP group was lower than that in HoLEP group [(13.12±6.72) g/L vs. (21.02±6.51) g/L], with statistical difference (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time [(63.35±15.73) min vs.(61.02±17.55) min], postoperative bladder irrigation time [(1.07±0.45) d vs. (1.06±0.36) d], catheter indwelling time [(2.98±0.56) d vs. (3.01±0.63) d] and hospitalization time [(3.63±0.61) d vs.(3.79±0.76) d] between the two groups (P>0.05). No blood transfusion, secondary bleeding or unplanned hospitalization occurred, and there were no serious complications such as transurethral electroresection syndrome (TURS), urethral stricture and urinary incontinence.One month after operation, the Qmax, IPSS, QoL, PVR and PSA of the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). [Conclusion] SPThuLEP with "open tunnel" has comparable efficacy as HoLEP in the treatment of BPH.With advantages of small amount of bleeding and high safety, this minimally invasive technique can be widely popularized in clinical practice.
10.Adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features: a case report and literature review
Mingchuan CHU ; Huimin SUN ; Hao WANG ; Jian SONG ; Yongshun GUO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):64-68
[Objective] To investigate and summarize the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features. [Methods] The clinical diagnosis and treatment of a case of adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features admitled to Department of Urology, Weifang People's Hospital were reported.The clinical manifestations, pathological features, diagnosis and prognosis of the disease were analyzed in combination with relevant literature. [Results] A 34-year-old male patient was admitted due to scrotal distension and pain that had persisted for 6 months.Imaging examination showed a huge soft tissue tumor in the left adrenal region of the retroperitoneum with compression displacement of the left kidney, leading to obstruction of venous return in the left spermatic vein, which in turn caused varicose veins.The levels of serum renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, cortisol, and catecholamine were within normal ranges.Surgical resection of the tumor was performed, and postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor tissue was predominantly composed of rhabdoid cells, exhibiting positive immunohistochemical staining for INI 1, Syn, Calretinin and Vimentin.Genetic testing did not identify any deletion of SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 mutations.Therefore, the diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features.At the current 20-month follow-up, no recurrence or metastasis was observed.A review of the literature found that only 7 cases of this disease had been reported. [Conclusion] Adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features is a rare disease, and a definitive diagnosis is dependent upon pathological examination.Surgical resection remains the primary treatment.Long-term follow-up is essential, and further research is needed to evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapy.


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