1.Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Intervention of Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Quanyou ZHAO ; Conghui ZHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Xiaoran WANG ; Zhanzhan LI ; Mingsan MIAO ; Li BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):280-289
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system with extremely poor treatment prognosis. Although its incidence rate is low, its mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases worldwide has continued to rise, making pancreatic cancer the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Currently, clinical treatment primarily relies on operation and chemotherapy to suppress tumors. However, these approaches face challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, high postoperative recurrence rates, and severe adverse reactions. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment modalities remains a pressing challenge for the medical community. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for pancreatic cancer has increased significantly. Multiple studies have shown that single-herb TCM, TCM formulas, and their derived single compounds can regulate the levels of tumor cell signaling pathways through multiple action targets. They inhibit the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing cancer cell invasion and migration capabilities, regulating the cell cycle, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, TCM has the advantages of significantly enhancing the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and causing fewer adverse reactions. However, the specific action mechanisms by which TCM intervenes in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Further extensive research is still needed to validate the role of regulating classical signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), notch, and hedgehog in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this paper reviewed Chinese and international studies on TCM intervention in pancreatic cancer through relevant signaling pathways in recent years, summarized the potential action mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and provided references for related research in the future.
2.Research progress on the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in lipid metabolism for obesity treatment via cAMP signaling pathway
Yu ZHANG ; Xiaoran WANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Quanyou ZHAO ; Linna CUI ; Mingsan MIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):522-527
Obesity, a global chronic disease, is associated with adipose tissue dysfunction, which is one of the contributing factors to obesity. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, a key regulator of lipid metabolism, plays a pivotal role in obesity development. Various of traditional Chinese medicine monomers, such as flavonoids, lignans, phenols, and terpenoids, as well as traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas like Xiaoyao powder, Shengmai powder, and Zexie decoction, can maintain energy homeostasis, balance adipose tissue function, regulate glucose metabolism, improve insulin resistance, and suppress inflammatory responses through cAMP signaling pathway regulation, thereby intervening in lipid metabolism for obesity treatment. Although a substantial amount of basic research has preliminarily elucidated the potential mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine intervenes in obesity through the cAMP signaling pathway, clinical translational research remains inadequate. There is an urgent need for large-sample, high-quality randomized controlled trials to validate these findings.
3.Celastrol attenuates sodium oxalate-induced acute kidney injury and crystal deposition by inhibiting NF-κB
Yiheng LIU ; Quanyou ZHENG ; Wanyuan ZHANG ; Chenhao YANG ; Siyu CHEN ; Wenbiao LIN ; Siyu ZHAO ; Guilian XU ; Keqin ZHANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):691-700
Objective To investigate the role and possible mechanism of celastrol(Cel)in sodium oxalate(NaOx)-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)and crystal deposition in the kidney tissues in mice.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice(aged 8~12 weeks,weighing 22~24 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups.Saline group(control group,intraperitoneal injection with normal saline and drinking water freely),NaOx group(injured group,intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg NaOx,and drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx),and NaOx+Cel group(treatment group,intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg Cel firstly and then 75 mg/kg NaOx in 24 h later,drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx).All specimens were collected in 24 h after NaOx injection.HK-2 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:Medium group(no treatment),NaOx group(500 μmol/L NaOx),NaOx+Cel group(400 nmol/L Cel pre-treatment for 2 h followed by 500 μmol/L NaOx treatment),and NaOx+Cel+BA group[8 μmol/L betulinic acid(BA,NF-κB agonist)after the interventions as the NaOx+Cel group].Cells of each group were collected in 24 h after corresponding treatments.Von Koosa and cell adhesion assays were used to observe crystal deposition.HE staining was employed to observe renal histopathology and score the damage.CCK-8 assay was utilized to detect cell viability to obtain the optimal concentrations of NaOx and Cel.Serum urea and creatinine levels were detected.Immunohisotochemical assay was conducted to detect the expression of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,NGAL,p65,IL-1β,BAX,and Caspase-3,and Western blotting was performed for protein levels of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,p65,P-p65 and IL-1β.Results The mice in the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal deposition(P<0.0001),attenuated renal tubular damage(P<0.01),decreased serum urea and creatinine levels(P<0.05),and declined expression levels of the renal adhesion molecules OPN and CD44,the kidney injury molecules KIM-1 and NGAL,the inflammation-associated molecules p65 and IL-1β,and the apoptosis related molecules BAX and Caspase-3 when compared with the NaOx group(P<0.05).In in vitro study,the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal adhesion(P<0.0001),decreased expression of the adhesion molecules OPN and CD44(P<0.05),down-regulation of the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and P-p65/p65 ratio(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the renal injury molecule KIM-1(P<0.05)when compared with the NaOx group.In the NaOx+Cel+BA group,crystal adhesion was significantly increased(P<0.0001),the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and the ratio of P-p65/p65 were increased(P<0.05),and the kidney injury molecule KIM-1 was increased when compared with the NaOx+Cel group(P<0.05).Conclusion Cel may reduce NaOx-induced crystal deposition and AKI by inhibiting NF-κB activation.
4.Artificial dermis combined with autologous scar epidermis composite transplantation in repair of joint site scar deformities in the later stage of extensive burns
Quanyou FU ; Fuxi XING ; Lin LI ; Yong LI ; Jisong LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(10):1533-1539
BACKGROUND:How to provide sufficient skin resources for scar plastic surgery and repair of extensive deep burn patients while avoiding the re-proliferation of scar tissue in the surgical area has always been an important topic in burn and wound repair research. OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical application effects of artificial dermis combined with autologous scar epidermis in the repair of scar after extensive burns. METHODS:Retrospective analysis was performed on 73 patients with scar hyperplasia and contracture deformity after extensive burns in Bengbu Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College from January 2021 to January 2023.The patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment method:Group A(n=21,artificial dermis combined with autologous scar epidermis transplantation was used for treatment),group B(n=27,scar epidermis was transplanted after scar release in the functional site),and group C(n=25,functional site scar release after transplantation of thick skin treatment).Skin survival and infection at the receiving site,wound healing time at the receiving site and the donor site were recorded in the three groups.The scar status and functional recovery of the recipient area and donor area were evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale and activities of daily living. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The skin infection rate was lower in group B than that in groups A and C(P<0.05).The survival grade was higher in group B than that in groups A and C(P<0.05).(2)The wound healing time at the receiving site was longer in group A than that in groups B and C(P<0.05).The wound healing time at the receiving site was longer in group C than that in group B(P<0.05).The wound healing time at the donor site was longer in group C than that in groups A and B(P<0.05).(3)Vancouver Scar Scale score was higher in group B than that in groups A and C at 12 months postoperatively(P<0.05).Vancouver Scar Scale score was higher in group C than that in groups A and B at 6 and 12 months postoperatively(P<0.05).The excellent grade of activities of daily living in groups A and C was significantly higher than that of group B at 12 months postoperatively(P<0.05).(4)The results showed that the application of artificial dermis combined with autologous scar epidermis composite transplantation in the treatment of scar contracture after extensive burn could not only achieve the same effect as that of intermediate-thickness skin,but also avoid postoperative scar re-hyperplasia at the donor site and shorten the time of complete wound healing at the donor site.Compared with scar epidermal transplantation,this treatment has obvious advantages.
5.Piezo1 Mediates the Regulation of Substrate Stiffness on Primary Cilia in Chondrocytes
Huaqing GUO ; Minhua LAN ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yanli LIU ; Yanjun ZHANG ; Quanyou ZHANG ; Weiyi CHEN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2024;55(1):67-73
Objective To investigate how substrate stiffness regulates the morphology of primary cilia in chondrocytes and to illustrate how Piezo1 mediates the morphology regulation of primary cilia by substrate stiffness.Methods Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)curing agent and the main agent(Dow Corning,Beijing,China)were mixed at the ratio of 1∶10(stiff),1∶50(medium stiffness),and 1∶70(soft),respectively,to prepare substrate films with the thickness of 1 mm at different levels of stiffness,including stiff substrate of(2.21±0.12)MPa,medium-stiffness substrate of(54.47±6.06)kPa,and soft substrate of(2.13±0.10)kPa.Chondrocytes were cultured with the substrates of three different levels of stiffness.Then,the cells were treated with Tubastatin A(Tub A)to inhibit histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6),Piezo1 activator Yoda1,and inhibitor GsMTx4,respectively.The effects of HDAC6,Yoda1,and GsMTx4 on chondrocyte morphology and the length of primary cilia were analyzed through immunofluorescence staining.Results The stiff substrate increased the spread area of the chondrocytes.Immunofluorescence assays showed that the cytoskeleton and the nuclear area of the cells on the stiff substrate were significantly increased(P<0.05)and the primary cilia were significantly extended(P<0.05)compared with those on the medium-stiffness and soft substrates.However,the presence rate of primary cilia was not affected.The HDAC6 activity of chondrocytes increased with the decrease in substrate stiffness.When the activity of HDAC6 was inhibited,the cytoskeletal area,the nuclei area,and the primary cilium length were increased more significantly on the stiff substrate(P<0.05).Further testing showed that Piezo1 activator and inhibitor could regulate the activity of HDAC6 in chondrocytes,and that the length of primary cilia was significantly increased after treatment with the activator Yoda1(P<0.05).On the other hand,the length of primary cilia was significantly shortened on the stiff substrate after treatment with the inhibitor GsMTx4(P<0.05).Conclusion Both substrate stiffness and Piezo1 may affect the morphology of chondrocyte primary cilia by regulating HDAC6 activity.
6.Study on the clinical effect of ablative fractional CO 2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars after burns in children
Fuxi XING ; Quanyou FU ; Xiangzhou ZHANG ; Yong LI ; Dongwei XU ; Dan ZHUO ; Jisong LIU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2022;38(2):143-151
Objective:To observe the clinical effect of ablative fractional CO 2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scar in children after burn. Methods:The clinical data of patients with post-burn hypertrophic scar in children who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Cosmetic Clinic and Burn Clinic of the Third People’s Hospital of Bengbu City Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College from January 2019 to March 2021 were collected, and a retrospective study was conducted. All patients were divided into laser group and control group, and laser group was further divided into 1-2 times subgroups and 3-4 times subgroups. The laser group received ablative fractional CO 2 laser treatment 1-4 times on the basis of conventional anti-scar treatment (pressure therapy and topical silicone drugs), and the treatment interval was 1-3 months; the control group only received conventional anti-scar treatment. The color, blood vessel distribution, thickness and softness of scar were scored by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), before treatment and 2 months after treatment In the laser group, and at 3 and 6 months in the control group, respectively. The degree of pruritus of the scar was scored with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The patient’s satisfaction evaluation is graded as four levels: very satisfied, relatively satisfied, generally satisfied, and dissatisfied. All data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software with paired t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test or chi-square test according to the type and nature of the data. Results:A total of 103 patients with hypertrophic scars were included, with a total of 134 scars, including 58 males and 45 females; the age was (3.9±3.0) years, range 0-11 years old; the scar area accounted for 4.2%±3.1% of the body surface area; the course of scar was (3.6±2.2) months. There were 72 patients (94 scars) in the laser group, including 29 patients (37 scars) in the 1-2 times subgroup and 43 (57 scars) in the 3-4 times subgroup; 31 patients in the control group(40 scars). (1) Vascular distribution, softness and overall score assessed by VSS in 1-2 times subgroup after treatments were significantly lower than those before treatment ( P<0.05). The thickness, blood vessel distribution, softness and overall score assessed by VSS in 3-4 times subgroup after treatments were significantly lower than those before treatment ( P<0.05). The improvement degree of scar after treatment in each group was different. Compared with the control group, the improvement degree in the 1-2 times subgroup and the 3-4 times subgroup was more obvious ( P<0.05). The improvement degree in the 3-4 times subgroup was better than that in the 1-2 times subgroups ( P<0.05). (2) Compared with before treatment, the VSS scores of scars after laser treatment in different parts were significantly different except for the thickness scores of face and neck, trunk, and upper limbs group ( P<0.05). (3) The degree of pruritus was assessed by VAS method. The pruritus score of the 1-2 times subgroups and 3-4 times subgroups before treatment was (4.86±1.35) points, (4.97±0.93) points, and the pruritus score 2 months after treatment was (1.93±0.99) points, (1.90±0.83) points, the pruritus score improved significantly after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). The pruritus scores of the control group at 3 months and 6 months were (4.83±0.82) points and (4.22±0.66) points, and the scores at 6 months were slightly improved compared with those at 3 months, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). (4) In the laser group, 5 patients (6.9%) had pigmentation after the first treatment, and then gradually subsided; 7 patients (9.7%) had blisters after the second treatment, which healed after dressing change. In the control group, 3 cases (9.7%) had erosions, and the erosions improved after adjusting the pressure appropriately. (5) The overall satisfaction of patients in the laser group was higher than that in the control group [100% (72/72) vs. 80.6% (25/31), P<0.05]. Conclusions:Fractional CO 2 laser has a good effect on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in early childhood burns. It can effectively inhibit scar hyperplasia and improve the degree of itching in patients. The satisfaction of both doctors and patients is high.
7.Study on the clinical effect of ablative fractional CO 2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars after burns in children
Fuxi XING ; Quanyou FU ; Xiangzhou ZHANG ; Yong LI ; Dongwei XU ; Dan ZHUO ; Jisong LIU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2022;38(2):143-151
Objective:To observe the clinical effect of ablative fractional CO 2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scar in children after burn. Methods:The clinical data of patients with post-burn hypertrophic scar in children who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Cosmetic Clinic and Burn Clinic of the Third People’s Hospital of Bengbu City Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College from January 2019 to March 2021 were collected, and a retrospective study was conducted. All patients were divided into laser group and control group, and laser group was further divided into 1-2 times subgroups and 3-4 times subgroups. The laser group received ablative fractional CO 2 laser treatment 1-4 times on the basis of conventional anti-scar treatment (pressure therapy and topical silicone drugs), and the treatment interval was 1-3 months; the control group only received conventional anti-scar treatment. The color, blood vessel distribution, thickness and softness of scar were scored by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), before treatment and 2 months after treatment In the laser group, and at 3 and 6 months in the control group, respectively. The degree of pruritus of the scar was scored with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The patient’s satisfaction evaluation is graded as four levels: very satisfied, relatively satisfied, generally satisfied, and dissatisfied. All data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software with paired t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test or chi-square test according to the type and nature of the data. Results:A total of 103 patients with hypertrophic scars were included, with a total of 134 scars, including 58 males and 45 females; the age was (3.9±3.0) years, range 0-11 years old; the scar area accounted for 4.2%±3.1% of the body surface area; the course of scar was (3.6±2.2) months. There were 72 patients (94 scars) in the laser group, including 29 patients (37 scars) in the 1-2 times subgroup and 43 (57 scars) in the 3-4 times subgroup; 31 patients in the control group(40 scars). (1) Vascular distribution, softness and overall score assessed by VSS in 1-2 times subgroup after treatments were significantly lower than those before treatment ( P<0.05). The thickness, blood vessel distribution, softness and overall score assessed by VSS in 3-4 times subgroup after treatments were significantly lower than those before treatment ( P<0.05). The improvement degree of scar after treatment in each group was different. Compared with the control group, the improvement degree in the 1-2 times subgroup and the 3-4 times subgroup was more obvious ( P<0.05). The improvement degree in the 3-4 times subgroup was better than that in the 1-2 times subgroups ( P<0.05). (2) Compared with before treatment, the VSS scores of scars after laser treatment in different parts were significantly different except for the thickness scores of face and neck, trunk, and upper limbs group ( P<0.05). (3) The degree of pruritus was assessed by VAS method. The pruritus score of the 1-2 times subgroups and 3-4 times subgroups before treatment was (4.86±1.35) points, (4.97±0.93) points, and the pruritus score 2 months after treatment was (1.93±0.99) points, (1.90±0.83) points, the pruritus score improved significantly after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). The pruritus scores of the control group at 3 months and 6 months were (4.83±0.82) points and (4.22±0.66) points, and the scores at 6 months were slightly improved compared with those at 3 months, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). (4) In the laser group, 5 patients (6.9%) had pigmentation after the first treatment, and then gradually subsided; 7 patients (9.7%) had blisters after the second treatment, which healed after dressing change. In the control group, 3 cases (9.7%) had erosions, and the erosions improved after adjusting the pressure appropriately. (5) The overall satisfaction of patients in the laser group was higher than that in the control group [100% (72/72) vs. 80.6% (25/31), P<0.05]. Conclusions:Fractional CO 2 laser has a good effect on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in early childhood burns. It can effectively inhibit scar hyperplasia and improve the degree of itching in patients. The satisfaction of both doctors and patients is high.
8.The clinical efficacy of early application of fluconazole combined sodium bicarbonate in oral fungal infections in elderly patients with AECOPD
Tao YANG ; Zhigang XI ; Feng XIONG ; Quanyou LIU ; Ru GONG ; Qiming FENG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2021;30(4):422-425
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of the combined application of fluconazole and sodium bicarbonate in treatment of oral fungal infections among elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:A total of 360 elderly patients with AECOPD treated in the Emergency Ward of our hospital during July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019, were included for observation. After admission, the oral mucosal lesions were observed every day, and fungal smear and fungal culture were performed immediately once signs of fungal infection appeared. Meanwhile, fluconazole was given with 300 mg. oral. qd., followed by 150 mg. oral. qd., and 2.5% sodium bicarbonate was given three times a day as gargle.Results:The prevalence of oral fungal infection was 8.3% among which candida infection accounted for 83.2%. The mean treatment time was 5.0 ± 0.3 days. Daily observation of the oral cavity, early detection and application of fluconazole combined with sodium bicarbonate had significantly clinical effect in elderly AECOPD patients with oral fungal infection, with an effective rate of 16.7%, and a cure rate of 83.3%. No toxic side effects on liver and kidney function were found during the treatment. Obvious efficacy was found in relieving clinical symptoms, and there was no increase in hospitalization costs and time.Conclusion:Early combination of fluconazole and sodium bicarbonate has a significant clinical effect on control of oral fungal infection in elderly patients with AECOPD.
9.The value of ischemia-modified albumin in early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction
Mingzheng XU ; Zhigang XI ; Guozhong YU ; Jifeng HE ; Quanyou LIU ; Jiting REN
Clinical Medicine of China 2011;27(10):1012-1014
Objective To investigate the value of ischemia modified albumin (IMA) detection in preliminary diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods The levels and variations of IMA,cTnI and CK-MB in 103 patients with acute chest pain were measured continuously at 0,4,6,12,24 hours after admission respectively.Thirty healthy subjects were observed as normal controls.Results Twenty three patients were diagnosed as AMI in the end,the sensitivity and specificity rates right after admission were 89.3% and91.3% for IMA,48.4% and 92.3% for CK-MB,30.6% and 93.7% for cTnI respectively.The sensitivity values at the 6th hours after admission were 91.3% for IMA,52.2% for CTnI and 34.8% for CK-MB respectively.The specificity was 100.0% when the IMA was detected in combination with CK-MB or cTnI.The sensitivity of co-detection was significantly higher than that any single detection at sixth hours after admission (x2 =15.99,P < 0.01 ).Conclusion Plasma IMA assessment is helpful for early diagnosis of AMI,and will significantly improve the sensitivity early diagnosis of AMI.The co-detection of IMA and CK-MB or cTnI obviously surpasses any single detection,and has extremely vital clinical significance.
10.Value of ischemia modified albumin detection method in the early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.
Mingzheng XU ; Zhigang XI ; Guozhong YU ; Jifeng HE ; Quanyou LIU ; Jiting REN
Clinical Medicine of China 2010;26(9):905-907
Objective To discuss the value of ischemia modified albumin (IMA) in the early diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods The IMA,cTnI, CK-MB and ECG were detected in 103 patients with suspected ACS (45 cases of NICP and 58 cases of ACS) within 5 hours of acute chest pain onset respectively. 30 healthy subjects were served as normal controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff of this assay for identifying individuals with ACS from non-ischemic individuals (nonischemic chest pain, NICP). Results of IMA,cTnI,CK-MB and ECG were correlated with the final diagnosis and their diagnostic sensitivities for ACS were evaluated. Results The results suggested that acute phase IMA values between those with ACS and NICP were (89.66 ± 25.82) U/ml, (46.79 ± 17.20) U/ml respectively and showed significant difference. Area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC was 0.935. As the Cut-off point was 71.6 U/ml, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of IMA were 90.6%, 71.4% , 82.8% and 83.3%, respectively. The simutanious positive rate of IMA for ischemia origin were 29.3% of cTnI,27.6% of CK-MB and 48.3% of ECG(P< 0.01). Conclusions Plasma IMA assessment is valuable for early diagnosis of acute coronary ischemia, and will improve the early diagnostic sensitivity of ACS significantly.

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