ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

OBJECTIVE: Huachansu injection (HCSI), a promising anti-cancer Chinese medicine injection, has been reported to have the potential for reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The objective of this study is to explore the synergistic and detoxifying effects of HCSI when used in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11). METHODS: To investigate the effect of HCSI on anti-CRC efficacy and intestinal toxicity of CPT-11, we measured changes in the biological behavior of LoVo cells in vitro, and anti-tumor effects in LoVo cell xenograft nude mice models in vivo. Meanwhile, the effect of HCSI on intestinal toxicity and the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) expression was investigated in the CPT-11-induced colitis mouse model. Subsequently, we measured the effect of HCSI and its 13 constituent bufadienolides on the expression of UGT1A1 and organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B3 (OATP1B3) in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The combination index (CI) results showed that the combination of HCSI and CPT-11 exhibited a synergistic effect (CI < 1), which significantly suppressing the LoVo cell migration, enhancing G2/M and S phase arrest, and inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, the damage to intestinal tissues was attenuated by HCSI in CPT-11-induced colitis model, while the increased expression of UGT1A1 in HepG2 cells and in mouse was observed. CONCLUSION The co-therapy with HCSI alleviated the intestinal toxicity induced by CPT-11 and exerted an enhanced anti-CRC effect. The detoxifying mechanism may be related to the increased expression of UGT1A1 and OATP1B3 by HCSI and its bufadienolides components. The findings of this study may serve as a theoretical insights and strategies to improve CRC patient outcomes. Please cite this article as: Jiang B, Meng ZY, Hu YJ, Chen JJ, Zong L, Xu LY, Zhang XQ, Zhang JX, Han YL. Huachansu injection enhances anti-colorectal cancer efficacy of irinotecan and alleviates its induced intestinal toxicity through upregulating UGT1A1-OATP1B3 expression in vitro and in vivo. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):576-590.
Irinotecan/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Glucuronosyltransferase/genetics* ; Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Up-Regulation/drug effects* ; Male ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Hep G2 Cells ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Amphibian Venoms

Cosmetics may be an important source of human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),posing risks to human health.In this study,a nontarget screening method for PFASs in cosmetics was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS)based on the Kendrick mass defect(KMD).The sample was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction prior to being analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.Acquisition of HRMS data was achieved in both full scan and data-dependent(Full MS/dd MS2)mode.The data collected by HRMS were imported into an in-lab built R script for processing.Samples retained the mass spectra peaks with KMD values in the range of 0.85-1 or 0-0.15 for in-and out-of-library matching;when KMD deviation(δKMD)<0.001 and CF 2 mass error(δMS)<15 ppm,it was considered as a potential PFASs homologues.According to matches of parent ions(MS),fragment ions(MS2)and retention time(RT)with the in-house built PFASs database,the screened and identified potential PFASs were categorized to 5 confidence levels(CL1-CL5).A total of 15 kinds of PFASs homologues with confidence level of CL3 and above were screened from 13 cosmetics products and 8 cosmetic raw materials,including perfluoroalkyl alcohol,hydroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,chloroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,etc.with concentrations ranging from 1.9 ng/g to 98.1 ng/g.The nontarget screening method could be used to screen and identify PFASs homologues feasibly and therefore provided data basis for management and control of PFASs addition in cosmetics.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effects of pomalidomide-based regimen in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). METHODS: 60 patients with RRMM in hematology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from November 2020 to January 2023 were selected. Among them, 15 cases were treated with PDD regimen (pomalidomide + daratumumab + dexamethasone), and 45 cases were treated with PCD regimen (pomalidomide + cyclophosphamide + dexamethasone). The clinical effects were evaluated. RESULTS: The median number of treatment cycles for the entire cohort was 5 (2-11), with an overall response rate (ORR) of 75.0%. The ORR of patients treated with PDD regimen was 73.3%, while the ORR of patients treated with PCD regimen was 75.6%. The ORR of 46 patients with non high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (non-HRCA) was 86.9%, significantly higher than the 35.7% of 14 patients with HRCA (χ² =15.031, P < 0.05). The median PFS for all patients was 8.0(95%CI : 6.8-9.1) months and the median OS was 14.0 (95%CI : 11.3-16.7) months. Among patients treated with PDD regimen, the PFS and OS of patients with non-HRCA were significantly higher than those of patients with HRCA [PFS: 7.0(95%CI : 4.6-9.3) months vs 4.0(95%CI : 3.1-4.8) months, χ² =5.120, P < 0.05; OS: not reached vs 6.0(95%CI : 1.1-10.9) months, χ² =9.870, P < 0.05]. Among patients treated with PCD regimen, the PFS and OS of patients with non-HRCA were significantly higher than those of patients with HRCA [PFS: 9.0(95%CI : 6.2-11.8) months vs 6.0(95%CI : 5.4-6.6) months, χ²=14.396, P < 0.05; OS: not reached vs 11.0(95%CI : 6.4-15.6) months, χ² =7.471, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION The pomalidomide-based regimen has a good clinical effect and safety in the treatment of RRMM.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Thalidomide/administration & dosage* ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Aged ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Antibodies, Monoclonal

Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are a series of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by pathological accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau. Since the abnormal modification and deposition of tau in nerve cells are crucial for tauopathy etiology, methods for reducing tau levels, such as promoting tau degradation, may become effective strategies for disease treatment. Herein, we identified that sorafenib significantly reduced total tau and phosphorylated tau levels through screening FDA-approved drugs. We showed that sorafenib treatment attenuated cognitive deficits and tau pathologies in PS19 tauopathy model mice. Mechanistically, we found that sorafenib inhibited multiple kinases involved in tau phosphorylation and promoted autophagy. Importantly, we further demonstrated that sorafenib also promoted the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW7, which could bind tau and mediate tau degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Finally, we showed that FBXW7 expression decreased in the brains of AD patients and tauopathy model mice, and that overexpression of FBXW7 in the hippocampus attenuated cognitive deficits and tau pathologies in PS19 mice. These results suggest that sorafenib may be a promising treatment option for tauopathies by promoting tau degradation and reducing tau phosphorylation, and that targeting FBXW7 could also serve as an alternative therapeutic strategy for tauopathies.

To analyze the treatment strategy for a 78-year-old female patient with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) gastric cancer who achieved long-term survival. After third-line chemotherapy failed, gene testing showed ARID1A p.Gln748fs, c.2733-1G＞T variation, with PD-L1 TPS 30%, CPS 60%. The nivolumab was employed, and two weeks later, the best response was partial response (PR). During the fourth-line immunotherapy maintenance treatment, progression of left adrenal metastasis was observed. The expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) was positive, and the antibody drug conjugate disitamab vedotin (RC48) was chosen for treatment. After 10 months of treatment with nivolumab combined with RC48, the best efficacy was assessed as stable disease (SD), with a progression free survival (PFS) of up to 12 months. Radiotherapy was employed, and immunotherapy was maintained, allowing the patient to achieve a PFS of 18 months again. During immunotherapy, a clinical pharmacist developed a personalized pharmaceutical care plan for this patient. At the last follow-up, this patient achieved 78 months of long-term survival.

This study predicts the quality markers(Q-markers) for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on pharmacodynamics, plasma drug chemistry, network pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. Strong ammonia solution spray and phenol red secretion assays were employed to evaluate the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules. Twentysix absorbed prototype components of Kening Granules were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with QExactive Plus quadrupole/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS). Through network pharmacology, 11 potential active components were screened out for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules. The 11 components acted on 40 common targets such as IL6, TLR4, and STAT3, which mainly participated in PI3K/Akt, HIF-1, and EGFR signaling pathways. Pharmacokinetic quantitative analysis was performed for 7 prototype components. Three compounds including azelaic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillin were identified as Q-markers for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on their effectiveness, transmissibility, and measurability. The results of this study are of great significance for clarifying the pharmacological substance basis, optimizing the quality standards, and promoting the clinical application of Kening Granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Network Pharmacology ; Cough/blood* ; Male ; Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Quality Control ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Antitussive Agents/chemistry*

Objective:To compare the survival outcomes of different subsequent treatment regimens in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) who achieved partial response (PR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on the gross tumor volume regression rate (GTVRR).Methods:This retrospective study included patients with locally advanced HPSCC treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, from January 2011 to December 2023. The cohort included 135 males and 3 females, aged from 35 to 77 years. All patients received 2-3 cycles of TPF regimen (paclitaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil) neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Subsequent treatments included concurrent chemoradiotherapy or surgery combined with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The impacts of different subsequent treatment modalities on the survivals and prognoses of patients were compared based on GTVRR thresholds of 50% and 70%. The χ 2 test was used to analyze influencing factors; survival analysis and intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test; prognostic factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results:The 5-year OS and PFS rates were 56.5% and 47.9%, respectively, while, the 10-year OS and PFS rates were 25.8% and 21.2%, respectively. The median OS was 75 months, and the median PFS was 48 months. The laryngeal function preservation rate for the entire cohort was 83.3%. The patients who underwent surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy had significantly better OS and PFS outcomes than those treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy ( P<0.05). Stratification based on GTVRR revealed that the surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy regimen was particularly effective for PR patients with a GTVRR of 30%-70%, showing significantly better OS and PFS compared to the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The optimal subsequent treatment for PR-HPSCC may be surgery-based comprehensive treatment, particularly for patients with a GTVRR of 30%-70%. This study offers valuable insights for the stratified treatment of HPSCC, which could contribute to improving overall patient prognosis.

Objective:To compare the survival outcomes of different subsequent treatment regimens in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) who achieved partial response (PR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on the gross tumor volume regression rate (GTVRR).Methods:This retrospective study included patients with locally advanced HPSCC treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, from January 2011 to December 2023. The cohort included 135 males and 3 females, aged from 35 to 77 years. All patients received 2-3 cycles of TPF regimen (paclitaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil) neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Subsequent treatments included concurrent chemoradiotherapy or surgery combined with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The impacts of different subsequent treatment modalities on the survivals and prognoses of patients were compared based on GTVRR thresholds of 50% and 70%. The χ 2 test was used to analyze influencing factors; survival analysis and intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test; prognostic factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results:The 5-year OS and PFS rates were 56.5% and 47.9%, respectively, while, the 10-year OS and PFS rates were 25.8% and 21.2%, respectively. The median OS was 75 months, and the median PFS was 48 months. The laryngeal function preservation rate for the entire cohort was 83.3%. The patients who underwent surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy had significantly better OS and PFS outcomes than those treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy ( P<0.05). Stratification based on GTVRR revealed that the surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy regimen was particularly effective for PR patients with a GTVRR of 30%-70%, showing significantly better OS and PFS compared to the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The optimal subsequent treatment for PR-HPSCC may be surgery-based comprehensive treatment, particularly for patients with a GTVRR of 30%-70%. This study offers valuable insights for the stratified treatment of HPSCC, which could contribute to improving overall patient prognosis.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and clinical value of high-throughput sequencing(HTS)and Sanger sequencing in detecting ABL kinase domain mutations in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia(CML).Methods:A total of 198 samples of 147 CML patients from July 2017 to March 2021 in Henan Cancer Hospital were collected and underwent high-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing to detect the mutations in ABL kinase domain,and the relevant clinical data were collected for comparative analysis.Results:The proportion of total mutations and ≥ 2 mutations detected by high-throughput sequencing were significantly higher than those detected by Sanger sequencing(P=0.01;P=0.046).≥ 2 mutations were detected in 22 cases,of which 5 cases(22.7％)had compound mutations.High-throughput sequencing can detect low level mutations that cannot be detected by Sanger sequencing.In 198 samples,25(12.6％)were low level mutations,33(16.7％)were high level mutations and 10(5.1％)were mixed high and low level mutations.In the analysis of related clinical factors,the total mutation rate and the low level mutation rate in the optimal period,failure period and warning period were gradually increased(total mutation rate,P=0.016;low level mutation rate,P=0.005).The mutation rate of the samples with additional chromosomal abnormalities was also significantly increased(P=0.009).The mutation rate of patients who received first-and second-line treatment was significantly lower than that of patients who received third-or higher-line treatment(P=0.006).Analysis based on variant allele frequency(VAF)of the mutation site was helpful to visually evaluate the clonal evolution status of TKI-resistance CML cells.Conclusion:High-throughput sequencing is more sensitive and accurate than Sanger sequencing in mutation detection,which is helpful to accurately and visually evaluate TKI treatment response and optimize treatment strategy for CML.