1.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
2.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
3.Living donor liver transplantation for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases
Xiangyu ZHANG ; Shiqiao LUO ; Ao REN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):150-156
Objective To assess the current status and outcomes of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Methods Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic search of Medline (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines. English-language publications reporting LDLT for unresectable CRLM were identified; study characteristics and recipient outcomes were extracted. Results Twelve studies were retrieved, six completed studies enrolling 55 patients and six ongoing trials. Selected patients appeared to derive benefit from LDLT. Reported overall survival was 100% at 1 year and 100%, 71.4% at 3 years. The 1-year progression-free survival was 85.7% and 75.1%, and 3-year progression-free survival was 68.6% and 53.7%. Conclusions Prospective data on LDLT for unresectable CRLM remain scarce. The approach is still investigational and warrants validation through prospective clinical trials.
4.Dental plaque microecological characteristics and salivary inflammatory factors levels in school aged children
TIAN Jincong, AO Yang, ZHAO Xiaoxue
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):121-124
Objective:
To analyze the dental plaque microecological characteristics and the levels of salivary interleukin (IL)-5, IL-12, and IL-16 in school aged children with mixed dentition, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of childhood dental caries.
Methods:
A total of 199 school aged children admitted aged 6-12 years to Tianjin Stomatological Hospital from January 2023 to January 2025 were selected. According to the decayed missing and filled teeth(DMFT) index, they were divided into high caries group ( n =68, DMFT index≥4), low caries group ( n =65, 1≤DMFT index≤3) and caries free group ( n =66, DMFT index=0). The microbial composition of dental plaque was analyzed by 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing. Salivary levels of IL-5, IL-12 and IL-16 were detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kit. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between levels of salivary IL-5, IL-12 and IL-16 and the DMFT index in children with caries.
Results:
Species richness and evenness (Shannon index) and uniformity (Shannonevenness index) in the high caries group were (3.28±0.64) and (0.61±0.13), respectively, which were lower than (3.66±0.52) and (0.74±0.15) in low caries group, and ( 3.60± 0.49) and (0.72±0.16) in caries free group ( F =9.08, 15.20, both P <0.05). The relative abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in the high caries group were higher than those in the low caries and caries free groups, while the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Candidate phylum TM7 were lower than those in the low caries and caries free groups. The relative abundances of Streptococcus, Leptotrichia, Veillonella, Prevotella, and Actinomycesin in the high caries group were higher than those in the low caries and caries free groups, while the relative abundances of Capnocytophagaand Porphyromonas were lower ( F = 47.55- 1 969.24 , all P <0.05). The levels of salivary IL-5, IL-12, and IL-16 in the high caries group [(12.57±3.21, 28.73±6.79, 45.31 ±11.14)pg/mL] were higher than those in the low caries [(8.63±2.39, 18.16±4.62, 32.60±9.46)pg/mL] and caries free groups [(7.84±2.17, 14.94±3.83, 29.55±8.21)pg/mL] ( F =62.08, 141.23, 49.35, all P <0.05). Pearson correlation test results showed that salivary IL-5, IL-12, and IL-16 levels were positively correlated with the DMFT index in children with caries ( r = 0.73 , 0.68, 0.65, all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The microecological structure of dental plaque in school aged children with mixed dentition caries is significantly altered, the levels of pro inflammatory factors are significantly elevated, and these levels are positively correlated with the severity of caries.Oral microbial dysbiosis and local inflammatory responses may play a key role in the development and progression of dental caries.
5.Mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Extract in Treating Parkinson's Disease Based on Lipidomics
Ningxia LU ; Ao GAO ; Yehao WANG ; Jinjin YANG ; Yi LU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):91-99
ObjectiveAbnormal lipids in neurons can cause the accumulation of α-synuclein(α-syn). This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis extract (ASH) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) mice using lipidomics combined with network pharmacology. MethodsMice were divided into the blank group, model group and ASH (45.5 mg·kg-1) group. Motor ability was evaluated by pole climbing time and autonomous activity count; The oxidative stress indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lipid biomarkers in brain tissues were screened and identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and metabolic pathway analysis was conducted. The key targets of ASH for PD treatment were explored using network pharmacology. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used for pathway enrichment analysis, and the "compound-reaction-enzyme-gene" network was constructed using the MetScape plugin. The protein expression levels of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2), prostaglandin peroxide synthase 1 (PTGS1), prostaglandin peroxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES) were validated by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly prolonged pole climbing time and reduced autonomous activity count (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ASH group demonstrated significantly faster pole climbing and increased autonomous activity count (P<0.01). The model group exhibited significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in brain tissues compared with the blank group (P<0.01). The ASH group showed increased SOD and GSH-Px levels and decreased MDA level compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomics analysis identified 10 differential metabolites and 8 differential metabolic pathways. Network pharmacological analysis revealed 213 intersection targets between ASH components and PD, with KEGG enrichment involving the sphingolipid signaling pathway, lipid arteriosclerosis, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, and hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway. Integrated lipidomics and network pharmacology analysis highlighted the central role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway. The Western blot results showed that ASH effectively up-regulated GSTP1, GSTM2, and PTGS1 protein expression, and down-regulated PTGS2 and PTGES protein expression. ConclusionASH can ameliorate behavioral deficits, exert antioxidant effects, regulate lipid differential metabolites and the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, thereby exerting therapeutic effects in PD model mice.
6.Role of acetylation modification in the occurrence and development of thyroid cancer and its potential clinical application value
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(1):30-37
[摘 要] 甲状腺癌是内分泌系统中最为常见的恶性肿瘤,近年来其发病率呈现出显著的上升趋势。乙酰化修饰作为一种重要的蛋白质翻译后修饰,参与调控各个类型甲状腺癌相关基因的转录表达、细胞周期进程及侵袭能力。组蛋白去乙酰化酶(HDAC)抑制剂在甲状腺癌治疗中显示出潜在的应用前景。本文通过调研近年来相关文献,系统回顾了乙酰化修饰在参与甲状腺癌发生发展过程中的生物学功能及其调控机制,进一步探讨HDAC抑制剂在临床治疗中的应用前景,为甲状腺癌的靶向治疗提供坚实的理论依据和提出可行的治疗策略。
7.Research advances in autoimmune pancreatitis with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
Xiang AO ; Chenxiao LIU ; Xianda ZHANG ; Taojing RAN ; Chunhua ZHOU ; Duowu ZOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):395-400
Autoimmune pancreatitis is a special type of chronic pancreatitis that can lead to abnormal pancreatic exocrine function in patients. Autoimmune pancreatitis comorbid with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency has a complex pathogenesis, and there is limited research on this topic, leading to the lack of understanding of such patients in clinical practice. This article introduces the epidemiology of autoimmune pancreatitis, briefly describes the pathogenesis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency caused by autoimmune pancreatitis, and summarizes the various detection methods for pancreatic exocrine function, nutritional assessments, lifestyle management, and drug therapy, in order to strengthen the understanding of autoimmune pancreatitis comorbid with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
8.Analysis of oxidative stress-related genes and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis
Ao WU ; Peng YU ; Jiawen TENG ; Peng KONG ; Sishan BIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):302-311
BACKGROUND:At present,the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still unclear,and there is a lack of effective means to control the disease.Research on osteoarthritis is mostly concentrated in the field of immunity,and there are few studies in the field of oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE:To explore the roles of oxidative stress and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis and to predict related miRNAs and therapeutic agents. METHODS:The GSE55235 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)and the GSE55457 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)were obtained from the GEO database for merging to obtain their differentially expressed genes that were combined with oxidative stress genes to get the differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress.The differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress were analyzed for KEGG and GO enrichment,and the osteoarthritis pathways and biological processes were evaluated using GSEA enrichment analysis.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING online website and Cytoscape software,and the Degree algorithm was run to get the key genes.The GSE1919 dataset was obtained from the GEO database as a validation dataset,and the key genes were analyzed by variance analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to get the core genes.In addition,immune infiltration was evaluated by CIBERSORT and the correlation between core genes and immune cells was explored.miRNA prediction of core genes was performed using TargetScan and target drugs were predicted using the DSigDB database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Sixty-five differentially expressed genes and five core genes(IL1B,CXCL8,MYC,NFKBIA,JUN)associated with oxidative stress were identified.Enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes associated with oxidative stress were concentrated in the pathways of oxidative stress,interleukin-17,osteoclast differentiation,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the five core genes exceeded 0.85,indicating their excellent specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing bone and joint conditions,as well as their close association with immune cells.The predicted miRNA was has-miR-3937,and the therapeutic small-molecule drugs were metformin,ionomycin and celecoxib.To conclude,oxidative stress and immune infiltration exist in osteoarthritis,and immune infiltration is involved in activating oxidative stress.The core genes and predicted miRNAs can be used as novel markers for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis,and small molecule drugs are predicted to treat osteoarthritis.
9.Development and application of a three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints
Xiaojing AO ; Kun LI ; Yuhang LIU ; Xiaoxuan YANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Xiaoyan REN ; Shaojie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1834-1840
BACKGROUND:Currently,there have been studies on three-dimensional digitalization and visualization systems for adult acupoints,but there are not many reports on the visualization of pediatric acupoints based on real pediatric digital sectional anatomical datasets. OBJECTIVE:To design and develop a digital three-dimensional visualization system for children's neck acupoints,to provide a basis for acupuncture and moxibustion,meridian and acupoint science teaching,clinical practice,acupuncture manipulation practice,and acupuncture safety research,and to provide a basis for the development of children's acupoint simulation system. METHODS:Based on a real cross-sectional anatomical dataset of pre-school boys,a three-dimensional digital virtual anatomical model of the neck region of children and internal multi-organ three-dimensional reconstruction were completed using PhotoShop 2021 and Digihuman Reconstruction System software.A database of 11 acupoints was compiled,including Fengfu and Fengchi,using the Unity database language.A three-dimensional model of children's neck anatomy,acupoint database,and writing acupuncture operation codes were integrated in Unity3D software.A three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints was successfully created,which integrated simulation acupoint positioning,three-dimensional acupoint anatomy,acupuncture training,clinical teaching,and acupuncture safety research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This study was based on real child specimens.Manual layer by layer segmentation of cross-sectional images was used to ensure the accuracy of the three-dimensional model to the greatest extent possible.The 3D software Digihuman Reconstruction System was utilized to extract and save independent segmentation data.PhotoShop 2021 software was collaborated with to complete dozens of three-dimensional reconstruction anatomical models of the outer skin of the neck and its internal bone structure,cervical spinal cord,blood vessels and nerves,muscles,and ligaments in children.The basic morphology and overall contour integrity verification of each independent structure were completed in MeshLab software.The 3-material research 13.0 software was applied for final fine tuning and anatomical position confirmation,successfully simulating and restoring the true anatomical morphology of the neck of preschool children.(2)Based on and referring to the national standards of the People's Republic of China,a database of commonly used acupoints in children's neck region was collected and organized,including their names,meridians,positioning,local anatomy,needle insertion levels,acupuncture methods,acupuncture accidents and prevention,acupoint indications,and two-dimensional anatomical sectional images.(3)Unity3D software was employed to integrate the three-dimensional model of children's neck,acupuncture simulation operation,and acupoint database,and a three-dimensional digital children's neck acupoint acupuncture visualization system was successfully constructed.The system displayed information on children's neck acupoints,two-dimensional and three-dimensional anatomical structures,and achieved two-dimensional and three-dimensional acupuncture simulation functions and acupuncture safety research functions for children's neck acupoints.Based on the ultra-thin sectional anatomical dataset of real child specimens,the first three-dimensional digital and visualization system for acupoints in the neck region of children had been constructed.Compared with previous acupoint acupuncture systems,it is more in line with the anatomical and morphological development characteristics of Asian children and has high application value in the fields of acupuncture safety research,clinical teaching,and acupuncture simulation training.
10.Plasma miRNA testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Jie HU ; Ying XU ; Ao HUANG ; Lei YU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Zhenbin DING ; Qinghai YE ; Yinghong SHI ; Shuangjian QIU ; Huichuan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Jia FAN ; Jian ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):350-354
Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP<20 ng/mL, DCP<40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P<0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P<0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.


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