1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
2.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
3.Interpretation and thoughts on the formulation and revision of the standards for exogenous harmful residues in traditional Chinese medicinal materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
WANG Ying ; SHEN Mingrui ; LIU Yuanxi ; ZUO Tiantian ; WANG Dandan ; HE Yi ; CHENG Xianlong ; JIN Hongyu ; LIU Yongli ; WEI Feng ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):083-092
As people’s attention to health continues to increase, the market demand for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is growing steadily. The quality and safety of Chinese medicinal materials have attracted unprecedented social attention. In particular, the issue of exogenous harmful residue pollution in TCM has become a hot topic of concern for both regulatory authorities and society. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition further refines the detection methods and limit standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM. This not only reflects China’s high-level emphasis on the quality and safety of TCM but also demonstrates the continuous progress made by China in the field of TCM safety supervision. Basis on this study, by systematically reviewing the development history of the detection standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM and analyzing the revisions and updates of these detection standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, deeply explores the key points of the changes in the monitoring standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition. Moreover, it interprets the future development directions of the detection of exogenous residues in TCM, aiming to provide a reference for the formulation of TCM safety supervision policies.
4.Prognostic analysis of genes related to pyroptosis in prostate cancer cells and the regulatory role of NLRP1
Xiaolu MA ; Jiaqin CHEN ; Junlong FENG ; Qi ZHAO ; Bin WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):73-81
[Objective] To analyze the prognostic value of prostate cancer (PCa) pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) using gene expression databases and to explore the regulatory mechanism of nucleotidebinding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 1 (NLRP1) in the pyroptosis of PCa cells. [Methods] Fragments per kilobase of exon model per million reads mapped (FPKM) data and clinical information from PCa and adjacent tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were obtained. Differentially expressed PRGs between PCa and adjacent tissues, classified subtypes and plotted survival curves were analyzed. Univariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were conducted to screen prognosis-related PRGs, risk scores were calculated, and a prognostic risk model was constructed and validated. Patients were divided into high and low risk groups based on the median risk scores from the training and validation sets, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted on differentially expressed PRGs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of NLRP1 in PCa cell lines, and pyroptosis was induced in DU145 and LNCaP cells while morphological changes were observed. Western blot (WB) was performed to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related molecules. [Results] A total of 6 prognostic-related PRGs were obtained, including CHMP4C, CYCS, GPX4, GSDMB, NLRP1, and PLCG1. The risk score was positively correlated with the risk of recurrence but negatively correlated with the progression-free survival (P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for the training set at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.769 (95%CI: 0.652-0.878), 0.804 (95%CI: 0.736-0.882), and 0.772 (95%CI: 0.631-0.905), respectively, while those for the validation set were 0.731 (95%CI: 0.647-0.826), 0.753 (95%CI: 0.674-0.818), and 0.763 (95%CI: 0.626-0.849), respectively. Differences in expression levels of the 6 PRGs were observed between the high and low risk groups in both the training and validation sets (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that T stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason grade, and risk score were independent predictors of PCa prognosis (P<0.05). Differences in risk scores were observed among patients of different ages, T stages, and Gleason grades (P<0.05). NLRP1 was found to be lowly expressed in PCa cell lines and was involved in the regulation of pyroptosis in DU145 and LNCaP cells. [Conclusion] The prognostic risk model constructed based on PRGs has a certain predictability for the prognosis of PCa patients, and NLRP1 may be involved in the regulation of pyroptosis in PCa cells.
5.Three new gallic acid sugaresters from Elaeagnus oxycarpa Schlechtend leaves and their antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities
Feng-zhen CUI ; Jian-hong FU ; Guo-yan XU ; AYEKABAYR·EKBAYR ; Chang-da MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):434-441
Five compounds were isolated and purified from the water extract of
6.Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Mechanism of Leigongteng (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f.) in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Yuzheng YANG ; Xiaoling YAO ; Feng LUO ; Wukai MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):724-733
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of Leigongteng (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f.) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. MethodsBioinformatics approaches, including the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the traditional Chinese medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, molecular docking, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and immune infiltration analysis, were used to predict the key active components of Leigongteng and its target genes for RA treatment. Experimental validation was conducted using human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS-RA) in vitro, with methotrexate as the positive control. A scratch assay was performed to assess cell migration after 24 hours of culture. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression levels, qPCR was used to measure target gene mRNA levels, and ELISA was conducted to evaluate inflammatory cytokine levels, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). ResultsA total of 117 target genes of Leigongteng were identified and intersected with RA-related genes, yielding 55 key genes. Further screening identified three core genes: PTGS2, CXCR4, and TIMP1. Based on the correspondence between potential drug targets and key components, triptolide and nobiletin were identified as the primary active compounds. Molecular docking results showed that both triptolide and nobiletin had binding energies lower than -5 kcal/mol with their respective target proteins, indicating strong interactions. In vitro experiments demonstrated that, compared with the blank control group, the triptolide, nobiletin, and positive control groups exhibited reduced cell migration rates after 24 hours of culture (P<0.01). The expression levels of PTGS2 and CXCR4 (both mRNA and protein) were significantly downregulated, while TIMP1 expression was upregulated. Levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased, whereas IL-10 levels increased (P<0.01). Compared with the positive control group, the triptolide and nobiletin groups showed increased cell migration rates, upregulated PTGS2 and CXCR4 expression (mRNA and protein), downregulated TIMP1 expression (mRNA and protein), increased IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionThe key active components of Leigongteng, triptolide and nobiletin, may alleviate RA by inhibiting PTGS2 and CXCR4 while promoting TIMP1 expression, thereby suppressing inflammatory responses.
7.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Lung Cancer: A Review
Jiarui CAO ; Bo FENG ; Chunzheng MA ; Weixia CHEN ; Jiangfan YU ; Shasha CAO ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Wenhui OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):265-276
Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates globally. Current treatment methods for lung cancer primarily include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the main limitations of these treatments are their side effects, the drug resistance, and the economic burden they impose. As a critical cancer pathway, the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway regulates tumor occurrence and development through multiple mechanisms by influencing various downstream targets. Consequently, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway offers a promising avenue for lung cancer treatment research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation and growth of lung cancer cells, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic alterations, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and the development of treatment resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention due to its minimal side effects, low economic burden, and its potential to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity when used in conjunction with Western medicine. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine compounds, a growing number of Chinese medicine monomers have come into the spotlight because of their more targeted effects. Numerous studies investigating the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer have demonstrated that TCM can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis, and EMT, improve the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments, and enhance treatment sensitivity by intervening in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby impeding the progression of lung cancer. In recent years, the research on the regulation of this pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer has been updated rapidly. However, the summary of these studies has not been updated in time. This review summarizes and reflects on the recent research findings regarding the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM to intervene in lung cancer from three aspects, introducing the JAK/STAT pathway, elaborating the mechanism of this pathway in lung cancer, and exploring the intervention of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer through this pathway, to provide more reference for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
8.Urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province in 2014-2022
Yanlong XU ; Lei MA ; Xiaoliang FENG ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Xinmiao SUI ; Fei LI ; Li ZHENG ; Qinghua XU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):35-38
Objective To analyze the urban drinking water quality and its influencing factors in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for water quality improvement and protection. Methods The data were collected, saved and monitored according to the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water (GB/T5750-2006) and evaluated according to the Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water (GB 5749-2006). Results A total of 20 941 samples were collected, and the overall qualified rate was 84.26%. The qualified rate of urban drinking water increased from 76.9% in 2014 to 93.3% in 2022, and the qualified rate of water quality was on the rise (χ2=544.43, P<0.01). From 2014 to 2022, the qualified rate of water quality in dry season was higher than that in wet season (χ2=35.98, P<0.001), the qualified rate of surface water was higher than that of ground water (χ2=4440.8, P<0.001), and the qualified rate of peripheral tap water was higher than that of factory water (χ2=145.1, P<0.001). Among all kinds of disinfection methods, chlorination disinfection had the highest qualified rate (χ2=1483.8, P<0.001). The qualified rate of water quality increased with the increase of the scale of water plant. Among the inspected indicators, the main unqualified indicators were chlorine dioxide (7.72%), fluoride (7.41%), free residual chlorine (3.90%), and total bacterial count (2.13%). Conclusion The passing rate of urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province is on an upward trend, and the quality of urban drinking water has improved. However, it is still important to pay attention to the problem of excessive microorganism and fluoride in water, and the quality of drinking water varies from place to place.
9.Modulation of colonic DNA methyltransferase by mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture in ulcerative colitis TET2 knockout mice
Gege FENG ; Yue ZHANG ; Huangan WU ; Lu ZHU ; Hongxiao XU ; Zhe MA ; Yan HUANG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(1):100-110
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of in alleviating colonic mucosal inflammation in ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein 2 gene knockout (TET2-/-) mice with ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and DNA hydroxymethylase.
Methods:
Male specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice (n = 8) and TET2-/- mice (n = 20) were used to establish UC models by freely drinking 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 d. After UC model validation through histopathological examination in two mice from each type, the remaining mice were divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): WT model (WT + UC), TET2-/- model (TET2-/- + UC), TET2-/- mild moxibustion (TET2-/- + MM), and TET2-/- electroacupuncture (TET2-/- + EA) groups. TET2-/- + MM group received mild moxibustion on Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6) for 10 min daily for 7 d. The TET2-/- + EA group also applied electroacupuncture (1 mA, 2/100 Hz) at the same acupoints for 10 min daily for 7 d. The disease activity index (DAI) scores of each group of mice were accessed daily. The colon lengths of mice in groups were measured following intervention. The pathological changes in the colon tissues were observed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, C-C motif chemokine 17 (CCL17), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of DNMT proteins (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) in the colon tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), and DNA hydroxymethylase family proteins (TET 1 and TET3) was detected using immunofluorescence, which also determined the co-localization of TET1 and IL-6 protein.
Results:
Compared with WT + UC group, TET2-/- + UC group exhibited significantly higher DAI scores and shorter colon lengths (P < 0.01). Both mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture significantly decreased DAI scores and ameliorated colon shortening in TET2-/- mice (P < 0.001). Histopathological scores of TET2-/- + UC mice were significantly higher than those of WT + UC group (P < 0.001) and were significantly reduced after both mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture interventions (P < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-6, CCL17, and CXCL10 were significantly elevated in TET2-/- + UC group compared with WT + UC group (P < 0.001). Mild moxibustion significantly reduced IL-6, CCL17, and CXCL10 levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.01, respectively), while electroacupuncture also significantly reduced IL-6, CCL17, and CXCL10 levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). TET2-/- + UC mice showed increased expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3A , DNMT3B, and 5-mC (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), with decreased expression levels of TET1, TET3, 5-hmC, and HDAC2 (P < 0.001). Mild moxibustion significantly reduced DNMT1, DNMT3B, and 5-mC levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively), while increasing expression levels of TET1, TET3, 5-hmC, and HDAC2 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively). Electroacupuncture significantly decreased 5-mC and DNMT3B levels (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) and increased 5-hmC and HDAC2 levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), but did not significantly affect TET1 and TET3 expression (P > 0.05). Compared with TET2-/- + MM group, TET2-/- + EA group showed significantly higher 5-mC expression (P < 0.001). TET2-/- + UC group exhibited markedly increased IL-6 expression and higher co-localization of TET1 and IL-6 in mucosal epithelium, whereas minimal IL-6 expression was observed in the other groups.
Conclusion
Mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture significantly ameliorate colonic inflammation exacerbated by TET2 deficiency in UC mice via epigenetic modulation. Distinct mechanisms exist between the two interventions: mild moxibustion regulates both DNMT and hydroxymethylase, whereas electroacupuncture primarily affects DNMT.
10.Analysis of the layout and shielding effectiveness of medical accelerator vaults
Yajing SONG ; Zengyun NIU ; Yongzhong MA ; Shihua TAO ; Zechen FENG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):204-208
Objective To analyze the layout and shielding effectiveness of medical accelerator vaults, and to provide a reference for the layout, shielding design, and optimization of protection of medical accelerator vaults. Methods Four medical accelerator radiotherapy vaults were selected. The layouts of these vaults were compared with the layout requirements in the radiation therapy protection standards. For each vault, the dose rates at four points of interest outside the shielding were calculated, including the primary shielding area, secondary shielding area, maze outer wall, and lateral shielding area. These values were then compared with the actual measurements obtained using a dose rate meter. Results All four vaults were located on the ground floor of the building and included a maze, with the auxiliary rooms all placed outside the treatment rooms. However, one vault was not located at one end of the building, and in another vault, the control room was exposed to direct irradiation of the useful beam. The calculated dose rates outside the primary shielding area ranged from 0.04 μSv/h to 0.62 μSv/h, while the measured values ranged from 0.10 μSv/h to 0.66 μSv/h, with the measured values being higher than the calculated ones. The calculated dose rates outside the secondary shielding area ranged from


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