1.Clinical observation of everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy for metastatic/recurrent endometrial carcinoma
Dongyan BAI ; Yu WU ; Shu ZHANG ; Yanrong WAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):61-65
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EC). METHODS The clinical and follow-up data of 156 patients with metastatic or recurrent EC admitted to Nanyang Central Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into a control group (77 cases) and an observation group (79 cases) according to different therapeutic regimens. The control group received paclitaxel+carboplatin/cisplatin regimen, and concurrently took Letrozole tablets at a dose of 2.5 mg orally once daily; the observation group took Everolimus tablets 10 mg orally, once a day, in addition to the treatment regimen given to the control group. Each treatment cycle lasted 21 days, and both groups of patients underwent continuous treatment for 6 to 8 cycles. The short-term efficacy indicators (objective response rate and disease control rate), the levels of serum tumor markers [carbohydrate antigen 125, human epididymis protein 4, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9] and medium- to long-term efficacy indicators [progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)] were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the occurrence of toxic and side effects in both groups of patients was recorded. RESULTS The objective response rate (53.16%), disease control rate (89.87%), median PFS (6.47 months) and median OS (10.79 months) of the observation group were significantly higher or longer than those (22.08%, 68.83%, 4.63 months, 8.84 months) of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of serum tumor markers in both groups decreased significantly after 6 cycles of treatment; the above indexes of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of patients with stomatitis in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of patients experiencing other toxic and side effects, such as leukopenia, between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy can effectively improve the short-term efficacy and prolong the survival period in patients with metastatic or recurrent EC, but attention should be paid to the occurrence of toxic and side effects, especially stomatitis.
2.Research progress on the anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma effect of traditional Chinese medicine based on MAPK signaling pathway
Yuanyuan LI ; Yang CAO ; Yuyin JIANG ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Jingbo LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):117-123
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx. In recent years, its incidence and mortality rates have shown a continuous upward trend, and there is still a lack of therapeutic regimens with both favorable efficacy and safety in clinical practice. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a key regulatory role in biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion. It is widely involved in the occurrence and progression of NPC, and serves as an important target in the research field of anti-NPC therapy. This article systematically elaborates on the mechanism of action of the MAPK signaling pathway in NPC, and reviews the research status regarding the anti-NPC effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TCM compound prescriptions by regulating this signaling pathway. The results show that TCM active components, including flavonoids (luteolin, maackiain, baicalein, etc.), alkaloids (picrasidine Ⅰ, tetrandrine, etc.), terpenoids (bakuchiol, cantharidic acid), as well as traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas (such as Biyan jiedu capsules and Yiqi jiedu formula) can exert effects including inducing autophagy and apoptosis of NPC cells, promoting pyroptosis, reversing drug resistance, blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition, weakening cell stemness and arresting cell cycle progression by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of NPC through multiple pathways.
3.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.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Ischemic Stroke by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Qingge WANG ; Feixiang LIU ; Yunke ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):312-321
Ischemic stroke (IS) is an acute cerebrovascular disease caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain tissue necrosis and neurological dysfunction. It is characterized by impaired motor, language, sensory, cognitive, and other functions. The pathogenesis involves inflammatory responses, excitotoxicity of excitatory amino acids, and mitochondrial dysfunction. IS with a high incidence, high mortality, high disability, and a high recurrence rate is the leading cause of death in China. At present, Western medical therapies mainly focus on vascular recanalization, including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. However, due to the possibility of cerebral hemorrhage and edema, narrow time windows, and contraindications associated with intravascular therapy, only a few patients can benefit from these therapies, which greatly limit their clinical application. IS belongs to the categories such as stroke, hem iplegia, and major syncope in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is mainly caused caused by wind, fire, phlegm, and stasis, which lead to imbalance of Yin and Yang, disorder of Qi and blood, and invasion of clear orifices. The common treatment methods include calming the liver and dispelling wind, resolving phlegm and unblocking meridians, and activating blood and resolving stasis. TCM acting on multiple pathways and targets with low toxicity and side effects has definite effects in improving the prognosis and reducing the recurrence rate, being worthy of promotion and research. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a key role in promoting neurogenesis and increasing synaptic plasticity. During the progression of IS, BDNF binds to tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) to initiate intracellular signaling cascades, thus exerting neuroprotective effects. Studies have shown that TCM can regulate the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, treating IS by regulating synaptic plasticity and promoting neural repair. This paper summarizes and generalizes the mechanisms of active components, single herbs, and compound prescriptions of TCM in regulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in the treatment of IS through the review of domestic and foreign literature in recent years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and treatment reference for the treatment of IS with TCM.
5.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.
6.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
7.Prenatal ultrasound manifestations and postnatal follow-up of fetuses with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome.
Xiaofei LIU ; Ya'nan WANG ; Tizhen YAN ; Shengli ZHANG ; Yanchuan XIE ; Jiwu LOU ; Hongwei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):31-35
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the prenatal and postnatal phenotypes of 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) and enhance clinical understanding of this condition.
METHODS:
Data were collected from 86 fetuses diagnosed with 22q11.2DS at four prenatal diagnostic centers across China between January 2014 and August 2025. Prenatal imaging findings, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal conditions were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among the 86 fetuses, complete ultrasound data were available for 65 cases. Cardiovascular abnormalities were observed in 42 cases, thymic hypoplasia or aplasia in 7 cases, urinary system anomalies in 6 cases, nuchal translucency (NT) thickening in 7 cases, butterfly vertebrae, clubfoot, omphalocele and diaphragmatic hernia in 1 case each, cleft lip and palate in 2 cases, and ultrasound soft markers in 13 cases. The parents of 9 fetuses opted to continue with the pregnancy. Among these, 6 showed no significant ultrasound abnormalities and no related phenotypes postnatally, while the remaining 3 exhibited ultrasound anomalies with postnatal manifestations including developmental delay, immunodeficiency, and cardiac defects.
CONCLUSION
Fetuses with 22q11.2DS may exhibit various ultrasound abnormalities in multiple systems before and after birth. In addition to cardiovascular anomalies, they may also present with thymic hypoplasia or aplasia, thickened NT, and urinary abnormalities. Fetuses with thickened NT or thymic anomalies should be closely monitored, and thymic assessment should be included in routine prenatal imaging evaluations. For fetuses with 22q11.2DS who show no ultrasound abnormalities, the risk of developing severe phenotypes after birth is relatively low, but occult palate clefts and psychiatric disorders cannot be ruled out. Due to limitations in sample size and follow-up duration, above conclusions require further validation through large-scale prospective studies.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
;
DiGeorge Syndrome/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Fetus/diagnostic imaging*
;
Phenotype
;
Infant, Newborn
8.Analysis of serological and molecular genetic characteristics of a Chinese pedigree with a B(A)06 subtype.
Dongdong TIAN ; Ding ZHAO ; Wei LI ; Zhihao LI ; Jiali YANG ; Yongfang ZHANG ; Liuchuang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):220-227
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the serological and molecular genetic characteristics of a family with subtype B(A)06.
METHODS:
A neonatal hyperbilirubinemia patient who was treated at Henan Children's Hospital on June 15, 2023 due to "yellowing of the skin and gradual aggravation", and was found to have inconsistent ABO forward and reverse typing through blood type testing, was selected as the research subject. Six milliliters of peripheral blood were collected from the newborn and her family members (grandfather, grandmother, father, mother and aunt) respectively. ABO blood group identification was performed by the blood group serological method. Human genomic DNA was extracted using the nucleic acid extraction or purification reagent BT-01. ABO gene exons 2 to 7 were amplified by PCR. The PCR-specific products that were successfully amplified were sequenced by Sanger method. Taking ABO*A1.01 as the reference sequence, the ABO gene sequences of the newborn and her family members were analyzed to determine the ABO genotype. The procedures followed in this study were approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Children's Hospital (Ethics No.: 2022-K-L036).
RESULTS:
The serological results of ABO blood group showed that the newborn, her grandfather, father and aunt were all incompatible with the forward and reverse typing. The blood group phenotype of the newborn was AwB or B(A), the blood group phenotype of the grandfather was A2B or B(A), the blood group phenotype of the father and aunt were A2B, and the blood group phenotype of the grandmother and mother were both O. The screening test results of hemolytic disease of the newborn showed that the free test detected IgG anti-A1 antibody, while the elution test, direct antiglobulin test and antibody screening results were all negative. The Sanger sequencing results showed that the newborn had variations of c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.526C>G, c.657C>T, c.703G>A, c.796C>A and c.930G>A. Her grandfather had variations of c.297A>G, C.526C>G, c.657C>T, c.703G>A, c.796C>A, c.803G>C and c.930G>A. Her grandmother had variations of c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.646T>A, c.681G>A, c.771C>T and c.829G>A. Her father and aunt had variations of c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.526C>G, c.646T>A, c.657C>T, c.681G>A, c.703G>A, c.771C>T, c.796C>A, c.829G>A and c.930G>A. Her mother had variations of c.106G>T, c.188G>A, c.189C>T, c.220C>T, c.261delG, c.297A>G, c.646T>A, c.681G>A, c.771C>T, and c.829G>A.The genotype of the newborn was ABO*BA.06/ABO*O.01.01, her grandfather was ABO*BA.06/ABO*B.01, her grandmother was ABO*O.01.02/ABO*O.01.02, her father and aunt were ABO*BA.06/ABO*O.01.02, and her mother was ABO*O.01.01/ABO*O.01.02. The ABO*BA.06 allele of the newborn, grandfather, father and aunt was caused by the c.803C>G variation in exon 7 based on the ABO*B.01 allele. The ABO*BA.06 allele can be stably inherited in this family.
CONCLUSION
The blood type of neonatal patients with B(A)06 subtype can be accurately determined by gene sequencing technology. If the forward typing is ≤ 3+ agglutination intensity in newborn ABO blood group identification, the reason should be carefully analyzed, and the molecular biology technology and family gene sequencing results should be used to jointly determine if necessary.
Humans
;
ABO Blood-Group System/genetics*
;
Female
;
Pedigree
;
Male
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genotype
;
China
;
Blood Grouping and Crossmatching
;
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal/blood*
;
East Asian People
9.Clinical and genetic analysis of children with Silver-Russell syndrome.
Liming ZHANG ; Guimei PAN ; Dongxia FU ; Xue WU ; Yongxing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):259-264
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) and improve the recognition of this disease.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical manifestations and genetic testing results of 29 children with SRS diagnosed at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University between March 2016 and June 2025.
RESULTS:
The 29 children had included 18 boys and 11 girls, with the age ranging from 2 months to 16 years. Their primary clinical manifestations included postnatal growth retardation (100%), small for gestational age (SGA) (100%), characteristic facial features (90%), limb asymmetry (83%), feeding difficulties (76%), ulnar deviation of the fifth finger (69%), body mass index (BMI) of < -2 SD (62%), and abnormal bone age (55%), including 15 cases with delayed bone age for an average of 1.5 years and 1 case with advanced bone age for 2.5 years. Additional manifestations included abnormal sexual development in 11 cases (38%), dental malocclusion in 11 cases (38%), allergic diseases in 10 cases (34%), cardiac diseases in 9 cases (31%), skeletal abnormalities in 7 cases (24%), renal hypoplasia in 5 cases (17%), and abnormal cranial MRI findings in 5 cases (17%). Twenty children were treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) at a dose of 0.1 ~ 0.15 U/(kg.d). Among them, 7 cases achieved annual height increase of ≥ 10 cm, 11 cases achieved annual height increase of ≥ 5 ~ 9 cm, and 2 cases achieved annual height increase < 5 cm. Twenty three children exhibited hypomethylation of imprinted genes in the chromosome region of 11p15, 4 presented maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 [UPD(7)mat], and 2 had harbored nonsense variants of the HMGA2 gene.
CONCLUSION
SRS patients may present with diverse clinical manifestations including postnatal growth retardation, SGA, characteristic facial features, limb asymmetry, feeding difficulties, and ulnar deviation of the fifth finger. Most patients may exhibit abnormal methylation in the 11p15 region. rhGH therapy can improve the height of these patients.
Humans
;
Silver-Russell Syndrome/diagnosis*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
10.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.

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