1.Treatment of Liver Cancer by Intervening TGF-β Signaling Pathway with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Hao CHENG ; Haohao GUO ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE ; Chunyan JI ; Shiyi LI ; Yuxue DING ; Huaqiang YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):318-326
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years, with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer, it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a unique perspective for the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, et al, while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out, including Jianpi Huayu compound, Fuyang Baoyuan compound, Yipi Yanggan compound, Fuzheng Jiedu compound, compound Astragalus and Salvia, Biejia Jianwan, Dahuang Zhechong pill, and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea, Dendrobii Caulis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and other kinds of compounds. At the same time, it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal, thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects, opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer, and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.
2.Treatment of Liver Cancer by Intervening TGF-β Signaling Pathway with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Hao CHENG ; Haohao GUO ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE ; Chunyan JI ; Shiyi LI ; Yuxue DING ; Huaqiang YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):318-326
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years, with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer, it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a unique perspective for the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, et al, while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out, including Jianpi Huayu compound, Fuyang Baoyuan compound, Yipi Yanggan compound, Fuzheng Jiedu compound, compound Astragalus and Salvia, Biejia Jianwan, Dahuang Zhechong pill, and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea, Dendrobii Caulis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and other kinds of compounds. At the same time, it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal, thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects, opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer, and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.
3.Mixed-method Study on Regulatory Status and Standardization Issues of Centralized Decoction of Chinese Materia Medica in Hangzhou
Feiyu LI ; Guoxiu LIU ; Qianqian SUN ; Hongmei CHEN ; Yuzhou YANG ; Hanzong WANG ; Huaqiang ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):6-12
Objective To analyze the current situation of quality control and regulation of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou through a mixed study combining quantitative research and qualitative research;To provide references for its standardization.Methods A self-designed questionnaire was distributed from July 20,2023 to August 10,2023 in institutions providing centralized decoction services of Chinese materia medica in different regions of Hangzhou.Using the stratified sampling method,the institutional personnel who completed the questionnaire survey were selected as the interviewees,and the semi-structured interview was used to refine the theme according to the Colaizzi seven step method.Results Totally 98 questionnaires were distributed and 96 valid questionnaires were recovered,with a valid recovery rate of 97.96%.There were significant differences in soaking time,concentration degree,and special decoction method such as decocted earlier or later of decoction pieces of Chinese materia medica among different types of institutions(P<0.05).The centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou mainly involves two themes and seven sub themes:the supervision and management of the whole process of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica(optimizing distribution of medical resources,strengthening of supervision,demanding guidance of standards),the operation of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica(soaking time of decoction pieces of Chinese materia medica,the pretreatment operation of"decocted earlier and decocted later",the concentration treatment of Chinese materia medica decoction,and the quality control of Chinese materia medica decoction).Conclusion At present,centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou still needs to be further standardized.It is recommended to strengthen the construction of shared Chinese materia medica pharmacy in the region,establish and improve the standard system of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica decoction,and strengthen the construction of digital full chain traceability to improve the service quality and management level of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou.
4.Deep learning-driven intelligent radiotherapy for osteosarcoma: recent advances and challenges
Handong ZHANG ; Xiaohui LI ; Luxu YIN ; Huaqiang SUN ; Peng WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(6):912-917
With the widespread application of deep learning technology in radiotherapy, increasing attention has been directed toward enhancing the precision and personalization of intelligent radiotherapy for osteosarcoma. This review summarizes the recent advances in the application of deep learning to osteosarcoma image preprocessing, automatic target volume delineation, dose prediction and treatment plan optimization, early efficacy assessment, and follow-up monitoring. Bottlenecks such as data sharing, model generalization, and interpretability are analyzed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for technological iteration and clinical implementation in this field, as well as a scientific basis for the determination of future research directions and the development of standardized guidelines.
5.Evaluation of the Effect of Chinese Medicine Formula Kai-Xin-San Combined with Fluoxetine on Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells in Chronic Stress Induced Depression Model Mice
Lingxin HUANG ; Xin LI ; Lei YUAN ; Yun ZHU ; Xiaoning HUANG ; Xuan LI ; Huaqiang ZHAN ; Jinao DUAN ; Lejun LI ; Yue ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1035-1046
Objective To evaluate the effect of Kaixin San(KXS)combined with fluoxetine on hippocampal neural stem cells in mice with chronic stress stress and depression.Methods A mouse model of depression was constructed using the method of chronic unpredictable stress stress,and the highest dose of KXS water extract and fluoxetine for clinical application was given for 28 days,and behavioral tests were carried out.Nissl staining was used to detect the pathological status of hippocampal tissues in mice.The expression of TUNEL and Nestin in mouse hippocampus was determined by immunofluorescence.Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-3,pyroptosis proteins GSDMD and cleaved caspase-1,as well as the expression of neural stem cell marker Nestin in the hippocampus,and the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus.Results The combination of KXS extract and fluoxetine can significantly improve the depression-like behavior of model mice,and the effect is better than fluoxetine alone.The combination inhibited the activation of apoptosis and pyroptosis signaling pathways in the hippocampus when used alone with high-dose fluoxetine,significantly upregulated the expression of Nestin,and regulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway protein.Conclusion The combination of KXS and high-dose fluoxetine can improve apoptosis and pyroptosis in the hippocampus of stress stress and depression model mice,and upregulate the expression of neural stem cell marker Nestin by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,which may be a key link to improve the antidepressant effect of the combination drug.
6.Mixed-method Study on Regulatory Status and Standardization Issues of Centralized Decoction of Chinese Materia Medica in Hangzhou
Feiyu LI ; Guoxiu LIU ; Qianqian SUN ; Hongmei CHEN ; Yuzhou YANG ; Hanzong WANG ; Huaqiang ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):6-12
Objective To analyze the current situation of quality control and regulation of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou through a mixed study combining quantitative research and qualitative research;To provide references for its standardization.Methods A self-designed questionnaire was distributed from July 20,2023 to August 10,2023 in institutions providing centralized decoction services of Chinese materia medica in different regions of Hangzhou.Using the stratified sampling method,the institutional personnel who completed the questionnaire survey were selected as the interviewees,and the semi-structured interview was used to refine the theme according to the Colaizzi seven step method.Results Totally 98 questionnaires were distributed and 96 valid questionnaires were recovered,with a valid recovery rate of 97.96%.There were significant differences in soaking time,concentration degree,and special decoction method such as decocted earlier or later of decoction pieces of Chinese materia medica among different types of institutions(P<0.05).The centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou mainly involves two themes and seven sub themes:the supervision and management of the whole process of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica(optimizing distribution of medical resources,strengthening of supervision,demanding guidance of standards),the operation of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica(soaking time of decoction pieces of Chinese materia medica,the pretreatment operation of"decocted earlier and decocted later",the concentration treatment of Chinese materia medica decoction,and the quality control of Chinese materia medica decoction).Conclusion At present,centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou still needs to be further standardized.It is recommended to strengthen the construction of shared Chinese materia medica pharmacy in the region,establish and improve the standard system of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica decoction,and strengthen the construction of digital full chain traceability to improve the service quality and management level of centralized decoction of Chinese materia medica in Hangzhou.
7.Evaluation of the Effect of Chinese Medicine Formula Kai-Xin-San Combined with Fluoxetine on Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells in Chronic Stress Induced Depression Model Mice
Lingxin HUANG ; Xin LI ; Lei YUAN ; Yun ZHU ; Xiaoning HUANG ; Xuan LI ; Huaqiang ZHAN ; Jinao DUAN ; Lejun LI ; Yue ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1035-1046
Objective To evaluate the effect of Kaixin San(KXS)combined with fluoxetine on hippocampal neural stem cells in mice with chronic stress stress and depression.Methods A mouse model of depression was constructed using the method of chronic unpredictable stress stress,and the highest dose of KXS water extract and fluoxetine for clinical application was given for 28 days,and behavioral tests were carried out.Nissl staining was used to detect the pathological status of hippocampal tissues in mice.The expression of TUNEL and Nestin in mouse hippocampus was determined by immunofluorescence.Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-3,pyroptosis proteins GSDMD and cleaved caspase-1,as well as the expression of neural stem cell marker Nestin in the hippocampus,and the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus.Results The combination of KXS extract and fluoxetine can significantly improve the depression-like behavior of model mice,and the effect is better than fluoxetine alone.The combination inhibited the activation of apoptosis and pyroptosis signaling pathways in the hippocampus when used alone with high-dose fluoxetine,significantly upregulated the expression of Nestin,and regulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway protein.Conclusion The combination of KXS and high-dose fluoxetine can improve apoptosis and pyroptosis in the hippocampus of stress stress and depression model mice,and upregulate the expression of neural stem cell marker Nestin by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,which may be a key link to improve the antidepressant effect of the combination drug.
8.Thinking on the Development Route of Modern TCM Dispensing Industry
Guoxiu LIU ; Qianqian SUN ; Sijin ZHAO ; Jiankun WU ; Hongmei CHEN ; Yuanlong LI ; Chunjin LI ; Shiyuan JIN ; Xiangfei SU ; Huaqiang ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(7):8-13
TCM dispensing is the most basic clinical pharmaceutical work of TCM.In recent years,based on the 9 key technologies of TCM dispensing,the TCM dispensing industry has ushered in great development,and innovative TCM dispensing information system and intelligent dispensing equipment have appeared.This article sorted out the current situation of TCM dispensing industry and looked forward to its future development route.The results showed that the introduction of new technology and new equipment in the key technical links of procurement acceptance,dispensing review,TCM decocting,medication guidance and so on have improved the quality of dispensing service and ensured the quality and safety of medication.In the development of modern TCM dispensing industry,it is necessary to improve the quality control standard system,service standard system and core equipment standard system in the standardization of dispensing technology;in terms of talent cultivation in the field of dispensing,it is necessary to focus on restructuring and building new educational models to cultivate new medical talents that intersect medical and engineering fields;in terms of informatization and intelligence,it is necessary to develop intelligent equipment that is more in line with the characteristics of TCM,and further promote and improve the"shared TCM pharmacy"model.Through improving the content of TCM clinical pharmaceutical care,developing new technology and equipment of TCM dispensing,and improving the level of dispensing service and education,it is expected to gradually realize the standardization,informatization and intelligent development of modern TCM dispensing industry.
9.Nanoparticle-delivered siRNA combined with sonodynamic therapy for colon cancer
Zhuo LI ; Zhen CHEN ; Huaqiang WANG ; Zhigang XIAO
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2024;33(10):1654-1666
Background and Aims:Sonodynamic therapy(SDT)is an emerging tumor treatment method that primarily utilizes low-intensity ultrasound(US)to activate sonosensitizers,leading to the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species(ROS)that kill cells.This study was conducted with an attempt to develop a novel nanoparticle(NPs)formulation containing a sonosensitizer and the small interfering RNA(siRRS1)of tumor-related gene RRS1 to observe its anticancer effects on colon cancer,to provide new strategies for colon cancer treatment. Methods:RRS1 RNA-Seq data were downloaded from the TCGA and GEO databases,and clinical pathological data were collected from 80 patients with colon cancer at Hunan Provincial People's Hospital.The expression of RRS1 in colon cancer and its relationship with prognosis were analyzed.The proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells transfected with siRRS1 were observed.The sonosensitizer tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin(TCPP),gene carrier DSPE-PEI,and siRRS1 were assembled into TCPP@DSPE-PEI-siRRS1 NPs(T@D-siRRS1 NPs).After structural characterization and examination of cellular uptake and ROS generation capabilities in vitro,the anticancer effects of T@D-siRRS1 NPs on colon cancer were assessed in cell experiments and tumor-bearing mouse models. Results:Both database analysis and clinical specimen testing indicated that RRS1 expression in colon cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues,and high expression was associated with poor prognosis(HR=1.88,95%CI=1.27-2.79,P=0.002).Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that RRS 1 mRNA expression was an independent risk factor for overall survival in colon cancer patients(HR=1.354,95%CI=1.447-2.215,P=0.031).Knockdown of RRS1 significantly reduced the proliferation capacity of colon cancer cells and increased apoptosis(both P<0.05).Characterization results showed that the particles were uniform and stable;T@D-siRRS1 NPs entered cells through endocytosis,where TCPP could generate singlet oxygen(1O2)under ultrasound irradiation.Subsequent in vitro and in vivo experimental results demonstrated that transfection with NPs carrying siRRS1 or TCPP(T@D-control siRNA,T@D-siRRS1)combined with US resulted in varying degrees of growth inhibition in colon cancer cells,with the T@D-siRRS1 NPs+US treatment showing the strongest effect(all P<0.05).Moreover,no significant damage was observed in the vital organs of mice treated with T@D-siRRS1 NPs+US. Conclusion:T@D-siRRS1 NPs plus US integrate SDT and gene therapy,producing an effective synergistic cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells.Additionally,T@D-siRRS1 NPs demonstrate good safety and biocompatibility,suggesting potential for clinical application.
10.Construction of the simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on virtual simulation technology and its application evaluation
Fengping ZENG ; Mengxin WANG ; Chenqian YU ; Guoxiu LIU ; Chunjin LI ; Guobing ZHANG ; Huaqiang ZHAI ; Shiyuan JIN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(3):271-276
OBJECTIVE To construct the simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on virtual simulation technology, and assist in the development of the new mode of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing education training. METHODS The field research and questionnaire surveys were conducted to identify the needs of Chinese medicine students and practitioners for the content and presentation of knowledge on the construction of simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy. Taking the laws and regulations on the construction of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy and the related teaching materials and literature on traditional Chinese medicine preparation as the knowledge source, the virtual simulation technology was applied to build a simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy so as to achieve the functions of browsing the traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy, learning the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine preparation and practical skills training. A multi-site simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy evaluation scale study was conducted based on platform operational testing. RESULTS A simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy was constructed, consisting of four core modules: video teaching, animation video, simulated pharmacy, and simulated experience. The overall score of evaluation scale was 93.31, with all entries scoring above 80; the ones with evaluation scales above 90 accounted for 92.31% (60/65). CONCLUSIONS Simulated traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on virtual simulation technology meets the learning needs of users and enhances the teaching effect of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing technology training.

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