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.Regulatory Mechanisms of miRNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Shiyi LI ; Hao CHENG ; Chunyan JI ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):323-332
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), as one of the common malignant tumours, has seen a continuous rise in incidence and mortality worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. However, traditional treatments have certain limitations, therefore, the exploration of new therapeutic strategies is particularly urgent. In recent years, with in-depth research on the regulatory mechanisms of microRNA(miRNA) in tumour occurrence and development, it has become new targets for HCC diagnosis and treatment. As a traditional treatment method, Chinese medicine, due to its multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target overall regulatory characteristics, shows broad prospects in treating HCC by regulating miRNAs. Accordingly, this paper reviews recent studies on the role of miRNAs in HCC and research advances in traditional Chinese medicine interventions, finding that various miRNAs play key roles in HCC cell cycle regulation, proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. It summarises how active ingredients, extracts, medicinal pairs, and formulas of Chinese medicine act on specific miRNAs to regulate their downstream target gene expression, affecting the malignant behaviour of HCC cells and exerting anti-cancer effects. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for miRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC, as well as to offer new ideas for developing miRNA-based targeted Chinese medicine therapies.
4.Establishment and preliminary evaluation of a non-invasive fetal M blood group genotyping method by real-time PCR
Shuangshuang JIA ; Chunyan MO ; Ling WEI ; Jizhi WEN ; Runqing ZHANG ; Yanli JI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):493-500
Objective: To establish a method for the genotyping of fetal M blood group antigen by extracting cell-free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) from maternal plasma, so as to guide the management of M antigen-negative pregnant women with IgG anti-M antibody during pregnancy. Methods: A realtime fluorescent quantitative PCR (realtime PCR) method was established. The specificity and sensitivity of the method were validated by dilution of genomic DNA. Subsequently, a total of 12 M antigen-negative pregnant women were enrolled. The cff-DNA was extracted from maternal plasma, and fetal M antigen genotyping was performed by realtime PCR. Fetuses were classified as M-positive or M-negative according to the presence or absence of amplification curve. The accuracy of the method was validated by comparing fetal M antigen genotyping results with the serological results using the cord or peripheral blood of the neonate at birth. Results: Among the 12 M antigen-negative pregnant women, anti-M was detected in five cases, of which four cases had IgG anti-M, and one case had fetal anemia. The results of fetal M antigen genotyping showed that 9 cases were M-positive (9/12, 75%) and 3 cases were M-negative (3/12, 25%). Serological results of blood samples collected after birth from four M-positive fetuses and one M-negative fetus were consistent with the genotyping results. Conclusion: We have, for the first time, established a non-invasive prenatal genotyping method for fetal M antigen using maternal plasma cff-DNA, and preliminarily demonstrated the feasibility of this method.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway:A Review
Yuxue DING ; Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):307-315
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a digestive system disease characterized by the reduction and atrophy of the intrinsic glands of the gastric mucosa. This disease is closely related to risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection,long-term unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. As CAG is a key link in the development of gastric cancer,effectively preventing its deterioration is of great significance for the prevention of gastric cancer. At present,Western medicine mainly uses symptomatic treatments such as eradicating Hp,protecting gastric mucosa, and promoting gastrointestinal motility. However, long-term use is prone to drug resistance and cannot reverse limitations such as gland atrophy, making it urgent to explore new intervention strategies. In recent years,with the deepening of CAG mechanism research,the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway,as one of the classic signaling pathways,plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of CAG,while its systematic summary is still blank. Based on the regulatory advantages of "multi-target,multi-pathway,and low toxicity",traditional Chinese medicine can improve the pathological process of CAG by intervening in key nodes of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In this paper,the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine regulating PI3K/Akt pathway to improve CAG was systematically reviewed for the first time. The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CAG was discussed,including the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and autophagy. The traditional Chinese medicine flavonoids,alkaloids,terpenoids and other compounds that regulate this pathway were summarized. The traditional Chinese medicine compounds mainly include classic famous prescriptions such as Xiaochaihu Tang,Banxia Xiexin Tang,Morodan concentrated pills,Elian granules and other traditional Chinese patent medicines,as well as empirical prescriptions such as modified Leweiyin formula,and Qiling prescription. This study aims to give full play to the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and lay a solid foundation for the wide application and further development of CAG treatment,and provide new ideas for clinical research and drug research on CAG.
6.Study on the construction of a red blood cell rare blood type database and physical repository in the Guangzhou Region
Zhijian LIAO ; Shuangshuang JIA ; Yuan SHAO ; Boquan HUANG ; Chunyan MO ; Jizhi WEN ; Runqing ZHANG ; Xia RONG ; Hong LUO ; Huaqin LIANG ; Yanli JI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):619-628
Objective: To conduct screening for rare blood types within important blood group systems for the Chinese population, such as Rh, Duffy, Kidd, P1Pk, Diego, and MNS, in the Guangzhou region, and to establish a corresponding rare blood type database and physical repository. Methods: The saline medium microplate method was used to screen blood donors with the ccDEE phenotype combined with either Jk(a-) or Jk(b-). The polybrene microplate method was employed to screen for donors with Fy(a-), s(-), Lu(b-), Di(b-), k(-), and p phenotypes. The urea lysis microplate method was applied to screen for the Jk(a-b-) phenotype. A high-resolution melting (HRM) curve method was established for screening some donors with the Di(b-) phenotype. Subsequently, expanded phenotyping of antigens in the Rh, Kidd, MNS, Duffy, P1Pk, Lewis, Kell, and Lutheran blood group systems was performed on identified rare blood type donors using monoclonal antibodies. The test results are entered into the Rare Blood Type Bank Management System of the Guangzhou Blood Center, enabling functions such as confirmation reminders and cryopreservation storage when the donor donates again. Red blood cells of rare blood types are processed into frozen red blood cells for long-term storage. Results: Among voluntary blood donors, 16 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(a-) phenotype were identified (0.221 7%, 16/7 216); 10 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(b-) phenotype (0.138 6%, 10/7 216); 78 cases of the Fy(a-) phenotype (0.169 5%, 78/46 012); 39 cases of the Lu(b-) phenotype (0.138 2%, 39/28 214); 31 cases of the s(-) phenotype (0.081 8%, 31/37 913); 22 cases of the Di(b-) phenotype (0.029 9%, 22/73 691); 30 cases of the Jk(a-b-) phenotype (0.010 1%, 30/298 250); and 1 case of the k(-) phenotype (0.001 3%, 1/77 382), which was further identified as KELnull phenotype (K0). No p phenotype donors were identified (0/88 528). A total of 228 units of frozen red blood cells were prepared. The screening results were compared and analyzed with rare blood type data from other regions. Conclusion: This study, through a combination of different screening methods, significantly improved the efficiency of rare blood type screening while remaining cost-effective. By conducting large-scale screening and performing data informatization processing, a database and physical repository of rare blood types in the Guangzhou region were successfully established. This provides a strong guarantee for the timely supply of blood to patients with difficult-to-match and rare blood types in the region, effectively enhances the level of transfusion safety in the region, and offers a practical paradigm for constructing a comprehensive blood transfusion support system.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervenes in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating TLR4 Signaling Pathway: A Review
Zhiwei SU ; Juan XUE ; Jun SUN ; Heng FAN ; Rui ZHU ; Chunyan JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):291-299
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolism, which is mainly characterized by abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes. In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, NAFLD has become one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and varied, involving the cross-regulation of multiple signaling pathways such as glucose-lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The TLR4 signaling pathway plays a key role in the development and progression of NAFLD, and abnormal activation of this pathway accelerates the deterioration of NAFLD by promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing oxidative stress, and exacerbating insulin resistance. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway to alleviate the symptoms and pathological features of NAFLD. The present review summarizes the experimental research progress in the TCM regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in treating NAFLD in the past 5 years, covering a wide range of TCM active ingredients (such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids) and compound prescriptions. The active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM can effectively ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders, reduce insulin resistance, regulate intestinal flora, and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway via multiple targets and pathways, thus slowing down the progression of NAFLD. Through in-depth analysis of the pathological mechanisms of NAFLD and exploration of the potential of TLR4 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target, we can provide theoretical support for the application of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD, as well as new perspectives and directions for future clinical research and new drug development, thereby promoting the innovation and development of therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
8.Clinical Efficacy of Qingchi San for Mild-to-Moderate Active Ulcerative Colitis:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Zhenghua ZHOU ; Fanfan QU ; Jianbin JI ; Hongchang KANG ; Chunyan WANG ; Hui ZHANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(10):1282-1287
OBJECTIVE To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy of Qingchi San in the treatment of mild-to-moderate ul-cerative colitis.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 221 ulcerative colitis patients treated at the Gastroenterology Department of First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2014 to February 2024.Participants were divided into an observation group(n=121)and a control group(n=100).The control group received oral me-salazine,while the observation group received Qingchi San enema in addition to the control group's treatment.Both groups received a 4-week course of treatment.The two groups were compared in terms of clinical efficacy,clinical remission rate,TCM syndrome score,time to intestinal bleeding remission,and changes in inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and white blood cells)and coagulation markers(platelets and D-dimer).RESULTS After treatment,the total effective rate and clinical remission rate in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The TCM syn-drome scores for each item(diarrhea,abdominal pain,bloody stools with mucus,and tenesmus)in the observation group were signifi-cantly improved compared with those in the control group(P<0.01).The time to intestinal bleeding remission in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group(P<0.01).C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and white blood cell count in the observation group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).There was no statistically significant difference in coagulation markers(platelets and D-dimer)between the two groups(P>0.05).No signif-icant treatment-related adverse reactions,such as liver and kidney damage,were observed during treatment.CONCLUSION Qing-chi San enema can improve the clinical efficacy of patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis,improve clinical symptoms,short-en bleeding time,and reduce inflammatory markers.
9.Value of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Combined With BISAP Score in Early Prediction of Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Xian TU ; Yan LIU ; Chunyan YANG ; Yan SHEN ; Yiqing WANG ; Deqiong CHEN ; Qi JI ; Qingming WU
Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;30(1):9-15
Background:The incidence and mortality rates of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)have been increasing year by year.Therefore,early and rapid identification,along with timely intervention in the progression of acute pancreatitis(AP),is of particular importance.Aims:To explore the value of red blood cell distribution width(RDW)combined with BISAP score in the early prediction of SAP.Methods:A total of 561 AP patients admitted from January 2019 to December 2021 at the General Hospital of the Central Theater Command of the PLA were enrolled and divided into SAP group and non-SAP group according to the disease severity.Venous blood samples were collected within 24 hours of admission.The relevant clinical data,laboratory indices,BISAP score,and MCTSI score were compared between the two groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for SAP.Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to assess the correlation of these risk factors with the severity of AP,as well as the correlation of RDW with BISAP score and MCTSI score.The predictive values of these risk factors for SAP were evaluated by ROC curve analysis.Results:Compared with the non-SAP group,the prevalence of hypertension,length and cost of hospital stay,neutrophil count(NEUT),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),RDW,serum potassium,aspartate transaminase(AST),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),BISAP score and MCTSI score were significantly increased in the SAP group(all P<0.05),while the lymphocyte count(LYM),serum calcium and albumin(ALB)were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).RDW(OR=1.582,95%CI:1.066-2.348,P=0.023),SCr(OR=1.018,95%CI:1.001-1.035,P=0.040),BISAP score(OR=6.210,95%CI:3.121-12.356,P<0.001),and MCTSI score(OR=2.917,95%CI:2.160-3.939,P<0.001)were the independent risk factors for SAP.RDW(rs=0.320,P<0.001),SCr(rs=0.103,P=0.015),BISAP score(rs=0.516,P<0.001),and MCTSI score(rs=0.512,P<0.001)were positively correlated with the severity of AP.Moreover,RDW was positively correlated with BISAP score(rs=0.428,P<0.001)and MCTSI score(rs=0.408,P<0.001).ROC curve analysis revealed that the areas under the ROC curve of RDW,SCr,BISAP score,MCTSI score,and combination of RDW and BISAP score for predicting SAP were 0.753,0.581,0.889,0.888,and 0.905,respectively.Conclusions:RDW,SCr,BISAP score,and MCTSI score are the independent risk factors for SAP.RDW combined with BISAP score can enhance the predictive value for SAP.
10.A retrospective study of BRAF inhibitors and EGFR inhibitors combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with microsatellite stable, BRAF V600E mutated metastatic colorectal cancer
Zhi JI ; Jinguo MA ; Xia WANG ; Jiaqi XIN ; Lijun MA ; Yixuan WANG ; Nan ZHANG ; Chunyan ZENG ; Rui LIU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):922-928
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) inhibitor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor in microsatellite stable (MSS) BRAF V600E metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.Methods:The data and outcomes of mCRC patients with MSS BRAF V600E who received BRAF inhibitor, EGFR inhibitor combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital from May 2022 to April 2024 were retrospectively collected.Results:A total of 12 mCRC patients were included in this study, the objective response rate was 50.0%, the disease control rate was 66.7%, and the median disease control time of patients who achieved objective response was 8.0 months. The median progression-free survival was 6.8 months and the median overall survival was 8.4 months. Overall adverse reactions were controllable, the most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (8 cases), fever (5 cases), and rash (4 cases). There were no grade 4 adverse event, serious adverse event, and treatment-related death.Conclusion:BRAF inhibitor and EGFR inhibitor combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor show good efficacy and controllable safety in BRAF V600E mCRC patients.

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