1.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.
2.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.
3.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.
4.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.
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.High-risk factors for significant liver histopathological damage in patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection
Wenchang WANG ; Xuyang LI ; Chunyan WANG ; Mengwen HE ; Yifan GUO ; Yiming FU ; Miao LIU ; Dong JI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2258-2264
ObjectiveTo investigate the features of liver histopathological damage in patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection, as well as the timing for initiating antiviral therapy in such patients. MethodsA retrospective screening was performed for the patients with chronic HBV infection who were hospitalized in The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital and underwent liver biopsy from March 2018 to April 2022, among whom the patients who met the criteria for indeterminate phase defined in Chinese guidelines for chronic hepatitis B prevention and treatment (2022 edition) were enrolled, and their clinical data were collected. Liver histopathological stage was determined using the Scheuer scoring system, with stages 0 — 4 for inflammation grade (G) and stages 0 — 4 for fibrosis degree (S), and the patients were divided into groups based on the presence of significant necroinflammation (≥G2) and significant liver fibrosis (≥S2). The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between liver histopathology and clinical factors, and the Logistic regression model was used to identify the independent influencing factors for significant necroinflammation and liver fibrosis. ResultsA total of 271 patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection were enrolled, among whom 61 (22.5%) had significant necroinflammation (≥G2) and 124 (45.8%) had significant liver fibrosis (≥S2). The Logistic regression analysis showed that alanine aminotransferase ≥30 U/L (for male patients) or ≥19 U/L (for female patients) (odds ratio [OR]=2.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39 — 5.21, P=0.003), HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.38 — 5.48, P=0.004), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥6.0 kPa (OR=4.57, 95%CI: 2.17 — 9.62, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for significant inflammation. HBV DNA ≥2 000 IU/mL (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.01 — 3.32, P=0.049) and LSM ≥6.0 kPa (OR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.23 — 3.43, P=0.006) were independent influencing factors for significant liver fibrosis. ConclusionAmong the patients with indeterminate phase of chronic HBV infection, a substantial proportion of patients have significant liver histopathological damage. Antiviral therapy should be initiated in a timely manner for patients with high-risk factors.
8.Distribution and drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli isolated from environment of ICU
Chunyan LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Liang TIAN ; Yilun ZHOU ; Bin WANG ; Mei FENG ; Yuan LI ; Shan WANG ; Wei JI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(17):2675-2680
OBJECTIVE To explore the isolation rates,drug resistance and molecular epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli(CRGNB)isolated from intensive care units(ICU)of a tertiary hos-pital so as to provide bases for prevention and control of the nosocomial infections caused by CRGNB.METHODS The environmental surfaces that were high frequently contacted by the patients with CRGNB infections[carbapen-em-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP),carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB),carbap-enem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)]and their hands were randomly sampled from the ICU of a ter-tiary three-A hospital from Apr.2024 to Aug.2024.Multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and detection of drug re-sistance genes were performed by means of complete genome sequencing technique and bioinformatics,and the ho-mology between the CRGNB strains isolated from the patients and the strains isolated from their surrounding was observed.RESULTS Totally 30(7.85%)strains of CRGNB were isolated,23(6.02%)of which were CRKP,7(1.83%)were CRAB,and no strain of CRPA was detected.The molecular subtyping showed that ST 11(93.33%)was dominant among the CRKP strains,and ST2(69.23%)was dominant among the CRAB strains.The phylogenetic analysis indicated that there were clonal transmission tendencies of CRKP-ST11 and CRAB-ST2.The analysis of drug resistance genes showed that the CRAB strains mainly carried ant(3")-lla(100%),blaOXA-23(92.31%)and amvA(92.31%);blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-66 were the major carbapenems resistance genes;the CRKP strains mainly carried the drug resistance genes emrDh,rmtB1,fosA and kdeA(all were 96.67%),followed by the carbapenems resistance gene blaKPC-2(90.00%).CONCLUSIONS ST11 is the predomi-nant molecular subtype for CRGNB among the CRKP strains isolated from the ICU,anf ST2 predominant among the CRAB strains;the carrying rates of drug resistance genes are high.There is risk of clonal transmission.It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and take comprehensive infection control measures so as to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections.
9.Effects of Kangxian Ruangan Granules on TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway in Mice with Liver Fibrosis
Zhiwei SU ; Yuxue DING ; Jun SUN ; Chunyan JI ; Juan XUE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):84-91
Objective To study the mechanism of Kangxian Ruangan Granules in improving mouse liver fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.Methods Eight out of 50 SPF grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly selected as the normal group,and the remaining mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20%CCl4 olive oil solution(2 mL/kg,3 times a week for 4 weeks)to establish the liver fibrosis model.The successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group,silibinin group,and Kangxian Ruangan Granules low-,medium-and high-dosage groups using a random number table method,with 8 mice in each group.Each group of Kangxian Ruangan Granules was orally administered at dosages of 1.95,3.90 and 7.80 g/kg;the silibinin group was orally administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg,while the normal group and model group were given equal volume of physiological saline by gavage,once a day for 8 weeks.The body mass and liver mass of mice were weighed and the liver index was calculated,the contents of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),hydroxyproline(HYP),hyaluronic acid(HA),type Ⅲ procollagen(PC-Ⅲ),type Ⅳ collagen(ColⅣ)and laminin(LN)were detected by ELISA;liver tissue morphology was observed using HE,Masson and sirius red staining;immunohistochemistry,RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of type Ⅰ collagen(ColⅠ),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway related factors in liver tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,the body mass of the model group mice decreased(P<0.01),while the liver mass and liver index increased(P<0.01);the contents of ALT,AST,HYP,HA,LN,PC-Ⅲ and ColⅣ were increased(P<0.01);the structure of liver lobules was disordered,with diffuse steatosis of liver cells,disordered arrangement of hepatic cords,infiltration of inflammatory cells,and significant fibrosis in the central and portal vein areas of liver lobules;the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 in liver tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expressions of ColⅠ,α-SMA,TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad3,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass of mice in silibinin group and each dosage of Kangxian Ruangan Granules increased(P<0.01),while the liver mass and liver index decreased(P<0.01);the contents of ALT,AST,HYP,HA,LN,PC-Ⅲ and ColⅣ in serum decreased(P<0.01);the hepatic steatosis in mice was reduced,the necrotic area was narrowed,the infiltration of inflammatory cells was reduced,the arrangement of hepatic cords tended to be regular,collagen deposition was reduced,and the structure of liver lobules was partially restored;the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 in liver tissue of silibinin group and Kangxian Ruangan Granules medium-dosage group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the protein expression of ColⅠ,α-SMA,TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad3,p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Kangxian Ruangan Granules can reduce the expressions of fibrosis related proteins,inhibit the deposition of extracellular matrix and improve liver fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
10.Sinicization and test of reliability and validity of Chinese version of Hybrid Education Competence Instrument
Ji REN ; Kefang WANG ; Yuqi ZHANG ; Yaru JIN ; Lin ZHANG ; Yanan WANG ; Binbin ZHANG ; Chunyan TANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(2):228-235
Objective The Hybrid Education Competence Instrument(HybridEduCom)was sinicized,and its reliability and validity were tested.Methods The translation,cultural adjustment and pre-investigation of HybridEduCom were followed by the Brislin translation model.The reliability and validity of the HybridEduCom was tested by surveying 553 educators in medical and nursing related fields by convenience sampling from March to April 2024.Results The Chinese version of HybridEduCom consisted of 46 items in 5 dimensions:planning and resourcing competence,technology competence,interaction competence,digital pedagogy competence,and ethical competence in the hybrid education.The confirmatory factor analysis resulted in the second-order five-factor model,with the chi-square and degree of freedom ratio being 1.274,approximate root mean square error being 0.022,goodness of fit index being 0.913,and standard fit index(NFI)being 0.934,and Tucker-Lewis and comparative fit index being 0.985.All main evaluation indexes were within the acceptable range of the judgment criteria.The item-content validity index was 0.833-1.000,and the scale-content validity index was 0.968.The Cronbach's α for the whole scale was 0.982,while varied from 0.892 to 0.936 for each dimension.The test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.978.Conclusion The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of HybridEduCom were satisfactory,and it can serve as a valid assessment instrument for the implementation of hybrid education competence of Chinese higher medical and nursing educators.

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