1.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
2.Construction and Evaluation of "Constitution-disease-syndrome" Trinity Model for Rodents with Qi Deficiency
Yasheng DENG ; Jiang LIN ; Yujiang XI ; Qian ZHOU ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Qiu CHEN ; Xi MING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):274-284
The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset,progression,transformation,and prognosis of diseases. At present,some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation",in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology,onset,pathogenesis,syndrome differentiation,and treatment. Against this background,the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution,aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models,thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions,diseases,and syndromes,but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods,the study evaluates the model's validity,reliability,and practicality,with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.
3.Lightweight end-to-end model-based korotkoff sounds phase identification and blood pressure measurement
Zhiyu JIANG ; Wenyi KOU ; Li LI ; Qijun ZHAO ; Yongjun QIAN ; Fan PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):248-254
Objective To propose a lightweight end-to-end neural network model for automated Korotkoff sound phase recognition and subsequent blood pressure (BP) measurement, aiming to improve measurement accuracy and population adaptability. Methods We developed a streamlined architecture integrating depthwise separable convolution (DSConv), multi-head attention (MHA), and bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU). The model directly processes Korotkoff sound time-series signals to identify auscultatory phases. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were determined using phase Ⅰ and phaseⅤdetections, respectively. Given the clinical relevance of phase Ⅳ for specific populations (e.g., children and pregnant women, denoted as DBPⅣ), BP values from this phase were also recorded.Results The study enrolled 106 volunteers with 70 males and 36 females at mean age of (40.0±12.0) years. The model achieved 94.25% phase recognition accuracy. Measurement errors were (0.1±2.5) mm Hg (SBP), (0.9±3.4) mm Hg (DBPⅣ), and (0.8±2.6) mm Hg (DBP). Conclusion Our method enables precise phase recognition and BP measurement, demonstrating potential for developing population-adaptive blood pressure monitoring systems.
4.Connection quality and influencing factors of Shaanxi psychological assistance hotline operators based on conversations involving suicide intentions
Huadong JIANG ; Zhen FAN ; Yatong NING ; Jingxuan WU ; Lei ZHANG ; Pin ZHANG ; Yanli SU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):180-184
Objective To explore the factors affecting the quality of psychological assistance hotline connections in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a basis for optimizing services. Methods A total of 149 calls with suicidal tendencies were included from January to March 2022, and data were collected by 31 trained assessors through standardized questionnaires (general information, suicide risk, emotional intensity, and wiring characteristics). Results The results showed that 56.38% of the callers were female, with age groups concentrated between ≤ 18 years old (29.53%) and 19-34 years old (43.62%). The call duration was mainly between 31 and 45 minutes (50.34%). Operators conducted a suicide risk assessment on the callers, with 38.9% having a comprehensive assessment, 38.9% having an incomplete assessment, and 22.1% having no assessment. The main mental disorders of the callers were depression (48.32%), anxiety (15.44%), and bipolar disorder (14.77%), with 25.50% having comorbidities of ≥ 2 disorders. Emotional scores were as follows: depression (4.11 ± 0.76), sadness (3.97 ± 1.03), and despair (3.78 ± 1.05). There were significant differences in depression, anger, despair, and sadness among the callers with different levels of danger (t=4.79, 3.35, 15.79, 4.24, all P<0.05). Women had higher levels of fear than men (t=3.10, P<0.01). The longer the call duration, the higher the level of despair (t=5.66, P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that incomplete suicide risk assessment by operators (B=-2.36), general procedures for operators' connections (B=5.44), and technical factors (B=2.01) significantly affected the quality of psychological assistance hotlines (all P<0.05). Conclusion Callers with suicidal tendencies generally have serious mental and psychological problems and prominent negative emotions. Strengthening the suicide risk assessment ability of operators and standardizing processes and service attitudes are key to improving the quality of psychological assistance hotlines.
5.Mechanism of Taishan Panshisan in Inhibiting Oxidative Stress Injury of Trophoblast Cells by Regulating KEAP1/Nrf2/FoxO3 Signaling Pathway
Yangyang DUAN ; Xianglun JI ; Jiahong CHEN ; Jinghang YANG ; Xinyu XIAO ; Shutao CHEN ; Chaorui LIN ; Fan LIN ; Shu JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):12-22
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Taishan Panshi powder (TSPSP) on inhibiting oxidative stress injury in human chorionic trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo), and to uelucidate the underlying mechanism of TSPSP in the treatment of spontaneous abortion (SA). MethodsGene differential analysis of SA was performed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and correlated with oxidative stress. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the active components of TSPSP, and a "Chinese medicine-component-target-disease" network was constructed to predict the mechanism of action of TSPSP. For in vitro validation experiments, HTR-8/SVneo cells were divided into blank group, model group, TSPSP-containing serum 2.5%, 5%, 10% groups, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inhibitor group (ML385, 30 μmol·L-1). Except for the blank group, other groups were stimulated with 150 μmol·L-1 H2O2 for 3 h to establish a cell oxidative stress injury model. After successful modeling, the blank group and model group were given 10% blank serum, each TSPSP-containing serum group was treated with the corresponding concentration of drug-containing serum, and the Nrf2 inhibitor group was additionally given 30 μmol·L-1 ML385 on the basis of 10% TSPSP-containing serum. All groups of cells were continuously cultured under the above conditions for 24 h, and then samples were collected for subsequent detection. Cell viability in each group was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration rate was detected by scratch test. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), Fe2+, and Glutathione (GSH) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by a fluorescent probe (DCF-DA). The protein and mRNA expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), Nrf2, and forkhead box protein O3 (FoxO3) in cells were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression levels of KEAP1, Nrf2, FoxO3, Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cells were detected by Western blot. ResultsThe GSE76862 and GSE22490 datasets were obtained from the GEO database. Differential gene analyses showed that the KEAP1, Nrf2, and FoxO3 genes were all associated with the disease. After matching with the oxidative stress pathway, nine significantly differential pathways were identified (P<0.05), among which three contained the target genes Nrf2 and FoxO3. A total of 246 active ingredient targets of TSPSP and 2 804 SA-related targets were obtained through network pharmacology, and 154 potential action targets were obtained after taking the intersection. Topological analysis showed that targets such as KEAP1 and Nrf2 exhibited high degree values. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the intersection targets were mainly involved in oxidative stress response, FOXO and MAPK signaling pathways, etc. In in vitro experiments, compared with the blank group, the cell viability in the model group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell viability in each TSPSP-containing serum group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the 10% TSPSP-containing serum group, the cell viability in the ML385 group decreased to approximately 70% (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly increased contents of MDA, Fe2+, and ROS, decreased GSH expression (P<0.01), significantly reduced cell migration rate (P<0.01), and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of KEAP1 and FoxO3 (P<0.01), while decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, GPX4, and SOD (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each TSPSP-containing serum group showed significantly decreased contents of MDA, Fe²⁺, and ROS, increased GSH expression (P<0.01), significantly increased migration rate (P<0.01), significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of KEAP1 and FoxO3 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, GPX4, and SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the 10% TSPSP-containing serum group, the ML385 group showed reversed trends in all indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionTSPSP can inhibit H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury of trophoblast cells, and its mechanism of action may be related to the drug activating the KEAP1/Nrf2/FoxO3 signaling pathway.
6.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.
7.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.
8.Mechanisms of Oxyresveratrol in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Yihan YU ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):46-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which oxyresveratrol (OXY) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsCell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to determine the survival rates of A549 and H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of OXY, and appropriate concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1) were selected. The effects of OXY on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays and colony formation assays. Wound healing assays and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess the effects of OXY on cell migration and invasion. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in A549 and H1299 cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to predict the mechanism of action of OXY, and WB was used to evaluate the effects of OXY on proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Rescue experiments were conducted using the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P. Under activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, the effect of OXY on proliferation, migration, and invasion phenotypes, as well as on the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins and EMT markers (Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin), were examined. ResultsIn the forward experiments, CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the control group, the survival rates of NSCLC cells in the OXY-treated groups (20-120 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of A549 and H1299 cells after 48 h of OXY treatment were 113.6 μmol·L-1 and 92.53 μmol·L-1, respectively. Therefore, concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1 were selected as the gradient for subsequent phenotypic and mechanistic studies. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the OXY groups (30, 60, and 90 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas E-cadherin expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that OXY could act on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and exhibited good binding affinity with PI3K and Akt proteins. Further WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups, whereas the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the 740Y-P group (15 μmol·L-1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group (90 μmol·L-1), these indices in the 740Y-P + OXY group (15 μmol·L-1 + 90 μmol·L-1) were also significantly increased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in the 740Y-P group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group, there were no statistically significant differences in PI3K and Akt protein expression in the 740Y-P + OXY group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionOXY inhibits the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and suppresses the EMT process, thereby exerting anti-metastatic effects in NSCLC.
9.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
10.Anti-lung Cancer Mechanisms of Yang-warming Herbs and Formulas: A Review
Bo XU ; Yu QI ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Qing MIAO ; Yihan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):70-79
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. In 2022, the global number of deaths reached 1.8 million, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths, seriously threatening human health and life, and posing a severe challenge for prevention and treatment. Although treatment strategies for lung cancer have been continuously enriched in recent years, and progress has been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, long-term survival benefits remain limited due to primary or acquired drug resistance, low immune responsiveness, and chemotherapy-related toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its advantages of holistic regulation and individualized syndrome differentiation, has played an increasingly prominent role in comprehensive cancer treatment. TCM holds that "Yang deficiency leads to accumulation" is a key pathogenesis of tumors. Based on the theory that "Yang transforms Qi, while Yin forms substance", deficiency of Yang Qi results in impaired warming and transformation functions, leading to internal accumulation of Yin-cold. This is closely related to dysregulation of the immune microenvironment, "cold tumor" characteristics, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system in modern medicine. Accordingly, the therapeutic strategy of "warming Yang, supporting healthy Qi, and combating cancer" has gained increasing attention. In recent years, commonly used Yang-warming Chinese herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Epimedii Folium, and Psoraleae Fructus, as well as their active constituents, have achieved notable progress in anti-lung cancer research by regulating multiple signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and reversing drug resistance. In addition, Yang-warming formulae such as Sini Tang and Yanghe Tang have shown promising effects in alleviating myelosuppression, improving cancer-related fatigue, managing malignant pleural effusion, and relieving cancer pain. These therapies exhibit toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects, significantly improving patients' quality of life and survival benefits. To systematically summarize the roles and mechanisms of Yang-warming Chinese herbal medicines and compound formulae in lung cancer, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances, aiming to offer insights for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.


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