1.Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Angiogenesis: A Review
Zeming ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Qiyang LI ; Xuan SUN ; Ruoqi ZHANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Jie WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):277-286
Angiogenesis, as a core mechanism for maintaining tissue perfusion and repairing ischemic injury, plays a crucial role in ischemic diseases such as coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its advantages of multi-target and synergistic regulation, provides a unique perspective for therapeutic angiogenesis. Based on this, this article intends to delve into the synergistic effects of key signaling pathways, including vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)/VEGF receptor(VEGFR), Notch, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR), and angiopoietin/endothelial TEK tyrosine kinase(Ang/Tie2), and elucidate the driving mechanisms of endothelial cell metabolic reprogramming and exosome-mediated intercellular communication within this process. Based on existing literature, it summarizes the microenvironment-dependent and bidirectional regulatory characteristics of natural active components of TCM(such as terpenes, tanshinones, and flavonoids) on angiogenesis. Furthermore, it systematically discusses how classical TCM formulas achieve blood vessel formation and functional maturation by protecting the neurovascular units, recruiting pericytes, and remodeling the microenvironment. Current evidence highlights the advantages of multi-target synergy and temporal regulation in TCM, but also reveals challenges such as high heterogeneity and a lack of functional evaluations and high-quality clinical trials. Future efforts should integrate multi-omics to decipher network mechanisms, optimize formula compatibility, and conduct multicenter studies to promote the development of innovative preparations. This review highlights the academic value of TCM in angiogenesis, provides an evidence base for treating ischemic diseases, and supports multidisciplinary integration and innovation.
2.Expression of SLC7A11 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues and its preliminary study on mediating tumor cell metabolism
Huakun ZHANG ; Mengfei SUN ; Qi SUN ; Ziru ZHOU ; Jie YU ; Yunzhao CHEN ; Xiaobin CUI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):270-276
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and clinical prognosis, and to determine its effects on ESCC cell growth, migration, and other biological activities. MethodsSLC7A11 protein expression was measured in 310 ESCC tissues and 259 adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry to statistically assess the association of SLC7A11 with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in ESCC patients. The expression of SLC7A11 in ESCC cell lines was suppressed through siRNA-mediated knockdown. The specific effects of SLC7A11 knockdown on proliferation and migration were evaluated using CCK-8, clonogenic assay, and Transwell assays. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactic acid and pyruvate assays were used to measure ESCC metabolism. ResultsSLC7A11 protein expression was localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of ESCC tissues. Significantly higher SLC7A11 expression levels were observed in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). High SLC7A11 expression was associated with poorer differentiation in patients (P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival in patients with high SLC7A11 expression compared to those with low expression (P<0.05). CCK-8 and colony formation assays demonstrated that the knockdown of SLC7A11 expression significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of tumor cells (P<0.001). Furthermore, Transwell assays revealed a marked decline in tumor cell migration capacity following SLC7A11 suppression (P<0.001). Critically, SLC7A11 knockdown also reduced intracellular levels of ATP, lactate, and pyruvate, demonstrating that SLC7A11 modulated metabolic activity in ESCC cells(P<0.001). ConclusionThe expression level of SLC7A11 is relatively high in ESCC and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Silencing SLC7A11 significantly inhibits esophageal cancer cell growth and migration. SLC7A11 has the ability to regulate glucose, lactic acid and ATP metabolism levels in ESCC, thereby affecting the metabolic microenvironment of ESCC.
3.Effect of virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral positioning therapy on dysphagia after oral cancer surgery
Mingxia XU ; Hui ZHU ; Piaopiao CHEN ; Kexin MENG ; Jie CHEN ; Jing CHEN ; Huifang SUN ; Yanyan SUN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):445-452
ObjectiveTo explore the application of virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral localization therapy in dysphagia after oral cancer surgery. MethodsFrom May, 2023 to July, 2024, 86 patients with dysphagia after oral cancer surgery in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 43) and experimental group (n = 43). The control group received conventional swallowing function training, while the experimental group added virtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral positioning therapy, for four weeks. The Standardized Swallowing Function Assessment Scale (SSA), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and M.D.Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) were used for evaluation before intervention, and two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks after intervention. ResultsFor scores of SSA , the main effects of group (F = 150.190, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.641) and time (F = 230.870, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.733), as well as the interaction effect (F = 16.910, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.168) were all significant. For scores of FOIS, the main effects of group (F = 59.601, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.415) and time (F = 89.464, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.516), as well as the interaction effect (F = 7.990, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.087) were all significant. For scores of MDADI, the main effects of group (F = 33.133, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.283) and time (F = 49.650, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.371), as well as the interaction effect (F = 3.224, P = 0.023, η2p = 0.037) were all significant. ConclusionVirtual reality biofeedback training combined with oral localization therapy could improve the swallowing function, oral feeding ability and overall quality of life of patients with dysphagia after oral cancer surgery.
4.Research on The Genealogical Inference Efficiency of High-density SNPs
Jing LI ; Yi-Jie SUN ; Wen-Ting ZHAO ; Zi-Chen TANG ; Jing LIU ; Cai-Xia LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):740-753
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the potential of different orders of magnitude single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus combinations for predicting distant kinship relationships. A high-density SNP locus set was constructed, and a comprehensive assessment of its inference capability was conducted. MethodsFirstly, we selected three commercial chip panels, CGA (Chinese genotyping array, Illumina), GSA (Global screening array, Illumina), Affy (23MF_V2 high-density SNP array, Affymetrix) and merged them after quality control, forming a high-density SNP locus panel(1 180 k). Secondly, we selected 161 samples and collected their peripheral blood samples by using whole-genome sequencing technology. Within this sample population, the levels of kinship relationships fully covered the range from level 1 to level 9, and the number of kinship pairs at each level was consistently maintained at over 50 pairs. From 161 samples data of whole-genome sequencing, the 1 180 k locus set was extracted, which is referred to as the high-density SNP locus set in the following text. The kinship inference was conducted using the identity-by-descent (IBD) algorithm with the selected optimal parameters. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the high-density SNP locus set in kinship inference, we compared it with the three commercial chip panels, the intersection of these three chip loci, and the control sets constructed by randomly reducing the number of the high-density SNP locus set. Based on the changes in the IBD lengths, as well as the dynamic trends in prediction accuracy, we conducted a scientific assessment of the kinship inference capability of the high-density SNP locus set. ResultsAfter screening, a set of 1 184 334 autosomal SNPs was obtained. During the process of screening the optimal IBD length threshold, the result revealed that 0 cM, 1 cM, and 2 cM all demonstrated good applicability. However, to avoid the issue of a large amount of redundant information caused by setting a too low IBD length threshold, this study ultimately selected 2 cM as the optimal threshold. Compared with the average results of three chip panels, the high-density SNP locus set increased the total IBD length and the average IBD length across levels 1-9; the accuracy of the confidence interval for level 8 was 70.97%, which represented a 3.50% improvement; the average confidence interval accuracy for levels 1-8 was 91.39%, representing a 1.00% increase; and the false negative rates at levels 8 and 9 were reduced by 2.42% and 6.76%, respectively. The system efficacy of the high-density SNP locus set for kinship inference of first to eighth degree relationships reached 98.91%. Through random reduction of the high-density SNP locus set results, it is found that increasing the number of SNPs with the panel, the detection efficiency of IBD length showed a significant upward trend. At the same time, the overall trend in the accuracy of kinship relationship prediction as well as the confidence interval accuracy also indicated that both metrics steadily increased with the addition of more loci. ConclusionThe results show that the high-density SNPs panel significantly enhances the efficacy of distant kinship inference, accurately covering kinship degrees, with the average confidence interval accuracy for first to eighth degree relationships stably above 90%. The study finds that increasing the number of SNPs panel can improve the ability to predict distant kinship.
5.Value of MRI in-phase/opposed-phase in quantitative assessment of fatty liver after liver transplantation
Xi CHEN ; Ruomi GUO ; Jie ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):469-475
Objective To investigate the value of 3.0 T MRI in-phase/opposed-phase (IP-OP) imaging features in the quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 115 patients who underwent liver transplantation and completed MRI IP-OP examination and liver biopsy within 3 months were retrospectively collected. According to the gold standard of pathological results, patients were divided into the steatosis group (n=18) and the non-steatosis group (n=97). The relative signal intensity of hepatic parenchyma was measured on MRI IP-OP sequences, and the hepatic fat fraction (HFF) was calculated. Differences in clinical data and imaging features between the two groups were compared, and the efficacy of HFF in the diagnosis of graft hepatic steatosis was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Among the 115 recipients, 18 cases were diagnosed with hepatic steatosis by liver biopsy, including 13 cases of mild steatosis, 3 cases of moderate steatosis and 2 cases of severe steatosis. Compared with the non-steatosis group, the steatosis group had a lower proportion of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma, higher proportions of HBV-related liver failure and alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and higher platelet levels (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in hepatic imaging features between the two groups (all P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the quantitative value calculated by IP-OP in the diagnosis of graft hepatic steatosis was 0.925 (95% confidence interval 0.870-0.980). Conclusions 3.0 T MRI IP-OP sequence may accurately and non-invasively quantitatively assess the severity of hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation, which is of great value for the early detection of graft hepatic steatosis and the guidance of clinical intervention.
6.Data analysis of resolution discrepancies in minipool nucleic acid testing: A 2024 national study of Chinese blood stations
Ying YAN ; Qing HE ; Wei ZHENG ; Jie MA ; Le CHANG ; Huimin JI ; Huizhen SUN ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):423-429
Objective: To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and influencing factors of resolution discrepancies within the minipool (MP) testing model across Chinese blood station laboratories in 2024. Methods: A nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 334 blood station laboratories that reported nucleic acid reactive data among enzyme immunoassay non-reactive samples. Of these, 296 laboratories adopted the pool resolution model, with a total of 12 536 273 samples tested. Systematic analysis was performed on resolution data, focusing on the MP-NAT reactivity rate, the pool resolution concordance rate, and the resolution discrepancy rate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on reagent types, viral targets, and Ct values. Potential causes were further explored through laboratory surveys and re-examination of raw amplification curves. Results: In 2024, the national average MP-NAT reactivity rate was 0.15%. The overall pool resolution concordance rate was 57.86%, which showed a gradual decline as Ct values increased across all reagents. The national average resolution discrepancy rate was 0.081‱(102/12 536 273), with 17.91%(53/296) of laboratories reporting at least one discrepancy. Nine reagent types were associated with these events, exhibiting reagent-specific patterns. For Reagent A2, the predominant discrepancy was HBV reactive pools resolving as HIV (36.36%); for Reagent D1, HBV pools frequently resolved as HCV (38.89%); and for Reagent E, the most common pattern was HIV pools resolving as HBV (48.00%). These resolution discrepancies were strongly associated with high Ct values: the median pool Ct for HBV exceeded 38, while those for HCV and HIV both exceeded 40. Investigations across 16 laboratories revealed that most discrepant samples exhibited “tailing” amplification curves, with some cases linked to cross-contamination or reagent batch-specific issues. Conclusion: While the incidence of resolution discrepancies in the MP-NAT model remains low in China, variations exist across different reagents and laboratories. These discrepancies are closely associated with low viral load, reagent performance, and laboratory operational practices.
7.Effect of Huangqi jiuni decoction on acute liver injury in severely scalded rats and its molecular mechanism
Yuhao ZHANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Yexiang SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):82-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Huangqi jiuni decoction (HQJND) on acute liver injury in severely scalded rats and its possible molecular mechanism by animal experiments and modern pharmacological tools. MethodsFirstly, the rat model of sepsis was established and randomly divided into 4 groups. The normal saline group was given 1 mL of normal saline twice a day, and the traditional Chinese medicine group was given 1 mL of concentrated huangqi jiuni decoction twice a day. After 72 hours of shock, the samples were sacrificed, and then the serum liver function and (+)-haematoxylin eosin staining were performed to verify the efficacy of the drug. Sham Operation Group and sepsis group were fed normally without any special treatment. Then, network pharmacology was used to screen the targets of drugs and drug responses and predict the signaling pathways that might play a role in the treatment of diseases. Finally, fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect gene expression, Western blot (WB) was performed to detect tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), P65, phosphorylated P65 (P-P65), and immunohistochemical (IHC) were performed assays to verify drug efficacy and explore the mechanism of drug treatment. ResultsSerum liver function and histopathology in rats showed that HQJND significantly improved liver function in severely burned rats. Network pharmacology screening was used to identify 353 disease-related marker genes and 286 drug targets. It was predicted that tumor necrosis/NF-NF-κB pathway (TNF/NF-NF-κB pathway) might be a key pathway for HQJND to treat acute liver injury after severe burns. The results of immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed that the staining of TNF-α in the liver of the sepsis group was more than that of the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group. The results of RT-qPCR and WB showed that the expression of TNF-α, TNFR1 and P65 proteins in the liver of rats in the sepsis group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group; on the contrary, the expression of TNF-α, TNFR1 and P65 proteins in the liver of rats in the sepsis group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group. The expression level of nuclear factor-kappa B(IκBα) was higher in the sham operation group and the traditional Chinese medicine group, indicating that drug treatment effectively inhibited the activation of the TNF/NF-κb signaling pathway. ConclusionAnimal experiments and network pharmacology results confirm that HQJND has a protective effect on acute liver injury in severely burned rats, which may be related to the inhibition of TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying Therapy in Treating Panvascular Disease Through "Immune-metabolic-genetic" Axis
Xuan SUN ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):1-11
Pan vascular disease (PVD) is a systemic vascular disorder that has become the leading cause of death among the Chinese residents, and there is currently a lack of effective systemic treatment options. Clinical practice has found that the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of kidney tonification can effectively intervene in PVD and target key pathological mechanisms of PVD recognized in Western medicine. Accordingly, this paper conducts research from the following three aspects: First, it clarifies that immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility constitute the core pathological mechanisms of PVD in Western medicine. Typical pathological manifestations include progressive vascular endothelial injury, lipid deposition, and plaque formation, ultimately leading to multi-organ damage and dysfunction. PVD activates pathways such as the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggering immune dysregulation; it also induces disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, water-salt metabolism, and hormonal metabolism, synergizing with genetic susceptibility factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene) to accelerate vascular homeostasis imbalance. Second, this study analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the TCM theory of "kidney deficiency" and the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis, revealing the theoretical basis for kidney tonification in intervening PVD. The kidney stores essence, governs bones, and produces marrow, which is related to the generation and differentiation of immune cells. It regulates Qi transformation and governs water, overseeing material and energy metabolism. The kidney is the root of congenital essence and governs reproduction, closely related to genetic mechanisms. Third, by integrating modern clinical research, this study elaborates on the unique advantages and clinical value of kidney tonification in targeting the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis of heart, brain, and kidney organs. Traditional kidney-tonifying formulas and their active ingredients improve immune-inflammatory responses, enhance material and energy metabolism homeostasis, and modulate epigenetic pathways through multiple pathways, targeting various pathways to intervene in PVD. This study systematically elucidates the scientific connotation of kidney tonification in treating PVD, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for integrated TCM-Western medicine approaches and contributing to innovation and improvement in diagnostic and treatment strategies for PVD.
9.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
10.Analysis and study on clinical blood transfusion of 4 157 patients with emergency transfusion
Jie SUN ; Yunhua SUN ; Renyu WANG ; Gang FAN ; Hongji FAN ; Dongfu XIE ; Junjie LIN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):203-208
Objective: To provide evidence for improving emergency blood supply protocols by analyzing the clinical characteristics and disease distribution of emergency transfusion patients, especially those receiving≥10 units of red blood cells (RBCs). Methods: The data of 4 157 patients who urgently applied for large-volume blood transfusion in various hospitals in Shanghai from May 2024 to April 2025 were selected and analyzed statistically. Results: Tertiary gradeA hospitals accounted for the largest proportion of total transfusion volume (U) (48.79%, 8 420/17 256.5), with no statistically significant differences in RBC transfusion volumes among hospitals of different grades (P>0.05). All blood products are most widely used in tertiary hospitals. Obstetric blood transfusion (U)(19.07%, 3 277.5/17 190.5) was the most frequent. A-mong the hospitals of patients who received emergency blood transfusion with red blood cell suspension≥10 U, tertiary gradeA hospitals also had the largest transfusion volume (U)(47.19%, 1 107/2 346). In terms of disease types, the top three diseases in terms of blood transfusion volume (U) were obstetric transfusion (24.59%, 572/2 326), digestive diseases (14.53%, 338/2 326) and tumors (14.19%, 330/2 326). Conclusion: Tertiary grade A hospitals are the main demand units for emergency blood transfusion, with pregnant women and cancer patients being the core blood-using groups. It is suggested that the safety, timeliness and sufficiency of emergency blood transfusion be guaranteed by establishing a hierarchical blood supply mechanism, formulating single-disease blood transfusion plans and promoting precise blood transfusion guided by thromboelastography.

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