1."Olfactory Administration of Chinese Medicine"——A New Form of Application of Chinese Medicine
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):225-232
As an innovative form of combining traditional aromatherapy with modern nasal medicine delivery technology, "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" carries the theoretical essence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is "moving and channeling Qi and fragrance, dredging and awakening the mind". Based on the systematic records of olfactory therapies in ancient books in emergency care, disorders of consciousness, lung system, and gynecological diseases, this paper examines the historical evolution of its clinical application, and elucidates the profound historical basis and theoretical feasibility of "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" as a new form. Combined with the innovation and precise application of modern Chinese medicine olfactory agents in multi-system diseases such as nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, this paper further analyzes the multi-dimensional mechanism of olfactory receptor pathway, olfactory brain pathway, nasal mucosal blood vessels, and lymphatic channels, and demonstrates its advantages of rapid onset, targeted brain entry, and systemic regulation. Under the background of continuous growth in the demand for external TCM treatment, continuous breakthroughs in the technology of nasal dosage forms, and increasingly accurate drug delivery paths, Chinese medicine olfactory agents have shown significant practical applicability and development potential. This study aims to provide theoretical support and practical direction for the system construction of this form.
2.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
3.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
4.Fto-dependent Vdac3 m6A Modification Regulates Neuronal Ferroptosis Induced by the Post-ICH Mass Effect and Transferrin.
Zhongmou XU ; Haiying LI ; Xiang LI ; Jinxin LU ; Chang CAO ; Lu PENG ; Lianxin LI ; John ZHANG ; Gang CHEN
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(6):970-986
During the hyperacute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the mass effect and blood components mechanically lead to brain damage and neurotoxicity. Our findings revealed that the mass effect and transferrin precipitate neuronal oxidative stress and iron uptake, culminating in ferroptosis in neurons. M6A (N6-methyladenosine) modification, the most prevalent mRNA modification, plays a critical role in various cell death pathways. The Fto (fat mass and obesity-associated protein) demethylase has been implicated in numerous signaling pathways of neurological diseases by modulating m6A mRNA levels. Regulation of Fto protein levels in neurons effectively mitigated mass effect-induced neuronal ferroptosis. Applying nanopore direct RNA sequencing, we identified voltage-dependent anion channel 3 (Vdac3) as a potential target associated with ferroptosis. Fto influenced neuronal ferroptosis by regulating the m6A methylation of Vdac3 mRNA. These findings elucidate the intricate interplay between Fto, Vdac3, m6A methylation, and ferroptosis in neurons during the hyperacute phase post-ICH and suggest novel therapeutic strategies for ICH.
Ferroptosis/physiology*
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Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO/genetics*
;
Animals
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Neurons/metabolism*
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Transferrin/pharmacology*
;
Mice
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Methylation
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Adenosine/metabolism*
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RNA, Messenger/metabolism*
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Male
;
Oxidative Stress/physiology*
5.Therapeutic role of miR-26a on cardiorenal injury in a mice model of angiotensin-II induced chronic kidney disease through inhibition of LIMS1/ILK pathway.
Weijie NI ; Yajie ZHAO ; Jinxin SHEN ; Qing YIN ; Yao WANG ; Zuolin LI ; Taotao TANG ; Yi WEN ; Yilin ZHANG ; Wei JIANG ; Liangyunzi JIANG ; Jinxuan WEI ; Weihua GAN ; Aiqing ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHOU ; Bin WANG ; Bi-Cheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):193-204
BACKGROUND:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD.
METHODS:
We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Angiotensin II/toxicity*
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Mice
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Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced*
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Mice, Knockout
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Disease Models, Animal
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Male
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
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LIM Domain Proteins/genetics*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Cell Line
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Humans
6.DiPTAC: A degradation platform via directly targeting proteasome.
Yutong TU ; Qian YU ; Mengna LI ; Lixin GAO ; Jialuo MAO ; Jingkun MA ; Xiaowu DONG ; Jinxin CHE ; Chong ZHANG ; Linghui ZENG ; Huajian ZHU ; Jiaan SHAO ; Jingli HOU ; Liming HU ; Bingbing WAN ; Jia LI ; Yubo ZHOU ; Jiankang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):661-664
7.Discovery of a potential hematologic malignancies therapy: Selective and potent HDAC7 PROTAC degrader targeting non-enzymatic function.
Yuheng JIN ; Xuxin QI ; Xiaoli YU ; Xirui CHENG ; Boya CHEN ; Mingfei WU ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Hao YIN ; Yang LU ; Yihui ZHOU ; Ao PANG ; Yushen LIN ; Li JIANG ; Qiuqiu SHI ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Yubo ZHOU ; Xiaojun YAO ; Linjie LI ; Haiting DUAN ; Jinxin CHE ; Ji CAO ; Qiaojun HE ; Xiaowu DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1659-1679
HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.
8.Robot-assisted Navigation With Percutaneous Lag Screw Treatment for Hangman's Fracture
Wanpeng LIU ; Jinxin ZHANG ; Wenchuang CHEN ; Yizhi PAN ; Rongbin CHEN ; Zhaoyu YU ; Xinyuan LIN ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(7):429-434
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of robot-assisted navigation with percutaneous lag screw treatment for Hangman's fracture.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 5 patients treated with robot-assisted C2 percutaneous lag screw for Hangman's fracture in our hospital from September 2021 to August 2023.Patients were positioned with moderate head-neck flexion in a Mayfield head clamp.After closed reduction with manual traction under general anesthesia,the C2 percutaneous lag screws were implanted under TINAVI orthopedic surgical robot assistance.Postoperative cervical CT scans were used to assess screw placement accuracy and fracture healing quality.Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the Odom grading system.Results All the 5 patients were operated successfully without vertebral artery injury or neurological complications.A total of 10 screws were implanted.According to the Gertzbein-Robbins standard,9 screws belonged to the grade A,and 1 belonged to the grade B,with an accuracy of 90%(9/10)and an excellent rate of 100%(10/10).The neck incision length ranged 20-30 mm(mean,27 mm).The operation time was 86-160 min(mean,112.8 min).The intraoperative blood loss was 10-50 ml(mean,30 ml).The postoperative hospitalization was5-18 d(mean,8 d).The patients were followed up for 12-34 months(mean,23.6 months).All fractures healed without screw breakage or loosening.According to the Odom grading,4 cases were excellent,and 1 case was good.Conclusion Robot-assisted navigation C2 percutaneous lag screw treatment for Hangman's fracture is accurate and minimally invasive,safe and effective.
9.Distribution of pathogenic bacteria,SPECT/CT imaging manifestations and role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in upper urinary tract infections
Jinxin YU ; Fengfeng YANG ; Rui LIN ; Yue ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2310-2314
OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of pathogenic bacteria,imaging manifestations on single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography(SPECT/CT)and the role of Wnt/β-catenin path-way in upper urinary tract infections.METHODS From Jan.2021 to Jan.2024,53 patients with upper urinary tract infection and 53 urinary calculi patients without upper urinary tract infections who had urinary system stones were selected from the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University as the infected group and the non-infected group,respectively.The distribution of pathogens in the infected group,SPECT/CT imaging manifestations and SPECT/CT imaging manifestations after 7 days of anti-infective treatment were statistically analyzed and com-pared.The levels of Wnt-1 andβ-catenin in both groups and the infection group before and after 3 and 7 days of an-ti-infective treatment were compared.The diagnostic values of Wnt-1 andβ-catenin for urinary calculi complicated with upper urinary tract infection were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 53 strains were yielded from the middle-seg-ment urine of the infection group,predominantly gram-negative bacteria.SPECT/CT imaging showed small nodu-lar dense shadows were in the upper segment of left ureter,the upper segment of the ureter,renal pelvis and calyx dilated,and visible striated shadows were around the kidney after 7 days of anti-infective treatment,the cystic low-density shadow under the left renal capsule was basically absorbed,the perirenal strip shadow slightly re-duced,but the perinephric fascia remained thickened,and the surrounding fat space was blurred.Wnt-1 and β-catenin levels elevated in the infection group compared with the non-infection group(P<0.05).The area under the curveof combined detection of Wnt-1 andβ-catenin was 0.907.CONCLUSIONS Gram-negative bacteria are the main pathogens causing upper urinary tract infections in patients with urinary calculi.SPECT/CT imaging shows inflammatory changes,and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated.The combination of Wnt-1 andβ-catenin has high diagnostic value.After anti-infective treatment,the inflammation showed on SPECT/CT imaging improves and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is inhibited.
10.Development of a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease incidence in community-dwelling population aged 40 years and above in Shanghai
Yixuan ZHANG ; Yiling WU ; Jinxin ZANG ; Xuyan SU ; Xin YIN ; Jing LI ; Wei LUO ; Minjun YU ; Wei WANG ; Qi ZHAO ; Qin WANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Na WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):669-675
ObjectiveTo develop a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidence among the community-dwelling population aged 40 years old and above, so as to provide targeted references for the screening and prevention of COPD. MethodsBased on a natural population cohort in suburban Shanghai, a total of 3 381 randomly selected participants aged ≥40 years underwent pulmonary function tests between July and October 2021. Cox stepwise regression analysis was used to develop overall and gender-specific risk prediction models, along with the construction of corresponding risk nomograms. Model predictive performance was evaluated using the C-indice, area under the curve (AUC) values, and Brier score. Stability was assessed through 10-fold cross-validation and sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of 3 019 participants were included, with a median follow-up duration of 4.6 years. The COPD incidence density was 17.22 per 1 000 person-years, significantly higher in males (32.04/1 000 person-years) than that in females (7.38/1 000 person-years) (P<0.001). The overall risk prediction model included the variables such as gender, age, education level, BMI, smoking, passive smoking, and respiratory comorbidities. The male-specific model incorporated the variables such as age, BMI, respiratory comorbidities, and smoking, while the female-specific model included age, marital status, respiratory comorbidities, and pulmonary tuberculosis history. The C-indices for the overall, male-specific, and female-specific models were 0.829, 0.749, and 0.807, respectively. The 5-year AUC values were 0.785, 0.658, and 0.811, with Brier scores of 0.103, 0.176, and 0.059, respectively. Both 10-fold cross-validated C-indices and sensitivity analysis (excluding participants with a follow-up duration of <6 months) yielded C-indices were above 0.740. ConclusionThis study developed concise and practical overall and gender-specific COPD risk prediction models and corresponding nomograms. The models demonstrated robust performance in predicting COPD incidence, providing a valuable reference for identifying high-risk populations and formulating targeted screening and personalized management strategies.

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