1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.Cross lagged analysis of association between problematic short video use and executive function among primary school students
WANG Wei, LIU Mengyu, HUANG Ke
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):490-493
Objective:
To explore the association between problematic short video use (PSVU) and executive function among students in grades 3 to 6 of primary school, so as to provide references for intervening in primary school students PSVU.
Methods:
In September 2024 (T1), using a convenience sampling method, 520 students in grades 3 to 6 from a primary school in Xi an City of Shaanxi Province were selected as research subjects. They were followed up at three time points: T1, T2 (January 2025), and T3 (May 2025) using an adapted version of the Internet Addiction Test and Questionnaire of Executive Functioning of Chinese. Pearson correlation and cross lagged model were used to analyze the correlation between PSVU and executive function among primary school students at each time point.
Results:
The mean PSVU scores of primary school students at T1-T3 were (35.51±12.46, 34.86± 12.64 , 35.16±13.37) respectively, and the mean executive function scores were (68.31±12.95, 64.92±12.99, 66.58±14.13) respectively. Correlation analysis results indicated that PSVU scores and executive function scores were positively correlated in all three measurements ( r =0.26~0.62, all P <0.01). Cross lagged analysis results showed that executive function scores at T1 could positively predict PSVU scores at T2 ( β =0.21), and executive function scores at T2 could positively predict PSVU scores at T3 ( β = 0.20) (both P <0.01).
Conclusion
The level of executive function in students from grades 3 to 6 of primary school can unidirectionally predict the severity of their PSVU.
4.Effect of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK Axis in Colonic Tissues in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rat with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Yongfu WANG ; Wei KE ; Xiangyu XIE ; Hongmei TANG ; Liuze SI ; Yuna CHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):439-446
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on intestinal permeability for rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by the microRNA-29b-3p (miR-29b-3p)/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) axis. MethodsTwenty-four 1-day-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) suckling rats were selected, and the IBS-D rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was established via a three-factor method,i.e. maternal separation plus acetic acid stimulation and restraint stress, for 6 consecutive weeks. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, pinaverium bromide group, low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups, with 6 rats in each group. Another 6 age-matched non-modeled SD rats were included as the control group. The low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups were given intragastric administration of Changji'an Formula solution at doses of 16.74 g/(kg·d) and 33.48 g/(kg·d), respectively; the pinaverium bromide group received intragastric administration of pinaverium bromide tablets at 0.018 g/(kg·d); and the control group was given distilled water at 10 ml/(kg·d) via intragastric gavage. The intervention was conducted once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the gavage treatment, the fecal water content of rats in each group was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of intestinal permeability indicators, including D-lactic acid (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TRAF3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues. Western Blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression levels of TRAF3, TNF-α, p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC), phosphorylated MLC (p-MLC), and tight junction proteins including junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with decreased protein expression levels of JAM-A, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, in the model group, the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues were up-regulated, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRAF3 were down-regulated; the protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, as well as the ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC, significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed reduced fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with down-regulated mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK, and up-regulated TRAF3 mRNA expression in colonic tissues. Moreover, the pinaverium bromide group and high-dose Changji'an Formula group presented increased protein levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, and TRAF3, as well as decreased protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, and reduced ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the low-dose Changji'an Formula group, the high-dose group had lower fecal water content and serum levels of DAO and LPS (P<0.01). In comparison with the pinaverium bromide group, the high-dose Changji'an Formula group showed a significant decrease in serum DAO level (P<0.01). ConclusionsChangji'an Formula can reduce intestinal permeability and restore intestinal barrier function in IBS-D rats of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK axis.
5.Laboratorydiagnosis and perinatal blood management of HDFN in a Jr(a-) pregnant woman
Pan XIAO ; Ke SONG ; Wei YANG ; Lingling LI ; Yi LIU ; Chunya MA ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):248-255
Objective: To report the antibody identification, blood management during pregnancy and the monitoring process of fetal hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in a pregnant woman with a history of blood transfusion and pregnancy who developed anti-Jr
. Methods: Saline tube technique and anti-human globulin technique were used for maternal blood typing, unexpected antibody screening and identification, as well as for determining antibody titer and IgG subclasses. PCR-SSP was employed for genotyping of 18 blood group systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized for gene sequencing of 38 blood group systems. Sanger sequencing was applied to verify rare blood group mutations detected by NGS and to investigate the corresponding rare blood group genes in family members. Blood preparation was achieved through anemia management in prenatal clinics and autologous blood collection during pregnancy. The newborn underwent the three primary tests for HDFN and plasma IgG subclass testing. Results: The pregnant woman's blood type was B, RhD positive, with a positive unexpected antibody screen, and the antibody identification pattern was consistent with a high-frequency antigen antibody. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous ABCG2 c.376C>T mutation in the woman, resulting in the Jr(a-) phenotype, and anti-Jr
antibody was present in her plasma. No compatible Jr(a-) blood was found among family members. The maternal anti-Jr
IgG titer remained stable at 256 during pregnancy, with no detectable IgG1 or IgG3 subclasses against the Jr
antigen. A total of 800 mL of autologous blood was collected in two stages during pregnancy. The newborn was B, RhD positive, Jr(a+), with a positive unexpected antibody screen (anti-Jr
). IgG subclass typing detected no IgG1 or IgG3. The direct antiglobulin test was positive, while the acid elution test was negative. Conclusion: The combination of serology and blood group genetic analysis provides a diagnostic basis for identifying antibodies to high-frequency antigens. Managing perinatal anemia and implementing staged autologous blood storage can secure blood supply for the perioperative period. IgG antibody subclass typing offers a reference for clinical assessment and prevention of HDFN.
6.The effect of body mass index and inferior pulmonary ligament division on the residual lung expansion after right upper lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Guang MU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Chenghao FU ; Wentao XUE ; Shiyuan XIE ; Tong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Yang XIA ; Liang CHEN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):261-266
Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2<BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2<BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI>29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.
7.Association between social jetlag and depressive symptoms among junior high school students in Chongqing
WAN Xiaoke, WEI Ke, WANG Zhouyan, CHEN Gen, PENG Chang, WANG Hong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):55-59
Objective:
To explore the relationship between social jetlag and depressive symptoms in junior high school students, as well as the potential gender differences, so as to provide a reference for developing effective interventions for depressive symptoms and promoting adolescents mental health.
Methods:
In October 2024, a total of 3 516 students from grades 7 to 9 were recruited from 4 junior high schools in Chongqing Municipality using a combination of cluster sampling and convenience sampling. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). Statistical analyses included the χ 2 test, binary Logistic regression analysis, and stratified Logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among the junior high school students was 34.3%. The number of students with social jetlag >2 h was 714 (20.3%), >1-2 h was 1 455(41.4%), and ≤1 h was 1 347(38.3%). Results from the binary Logistic regression analysis showed that compared to the group with social jetlag ≤1 h, the risk of depressive symptoms in the group with social jetlag >2 h was higher ( OR=1.59, 95%CI=1.28-1.98, P <0.01). Gender stratified analysis revealed that among females, the risk of depressive symptoms was higher in the groups with social jetlag of >1-2 h and >2 h compared to the ≤1 h group ( OR = 1.34 and 2.05, 95% CI =1.03-1.75 and 1.48-2.83, both P <0.05). However, among males, the associations were not statistically significant ( OR =1.11 and 1.29, 95% CI =0.86-1.43 and 0.95-1.77, both P >0.05).
Conclusions
Social jetlag is positively associated with depressive symptoms in junior high school students, demonstrating a threshold effect and gender differences. The findings suggest that reducing social jetlag may decrease the risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents, and targeted intervention measures should be developed considering different gender characteristics.
8.Effect of "Fahan" on Metabolites of Blumea balsamifera Analyzed by Non-targeted Metabolomics
Jiayuan CAO ; Xin XU ; Xiangsheng ZHANG ; Bingnan LIU ; Yongyao WEI ; Ke ZHONG ; Yuxin PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):200-207
ObjectiveTo characterize the changes of metabolites of Blumea balsamifera in the process of sweating by non-targeted metabolomics, and to investigate the influence of sweating processing on the constituents of B. balsamifera. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) metabolomics was used to identify the metabolites in no sweating group(F1), sweating 2 d group(F2) and sweating 4 d group(F3), the differences of metabolites between the groups were compared by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and differential metabolites were screened according to the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05, and the pathway enrichment of the differential metabolites was analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). ResultsThe results of PCA and OPLS-DA showed a clear distinction between the three groups of samples, indicating significant differences in the compositions of the three groups of samples. A total of 433 differential metabolites were screened between the F1 and F2, with 154 up-regulated and 279 down-regulated, the significant up-regulated metabolites were tangeritin, 5-O-demethylnobiletin and so on, while the metabolites with significant down-regulation included alternariol, fortunellin, etc. A total of 379 differential metabolites were screened between the F2 and F3, with 150 up-regulated and 229 down-regulated, the significant up-regulated metabolites were isoimperatorin, helianyl octanoate and so on, and the significant down-regulated metabolites were hovenoside I, goyasaponin Ⅲ, etc. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that tyrosine metabolism, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis may be the key pathways affecting metabolite differences of B. balsamifera after sweating treatment. ConclusionSweating can reduce the content of endophytic mycotoxins in B. balsamifera and has a great impact on the synthesis and metabolic pathways of total flavonoids and auxin. This study can provide a reference for the process research on the sweating conditions of B. balsamifera.
9.Exploring the Intervention Effect of Eriocitrin on Intracranial Aneurysm Model Rats Based on SDF-1α/CXCR4 Signaling Path-way
Ke LUO ; Wei HUANG ; Weimin LI
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(9):1085-1093
[Objective]To investigate the intervention effect of eriocitrin on intracranial aneurysm(IA)model rats based on stromal cell derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)signaling pathway.[Methods]IA rat model was established by isolating and ligating the left common carotid artery and renal artery,and removing both ovaries.The rats were randomly assigned into IA group(intragastric and intraperitoneal administration of 0.9%sodium chloride solution),eriocitrin low(intragastric 8 mg·kg-1 of eriocitrin),medium(intragastric 16 mg·kg-1 of eriocitrin)and high(intragastric 32 mg·kg-1 of eriocitrin)dose groups,and eriocitrin high dose(intragastric 32 mg·kg-1)+SDF-1α/CXCR4 pathway activator CTCE-0214(intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg·kg-1 CTCE-0214)group,and the other 10 rats only exposed the left common carotid artery,renal artery and ovaries,which were recorded as sham operation(intragastric and intraperitoneal administration of 0.9%sodium chloride solution)group.Each group was intervened once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.Tweenty-four hours after the last administration,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and nitric oxide(NO)in each group.Elastica van Gieson staining was used to measure the length of aneurysms,the area of the aneurysm lumen and the length of internal elastic layer rupture.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was applied to detect pathological changes in arterial aneurysm tissue.Real time-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was applied to detect the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and MMP-2 in tissues.Western blot was applied to detect the expression of SDF-1α/CXCR4 related proteins in tissues.[Results]Compared with sham operation group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6;aneurysm length,aneurysm cavity area,internal elastic layer rupture length;MMP-9,VEGF,MMP-2 mRNA expression;SDF-1α and CXCR4 protein expression were prominently higher in IA group,while the level of NO was obviously lower(P<0.05).Compared with IA group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6;aneurysm length,aneurysm cavity area,internal elastic layer rupture length;MMP-9,VEGF,MMP-2 mRNA expression;SDF-1α and CXCR4 protein expression in eriocitrin low,medium and high dose groups were obviously lower,while the level of NO was prominently higher(P<0.05).Compared with eriocitrin high dose group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6;aneurysm length,aneurysm cavity area,internal elastic layer rupture length;MMP-9,VEGF,MMP-2 mRNA expression;SDF-1α and CXCR4 protein expression in eriocitrin-high+CTCE-0214 group were prominently higher,while the level of NO was prominently lower(P<0.05).[Conclusion]Eriocitrin alleviates the inflammatory response in IA rats by regulating the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway,improves the function of vascular endothelial cells and reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture.
10.Aldolase A accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis by refactoring c-Jun transcription
Xin YANG ; Guang-Yuan MA ; Xiao-Qiang LI ; Na TANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiao-Wei HAO ; Ke-Han WU ; Yu-Bo WANG ; Wen TIAN ; Xin FAN ; Zezhi LI ; Caixia FENG ; Xu CHAO ; Yu-Fan WANG ; Yao LIU ; Di LI ; Wei CAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):1634-1651
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)expresses abundant glycolytic enzymes and displays comprehensive glucose metabolism reprogramming.Aldolase A(ALDOA)plays a prominent role in glycolysis;however,little is known about its role in HCC development.In the present study,we aim to explore how ALDOA is involved in HCC proliferation.HCC proliferation was markedly suppressed both in vitro and in vivo following ALDOA knockout,which is consistent with ALDOA overexpression encouraging HCC prolifera-tion.Mechanistically,ALDOA knockout partially limits the glycolytic flux in HCC cells.Meanwhile,ALDOA translocated to nuclei and directly interacted with c-Jun to facilitate its Thr93 phosphorylation by P21-activated protein kinase;ALDOA knockout markedly diminished c-Jun Thr93 phosphorylation and then dampened c-Jun transcription function.A crucial site Y364 mutation in ALDOA disrupted its interaction with c-Jun,and Y364S ALDOA expression failed to rescue cell proliferation in ALDOA deletion cells.In HCC patients,the expression level of ALDOA was correlated with the phosphorylation level of c-Jun(Thr93)and poor prognosis.Remarkably,hepatic ALDOA was significantly upregulated in the promotion and progression stages of diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC models,and the knockdown of Aldoa strikingly decreased HCC development in vivo.Our study demonstrated that ALDOA is a vital driver for HCC development by activating c-Jun-mediated oncogene transcription,opening additional avenues for anti-cancer therapies.


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