1.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
2.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
3.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
4.Network Meta analysis on the effects of different exercise modalities on executive function in school aged children
XU Hongru, LIU Mingyi, WANG Haolin, CHU Pengyi, LU Donglei, KONG Nianxin, CAI Jingjie, PENG Li ao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):256-262
Objective:
To explore the intervention effects of different exercise modalities on executive function in school aged children, providing references for formulating exercise prescriptions to promote school aged children executive function.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and CBM to identify studies on the effects of exercises on executive function in school aged children. The search period spanned from the database inception to August 2025. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. Network Meta analysis was performed using Stata 16.0.
Results:
A total of 51 studies involving 5 710 school aged children and seven modalities of exercises(control group,small ball sports,large ball sports,aerobic exercise,combined exercise,sport game,gymnastic and dance sports) were finally included. Network Meta analysis showed that, in terms of inhibitory control development of school aged children, small ball sports ( SMD =-0.98,95% CI =-1.32 to -0.64 ), large ball sports ( SMD =-0.64,95% CI =-0.91 to -0.36), and mixed sports ( SMD =-0.26,95% CI =-0.50 to -0.02]) were more effective than the control group; in terms of working memory, largeball sports ( SMD =-1.26,95% CI =-1.88 to -0.65) and small ball sports ( SMD =-0.91,95% CI =-1.64 to -0.19) were superior to the control group; in terms of improving cognitive flexibility, large ball sports ( SMD =-1.02,95% CI =-1.28 to -0.76), gymnastics and dance sports ( SMD =-0.80,95% CI =-1.21 to -0.40), and small ball sports ( SMD =-0.75,95% CI =-1.15 to -0.36) were more effective than the control group (all P <0.05). Surface under cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA) showed that small ball sports had the highest value (SUCRA=98.9%) in improving inhibitory control, while large ball sports achieved the highest score(SUCRA=92.6%) in enhancing working memory, and large ball sports also had the highest value(SUCRA=94.7%) in promoting cognitive flexibility.
Conclusions
For developing inhibitory control in school aged children, small ball sports are recommended as a priority. For enhancing working memory and cognitive flexibility, large ball sports are recommended.
5.Analysis of risk factors in patients with nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation complicated with ventricular hypertrophy and construction and validation of prediction model
Fang LIU ; Peiyang ZHENG ; Huimin WANG ; Danni LI ; Ao LIANG ; Ren ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):552-561
ObjectiveTo construct a nomogram prediction model for non-valvular persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) , followed by prognostic analysis through follow-up. MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled 949 patients with newly diagnosed and hospitalized non-valvular PeAF. Among them, 403 patients presented with LVH. The cohort was randomly stratified into a training set (n=665) and a validation set (n=284). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for PeAF complicated by LVH. A nomogram prediction model was subsequently constructed and evaluated for discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsSeven independent risk factors were ultimately identified and included in the prediction model: female sex, hypertension, diabetes, red blood cell distribution width-SD (RDW-SD), body mass index (BMI), left atrial diameter (LAD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) in the training set was 0.862 (95% CI: 0.834-0.890), and in the validation set, it was 0.870 (95% CI: 0.829-0.911), demonstrating excellent predictive performance. ConclusionIndependent risk factors for LVH in PeAF patients include female, hypertension, diabetes, RDW-SD, BMI, LAD, and LVEF. The prediction model built based on this can help early identification of PeAF patients with high risk of LVH. At the same time, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is higher in PeAF patients with LVH. Patients with atrial fibrillation combined with LVH may benefit from catheter ablation.
6.Correlation of MET Status with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Advanced Prostatic Acinar Adenocarcinoma
Weiying HE ; Wenjia SUN ; Huiyu LI ; Yanggeling ZHANG ; De WU ; Chunxia AO ; Jincheng WANG ; Yanan YANG ; Xuexue XIAO ; Luyao ZHANG ; Xiyuan WANG ; Junqiu YUE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):698-704
Objective To explore the correlation of MET status in patients with advanced prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma with the clinical pathological parameters and prognosis. Methods The specimen from 135 patients with advanced prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma was included. The expression of c-MET protein was detected via immunohistochemistry, and MET gene amplification was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The relationships of c-MET expression and gene amplification with clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results The positive expression rate of c-MET was 52.60% (71/135). Compared with the c-MET expression in adjacent tissues, that in tumor tissues showed lower heterogeneous expression. Among the cases, 1.71% (2/117) exhibited MET gene polyploidy, but no gene amplification was detected. Positive c-MET expression was significantly correlated with high Gleason scores and grade groups (P=
7.Effects of visual impairment and its restoration on electroencephalogram during walking in aged females.
Mingxin AO ; Hongshi HUANG ; Xuemin LI ; Yingfang AO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(6):738-744
BACKGROUND:
Visual input significantly influences cerebral activity related to locomotor navigation, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effects of chronic visual impairment and its rehabilitation on sensorimotor integration during level walking in patients with age-related cataract.
METHODS:
This prospective case series enrolled 14 female patients (68.4 ± 4.7 years) with age-related cataract, scheduled for consecutive cataract surgeries at the Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University Third Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals during level walking were recorded using a portable EEG system before and 4 weeks after visual restoration. Walking speed was assessed using the Footscan system. Spectral power of the theta and alpha bands was analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance, with Assignment (rest and walking), Phase (preoperative and postoperative), and Electrode sites (F3, Fz, F4, O1, and O2) as within-subject factors.
RESULTS:
Compared to the visual impairment state, theta band power significantly decreased after visual restoration (13.16 ± 1.58 μV 2vs. 23.65 ± 3.48 μV 2 , P = 0.018). Theta activity was notably reduced during walking (17.24 ± 2.43 μV 2vs. 37.86 ± 6.62 μV 2 , P = 0.017), while theta power at rest was not significantly different between the two phases (9.44 ± 1.24 μV 2vs. 9.08 ± 1.74 μV 2 , P = 0.864). Changes in walking speed were correlated with alterations in theta power at electrode sites of O1 ( r = -0.574, P = 0.032) and O2 ( r = -0.648, P = 0.012). Alpha band power remained stable during walking and was unaffected by visual status.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic visual impairment from age-related cataract triggers enhanced cerebral activation of sensorimotor integration to compensate for visual decline during locomotion. This cerebral over-activation is effectively alleviated by visual restoration.
Humans
;
Female
;
Walking/physiology*
;
Aged
;
Electroencephalography/methods*
;
Prospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Cataract/physiopathology*
;
Vision Disorders/physiopathology*
8.Value of adjuvant chemotherapy in IB-lIA cervical adenocarcinoma: A multicenter retrospective study.
You WU ; Miao AO ; He ZHANG ; Kunyu WANG ; Meixian FANG ; Xueyan LYU ; Guobing CHEN ; Tao LYU ; Bin LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(17):2192-2194
9.Drying kinetics of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and dynamics of active components in drying process.
Yu-Qin LI ; Xiu-Xiu SHA ; Zhe ZHANG ; Shu-Lan SU ; Liang NI ; Sheng GUO ; Hui YAN ; Da-Wei QIAN ; Jin-Ao DUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):128-139
This study explored the drying kinetics of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(SM), established the suitable models simulating the drying kinetics, and then analyzed the dynamic changes of active components during the drying processes with different methods, aiming to provide a basis for the establishment of suitable drying methods and the quality control of SM. The drying kinetics were studied based on the drying curve, drying rate, moisture effective diffusion coefficient, and drying activation energy, and the appropriate drying kinetics model of SM was established. The drying performance of different methods, such as hot air drying, infrared drying, and microwave drying of SM was evaluated, and the changes in the content of 10 salvianolic acids and 6 tanshinones during drying were analyzed by UPLC-TQ-MS. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution(TOPSIS) was employed to evaluate the quality of SM dried with different methods. The results showed that the drying rate and moisture effective diffusion coefficient of SM increased with the rise in drying temperature, and the maximum drying rates of different methods were in the order of microwave drying > infrared drying > hot air drying, slice > whole root. The drying rate decreased with the rise in temperature and the extension of drying time. The activation energy of hot air drying was higher than that of infrared drying in SM. The most suitable model for simulating the drying process of SM was the Page model. The TOPSIS results suggested infrared drying at 50 ℃ was the optimal drying method for SM. During the drying process, the content of salvianolic acids increased in different degrees with the loss of moisture, among which salvianolic acid B showed the largest increase of 44 times compared with that in the fresh medicinal material. Tanshinones also existed in the fresh herb of SM, and the content of tanshinone Ⅱ_A increased by 3 times after drying. The results provided a basis for the establishment of suitable drying methods and the quality control of SM.
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry*
;
Desiccation/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Rhizome/chemistry*
;
Kinetics
;
Quality Control
;
Abietanes
10.Effect of Yuxuebi Tablets on mice with inflammatory pain based on GPR37-mediated inflammation resolution.
Ying LIU ; Guo-Xin ZHANG ; Xue-Min YAO ; Wen-Li WANG ; Ao-Qing HUANG ; Hai-Ping WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU ; Na LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):178-186
In order to investigate whether the effect of Yuxuebi Tablets on the peripheral and central inflammation resolution of mice with inflammatory pain is related to their regulation of G protein-coupled receptor 37(GPR37), an inflammatory pain model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) into the paws of mice, with a sham-operated group receiving a similar volume of normal saline. The mice were assigned randomly to the sham-operated group, model group, ibuprofen group(91 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Yuxuebi Tablets(60, 120, and 240 mg·kg~(-1)). The drug was administered orally from days 1 to 19 after modeling. Von Frey method and the hot plate test were used to detect mechanical pain thresholds and heat hyperalgesia. The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) in the spinal cord were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression of GPR37 in the spinal cord was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Additionally, immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of macrosialin antigen(CD68), mannose receptor(MRC1 or CD206), and GPR37 in dorsal root ganglia, as well as the expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), CD206, and GPR37 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The results showed that compared with those of the sham-operated group, the mechanical pain thresholds and hot withdrawal latency of the model group significantly declined, and the expression of CD68 in the dorsal root ganglia and the expression of IBA1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly increased. The expression of CD206 and GPR37 significantly decreased in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the spinal cord were significantly decreased. Compared with those of the model group, the mechanical pain thresholds and hot withdrawal latency of the high-dose group of Yuxuebi Tablets significantly increased, and the expression of CD68 in the dorsal root ganglion and IBA1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly decreased. The expression of CD206 and GPR37 in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly increased, as well as IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the spinal cord. These findings indicated that Yuxuebi Tablets may reduce macrophage(microglial) infiltration and foster M2 macrophage polarization by enhancing GPR37 expression in the dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn of the spinal cord of CFA-induced mice, so as to improve IL-10 and TGF-β levels, promote resolution of both peripheral and central inflammation, and play analgesic effects.
Inflammation/genetics*
;
Pain/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Freund's Adjuvant/pharmacology*
;
Ibuprofen
;
Pain Threshold/drug effects*
;
Hyperalgesia/genetics*
;
Ganglia, Spinal
;
Interleukin-10/genetics*
;
Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics*
;
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
;
Tablets
;
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail