1.Exploring Anti-inflammatory Synergistic Mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice Based on Differential Component Tracking Strategy
Hongda XUAN ; Shengnan SHEN ; Linlin LI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Xianyu XU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Haining LYU ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):228-237
ObjectiveTaking Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AFI)-processed Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) as an example, this study aims to systematically compare the volatile and non-volatile components of AMR and its processed products, investigate the key differential components, evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities, and elucidate the synergistic mechanism of processing. MethodsThe chemical compositions of volatile and non-volatile components in AMR and AFI-processed AMR were systematically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), with relative mass fractions and response values determined separately. Volatile components were identified through searches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST)17 database, comparison with retention index(RI) and fragmentation pattern matching. Non-volatile components were identified by searching Waters Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spectral library, in conjunction with PubChem and MassBank, characteristic fragmentation patterns and response values were also used to support identification. Differential components were screened using principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1. Components with high log2fold change(FC) among major differential groups were selected as those exhibiting significant changes before and after processing. The anti-inflammatory activity of the differential compounds was evaluated by assessing their effects on nitric oxide(NO) production in a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the effects of the differential components on tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP)-1 levels, and immunofluorescence(IF) was employed to assess their effects on nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 translocation, thereby elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. ResultsA total of 36 compounds were identified in the volatile components of AMR and AFI-processed AMR, among which, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes were significantly increased after processing. In the non-volatile components, 36 compounds were identified, and the main differential components were flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids. Flavonoids were the primary differential components distinguishing AMR from its processed products, representing compounds directly introduced during processing. Five compounds, including atractylenolide Ⅲ, tangeritin, nobiletin, hesperidin and narirutin, were selected as representatives of three classes based on their most prominent differential expression among different compound types for subsequent anti-inflammatory activity studies. The results showed that 100 μmol·L-1 tangerine and narirutin could significantly inhibit LPS-induced NO production(P<0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. Tangeritin was able to significantly inhibit the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 secreted by RAW264.7(P<0.05), while narirutin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-6(P<0.01). IF revealed that both tangeritin and narirutin significantly blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. ConclusionAFI-processed AMR significantly alters the chemical composition profile of AMR, and the newly introduced flavonoid components during processing may be key to its enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
2.Comparative Study on the Effects of Different Dosage Forms of Yinqiao Powder (银翘散) on Inflammation and Immunity in Acute Pharyngitis Model Rats
Linlin WANG ; Chengda TIAN ; Hualong WANG ; Kexin JIANG ; Yiliang XU ; Suhui WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1775-1783
ObjectiveTo compare the effects of different formulations of Yinqiao Powder (银翘散, YP) on inflammation and immune function in a rat model of acute pharyngitis induced by ammonia water. MethodsA rat model of acute pharyngitis was established by spraying 15% ammonia water into the pharynx of male SD rats using a laryngeal atomizer twice daily (three sprays each time) for three consecutive days. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including a model group (normal saline, 10 ml/kg), YP decoction group (10.73 g/kg), YP granule group (10.73 g/kg), cydiodine group (0.39 mg/kg) and blank control group (normal saline, 10 ml/kg), with 12 rats in each group. All groups received intragastric administration once daily for 10 consecutive days. After the final gavage administration, frequency of back arching per minute, frequency of vibrissae grooming per minute, and grooming episodes per five minutes were recorded in rats. The cumulative body weight change was calculated as the difference in body weight between day 10 and day 1 of gavage administration. Behavioral observations were performed using the open field test, and the total distance traveled was recorded. After sample collection, the lung index and thymus index were calculated. Histopathological changes in the pharyngeal and tracheal tissues were observed using HE staining. Serum inflammatory markers including eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as immune parameters including immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio, and CD8 were measured by ELISA. In addition, ELISA was used to determine the levels of inflammatory mediators in pharyngeal tissues, including phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). ResultsCompared to the blank control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased frequencies of back arching per minute, vibrissae grooming per minute, and grooming episodes per five minutes, and lung index, and decreased cumulative body weight change, thymus index, and total distance traveled, as well as elevated serum levels of ECP, ACE2, and CD8, reduced levels of IgM, IgA, IgG, CD4, and CD4/CD8 ratio, and increased levels of PLA, COX-1, COX-2, PGE2, VCAM-1, CXCL1, VEGF, and MMP-9 in pharyngeal tissues (P<0.05). Histopathological examination revealed keratinization of the superficial epithelial layer of the pharyngeal mucosa, accompanied by congestion and edema in the lamina propria and infiltration of inflammatory cells; in the tracheal mucosa, extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, ciliary disruption, and goblet cell damage were observed. Compared to the model group, except for CRP, IgG, and CD4, all above mentioned indicators were improved in the YP granule group, YP decoction group, and cydiodine group (P<0.05). Histopathological lesions in the pharyngeal and tracheal tissues were also alleviated. Compared to the YP decoction group, rats in the YP granule group exhibited decreased frequencies of back arching per minute, vibrissae grooming per minute, and grooming episodes per five minutes, as well as reduced serum ECP levels. Meanwhile, the cumulative body weight gain and serum levels of IgM, IgA, IgG, and CD4/CD8 increased, whereas CD8 levels decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionYP can effectively alleviate symptoms of acute pharyngitis in a rat model, improve inflammatory responses and immune-related indicators, demonstrating superior therapeutic effects in the dosage form of granule.
3.Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases
Lei XU ; Yanyan OUYANG ; Yiping JIANG ; Linlin LIU ; Yuanlan ZHONG ; Wenjuan MAO ; Linying XIE
International Eye Science 2026;26(10):1759-1765
Retinal degenerative diseases are a group of blinding ocular disorders characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of retinal neural cells. They mainly include age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. At present, there are no curative clinical therapies capable of reversing the disease course. Patients have poor long-term visual prognosis, imposing a heavy public-health burden on families and society. Mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)-derived exosomes, as a novel cell-free therapeutic vector, have emerged as a research hotspot due to their low immunogenicity, no tumorigenic risk, and excellent tissue barrier penetration ability. This review systematically summarizes the core mechanisms of MSC-derived exosomes in regulating immune inflammation, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting retinal neuroprotection and structural/functional recovery via miRNA and tsRNA, compares the efficacy differences and existing controversies among exosomes from different sources, and outlines the advances in intraocular delivery technologies and engineering modification strategies. Combined with preclinical and clinical data, the current bottlenecks and safety evidence for clinical translation were objectively described. Meanwhile, in view of the heterogeneity among existing studies, this review proposes future directions including standardized preparation and the establishment of efficacy evaluation systems, so as to provide theoretical references for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for retinal degenerative diseases.
4.Ethical issues in digital medical insurance governance: generation, manifestations, and countermeasures
Zengying ZHUANG ; Linlin YUE ; Yanjie JIANG ; Guiying XUAN ; Bo WANG ; Shenchao JIANG ; Jingchao HE ; Xutong LIU ; Shangwei HAN ; Xuerun TIAN ; Yongxuan LIU ; Nuo XU ; Qifan YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(10):1342-1348
Digital medical insurance governance, as an important component of digital transformation, improves the efficiency of medical insurance services while facing complex ethical challenges. Taking stakeholder theory as the analytical framework, this paper explored the generative mechanisms, manifestations, and countermeasures of ethical issues in digital medical insurance governance. This study uncovered that accelerated technological iteration and lagging ethical and legal norms, as well as interest conflicts among multiple participants in governance, constituted the major causes of ethical issues. These issues specifically manifested as data privacy leakage, unfair algorithmic decision-making, widening digital divide, ambiguous accountability, and other aspects. To address these issues, this paper put forward systematic countermeasures, such as establishing a dynamic ethical and legal regulatory system, balancing the demands of stakeholders, strengthening technological ethical governance, narrowing the digital divide, and enhancing accountability mechanisms. Through the implementation of multi-dimensional governance strategies, it aimed to balance technological innovation and ethical constraints, advance the inclusiveness, fairness, and sustainable development of digital medical insurance, and provide theoretical reference and practical references for improving China’s digital medical insurance governance system.
5.Effectiveness Evaluation of Pre-Service Training for Laboratory Animal Practitioners Based on the "Three-Separation" Model
Fuli WEN ; Yongjun XU ; Yunfeng FU ; Laien XUE ; Linlin CUI ; Junzhu WANG ; Jun LU ; Heping ZHENG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(5):771-778
ObjectiveTo summarize the application experience of the "Three-Separation" model in the pre-service training of laboratory animal practitioners and scientifically evaluate its training effectiveness. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 009 practitioners who participated in pre-service training at the Fujian Provincial Laboratory Animal Training Base from January 2010 to December 2025. Among them, 1 250 trainees from January 2010 to December 2017 were included in the control group (traditional training model), and 6 759 trainees from January 2018 to December 2025 were included in the evaluation group ("Three-Separation" model, based on separating job requirements, differentiating exam content, and categorizing exam methods). Meanwhile, a questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate training effectiveness, yielding 1 624 valid questionnaires (585 from the control group and 1 039 from the evaluation group). The "Three-Separation" model simultaneously optimized fee structures to improve affordability and inclusiveness. The comprehensive competencies and training satisfaction of the two groups after training were compared and analyzed using the independent sample t-test, χ² test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. ResultsThe overall satisfaction rate of the evaluation group was 92.49% (961/1 039), significantly higher than that of the control group (77.78%, 455/585), with a highly significant difference (χ²=72.50, P<0.001). The evaluation group showed a more favorable distribution of positive, neutral, and negative ratings in dimensions such as course pertinence, time flexibility, assessment rationality, and reasonableness of fees, and the positive rating rates were highly significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.001). The comprehensive pass rate of the evaluation group (95.53%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (86.24%), with a highly significant difference (P<0.001). ConclusionThe scientific application of the "Three-Separation" model can accurately match the competency requirements of different positions, optimize the training and assessment system, reduce participation barriers by making training fees more affordable and accessible, effectively improve the comprehensive quality and training satisfaction of laboratory animal practitioners, achieve better teaching outcomes, and provide replicable and promotable practical references for the standardized upgrading of the training system in the laboratory animal industry and other industries.
6.Resveratrol Ameliorates Obesity by Targeting NDUFS8/HMGB1 to Promote Adipocyte Browning and Inhibiting Adipose Inflammation
Zedong WANG ; Xianyu XU ; Linlin LI ; Yongping ZHU ; Junzhe ZHANG ; Liwei GU ; Yanqing LIU ; Nan TONG ; Shengnan SHEN ; Yibai XIONG ; Jigang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):136-143
ObjectiveTo identify the direct target proteins for the anti-obesity effect of resveratrol (Res) via chemical proteomic analysis and systematically explore the molecular mechanisms by which Res inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes from mitochondrial function regulation, adipocyte browning, and inflammation inhibition, thus providing new targets and experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases. MethodsThe cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was adopted to detect the safe and effective doses (7.5, 15, 30 μmol·L-1) of Res for treating 3T3-L1 cells based on the cell survival rate. After being induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes, the cells were assigned into the blank [treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)] group and the Res (7.5, 15, 30 μmol·L-1) groups and treated for 48 h. Oil red O staining and total triglyceride (TG) content were assessed to measure lipid accumulation in adipocytes. Target protein identification of Res was conducted through IAA-P-based chemical proteomics combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Target proteins of Res were validated by cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) combined with Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the expression of browning markers peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), as well as the target proteins NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 (NDUFS8) and high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) were determined by Western blot. The ATP assay kit was used to measure the ATP concentration. Mitochondrial biogenesis was characterized with MitoTracker Green, on the basis of which the regulatory effect of Res on mitochondrial function was analyzed. The level of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), on the basis of which the anti-inflammatory effect of Res on adipocytes was evaluated. ResultsCompared with the control group, Res demonstrated safety and efficacy within the range of 7.5-30 μmol·L-1, without significantly affecting cell viability. Compared with the control group, different concentrations of Res reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes (P<0.01), promoted the expression of NDUFS8 (P<0.01), increased the ATP concentration and the protein levels of UCP1 and PGC-1α, elevated the level of TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionNDUFS8 and HMGB1were identified as the target proteins of Res in mitigating obesity. Res promotes mitochondrial biogenesis to induce the browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via targeting NDUFS8 and it inhibits the TNF-α-mediated inflammatory signaling via targeting HMGB1, thus inhibiting lipid accumulation and ameliorating obesity.
7.Predictive value and related mechanism of serum sialic acid on microvascular invasion in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Jiao WEI ; Jun JI ; Yueping ZHAN ; Linlin WU ; Xuewen XU ; Chenjun HUANG ; Peicheng FANG ; Xiao XIAO ; Min XU ; Chunfang GAO
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(1):56-64
Objective:To explore the value and related mechanism of preoperative serum sialic acid (SA) on evaluating microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:A total of 91 patients who underwent surgical resection and were pathologically diagnosed with ICC from December 2020 to September 2024 at the Oriental Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital affiliated to the Naval Medical University were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into non-MVI (41 cases) and MVI groups (50 cases). The general data and laboratory examination indexes were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for predicting MVI. The predictive value of serum indicators for MVI was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. The correlation between MVI and SA was analyzed by point-biserial correlation. ICC cells stably overexpressing β-galactoside α2, 6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) were generated through lentiviral transfection. ST6GAL1 protein expression and mRNA expression were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin fluorescence staining was used to detect α2, 6-sialylation levels on cells. Cell migration ability was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays, and cell proliferation was evaluated by colony formation assays.Results:Compared with the non-MVI group, patients in the MVI group exhibited significantly higher levels of fibrinogen, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, SA and 5′-nucleotidase (5′-NT) (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SA ( OR=1.01,95% CI 1.01-1.02, P=0.023) was the only independent predictor for MVI. The area under curve of SA in predicting MVI was 0.757 (95% CI 0.640-0.870), sensitivity 67.65%, specificity 77.78%. SA was positively correlated with MVI ( r=0.443, P<0.001). ICC cells overexpressing ST6GAL1 were featured with increased mean fluorescence intensity of SNA lectin, and increased level of α2, 6-sialylation on the cell surface (both P<0.05). The number of colonies formed by hypersialylated ICC cells was also increased ( P<0.05), and both the migration rate and the number of migrating cells were significantly higher ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Serum SA is an independent predictor for MVI in ICC patients. Hypersialylation in ICC cells is associated with higher malignancy.
8.Focusing on AI hematology prediction model and paying close attention to process quality and efficiency
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):543-548
Many hematological disease prediction models built by big data analysis in medical laboratory and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, especially machine learning (ML) methods are reported more and more widely in researches on disease alerting, screening, diagnosis, discrimination, treatment and prediction. Because of a lack of guidance of standards, guidelines and normative documents in standardizing the construction and validation of these models, there is deficiency in model function, data preparation, screening and labeling, algorithm selection, model evaluation, as well as local and overall interpretation after model construction, which also limit the clinical application. Therefore, with integration of the literature review, combining the practice on blood disease prediction models, this article proposes that some keypoints and efficiency should be noticed, in order to build hematological diseases related models with clinical practical application value.
9.Study on the value of the expression levels of TGF-β and Smad2 in platelets for the diagnosis and staging of patients with colorectal cancer
Huihui SHAO ; Linlin QU ; Ruibo LIU ; Wei XU ; Quan WANG ; Weiqi CUI ; Yuwen HUANG ; Haocheng LI ; Chunhe ZHAO ; Liang HE
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):590-596
Objective:To analyze the values of platelet transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and SMAD family member 2 (Smad2) in patients′ peripheral platelets for CRC diagnosis and staging.Methods:Retrospective case-control study. Tumor tissues, paratumor tissues and peripheral blood samples were collected from 248 CRC patients (147 males, 101 females; age 21-93 years) diagnosed in the First Hospital of Jilin University from October 10th, 2020, to March 10th, 2025. Peripheral blood samples were also collected from 40 colorectal adenomatous polyp patients (21 males, 19 females; age 22-74 years) and 75 healthy individuals (43 males, 32 females; age 18-81 years) during the same period. Tissue homogenates and platelets were isolated using tissue disruption and gradient centrifugation, respectively. Total RNA was respectively extracted from tissues and platelets, and the expression levels of TGF-β and Smad2 were quantified by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) expressed as relative quantity 2 -ΔΔCt. Differences of TGF-β and Smad2 expression were compared between CRC tissues and adjacent tissues, as well as among CRC patients, polyp patients, and healthy controls. The relationship of platelet TGF-β and Smad2 expression with pathological features includingtumor stage, pathological type, and metastasis were analyzed. The efficiency of platelet TGF-β, Smad2, and their combination in diagnosing CRC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:The expression levels of TGF-β and Smad2 in CRC tumor tissues[1.09 (0.45, 2.00), 2.93 (0.78, 6.73)] were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues[0.81 (0.27, 1.50), 1.29 (0.40, 2.63)] ( Z TGF-β=4.54, Z Smad2=6.67, both P<0.001). The expression levels of TGF-β and Smad2 in platelets of CRC patients[2.73(1.53, 4.38), 3.16 (1.58, 4.38)] were significantly higher than those in the colorectal polyp group[1.23(0.70, 2.54), 1.16(0.78, 2.27)] and the healthy control group[0.96(0.51, 1.88), 0.92 (0.55, 1.88)] ( H TGF-β=59.71, H Smad2=78.74, both P<0.001). Platelet TGF-β expression increased progressively with tumor stage (stage 1-4) ( P<0.05), while platelet Smad2 levels were higher in metastatic CRC compared with non-metastatic cases ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosing CRC when combining platelet TGF-β and Smad2 was 0.81[95%Confidence interval( CI) 0.77—0.86], which was 0.90 (95% CI 0.86—0.93) if adding serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Conclusion:Platelet TGF-β and Smad2 expression correlates with the diagnosis and staging of CRC, demonstrating potential as liquid biopsy biomarkers for colorectal malignancies.
10.pH-responsive polymer micelles reshape the immune microenvironment of PIK3CA-mutated Luminal breast cancer
Yang CHENJU ; Wang SILEI ; Chen GUIDONG ; Wang FANCHEN ; Li XINGCHEN ; Xu LINLIN ; Shi LINQI ; Yu JINPU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(6):271-278
Objective:To investigate the effect of PIK3CA mutations on the tumor immune microenvironment in Luminal breast cancer and evaluate the potential of Alpelisib-loaded pH-responsive polymer micelles in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment.Methods:PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer were analyzed using bioinformatics tools.A mouse xenograft model of Luminal breast cancer harboring a PIK3CA mutation was established,and alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment were examined using mass cytometry(CyTOF).During the period from August 2004 to December 2008 in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital,tissue biopsies of 62 Luminal breast cancer patients in the BRCA cohort were collected Study the relationship between PIK3CA mutations and tumor immune microenvironment at the organizational level.Alpelisib-loaded polymer micelles(Alpelisib@MSPM)were synthesized,characterized,and evaluated for thera-peutic efficacy in Luminal breast cancer with PIK3CA mutations.Results:PIK3CA is one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast can-cer,with the highest prevalence in Luminal subtypes.CyTOF analysis demonstrated that PIK3CA mutations contribute to a tumor immun-osuppressive microenvironment in xenografts.Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that PIK3CA-mutated tumors exhib-ited more infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)and less infiltration of CD8? T cells.The synthesized Alpelisib-loaded pH-re-sponsive polymer micelles had an average size of approximately 127 nm.Treatment with Alpelisib and Alpelisib@MSPM reduced tumor growth in mice with PIK3CA-mutated Luminal breast cancer.Notably,the proportion of MDSCs decreased,whereas CD8? T cell infiltration in-creased significantly,with the more pronounced effect observed in the Alpelisib@MSPM treatment group.Conclusions:PIK3CA mutations drive the formation of a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment in Luminal breast cancer.Targeted Alpelisib delivery via pH-respons-ive polymer micelles significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy in PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer.

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