1.Analysis of differential interactions between SARS-CoV-NP and SARS-CoV-2-NP with host proteins
Xinyi LI ; Lüyin SUN ; Zhuping MA ; Yonggang LI ; Xiaoli TAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1348-1354
ObjectiveTo compare the differences in the interactions with host proteins between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid protein (NP) and SARS-CoV-2-NP, and to screen out specific differential proteins for analyzing the pathogenicity differences between the two at the protein level. MethodsAll proteins in Vero cells interacting with SARS-CoV-NP or SARS-CoV-2-NP were screened by the pull-down assay, and the screened proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry for quantitative and qualitative analysis, protein function annotation, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction by mass spectrometry. ResultsA total of 1 345 proteins were retrieved from the database. Compared with the SARS-CoV-2-NP group, the SARS-CoV-NP group had 358 downregulated differentially expressed proteins and 476 upregulated differentially expressed proteins. Biosignature analysis revealed that these proteins were predominantly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus. They participated in biological processes such as regulation of biological processes and metabolic processes. Their molecular functions included ion-binding, nucleotide-binding, and carbohydrate derivative-binding. These proteins were closely associated with diseases linked to metabolism and genetic information processing. Many of them contained functional structural domains like RNA recognition motifs and tryptophan-aspartic acid repeat (WD) domains. ConclusionCompared with the SARS-CoV-NP group, the SARS-CoV-2-NP group exhibited multiple differential host proteins, providing a basis for investigating the molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2.
2.Application and Prospect of State-target Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Theory in Signaling Pathways of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Xiaofang HE ; Xiaoli XIA ; Yanping MA ; Yafeng WANG ; Wenxia RAN ; Huijing XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):254-261
The prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pose a major global challenge, with difficulties in effectively integrating holistic regulation and precise micro-intervention. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of state-target pattern differentiation and treatment advocates the combination of state regulation and target intervention, offering a new paradigm for integrated TCM and Western medicine. This article systematically reviews the theoretical connotations of this theory and constructs a dynamic correspondence framework linking TCM pattern states, signaling pathways, and targeted interventions across different stages of COPD. At the acute exacerbation stage, the phlegm-heat obstructing the lung state is characterized by hyperactivation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammation pathway, and formulas for clearing heat and resolving phlegm suppress the cytokine storm through multi-component synergy. At the stable stage, the lung-spleen Qi deficiency state is characterized by functional decompensation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidative stress pathway, and therapies for tonifying the lung and spleen repair the essence of Qi deficiency through antioxidative defense and energy metabolism. At the severe/very severe stable stage, the lung-kidney deficiency state is pathologically based on dysregulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Wnt repair network and depletion of stem/progenitor cells, and therapies for tonifying the kidney and reinforcing Qi absorption achieve simultaneous regulation of deficiency and stasis by inhibiting aberrant fibrosis and guiding ordered regeneration. These three pathways are not isolated but exhibit dynamic shifts in dominance and cross-talk, constituting the molecular network basis of deficiency causing excess and intermingled deficiency and excess. Furthermore, this article points out the current shortcomings in quantitative evidence, objective syndrome standardization, and coverage of syndrome states, and proposes future directions including building multi-omics databases, conducting biomarker-stratified randomized controlled trials, and developing disease-pattern combined animal models, aiming to provide a theoretical perspective that integrates holism and micro-targeting for precision prevention and treatment of COPD.
3.Application and Prospect of State-target Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Theory in Signaling Pathways of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Xiaofang HE ; Xiaoli XIA ; Yanping MA ; Yafeng WANG ; Wenxia RAN ; Huijing XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):254-261
The prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pose a major global challenge, with difficulties in effectively integrating holistic regulation and precise micro-intervention. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of state-target pattern differentiation and treatment advocates the combination of state regulation and target intervention, offering a new paradigm for integrated TCM and Western medicine. This article systematically reviews the theoretical connotations of this theory and constructs a dynamic correspondence framework linking TCM pattern states, signaling pathways, and targeted interventions across different stages of COPD. At the acute exacerbation stage, the phlegm-heat obstructing the lung state is characterized by hyperactivation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammation pathway, and formulas for clearing heat and resolving phlegm suppress the cytokine storm through multi-component synergy. At the stable stage, the lung-spleen Qi deficiency state is characterized by functional decompensation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidative stress pathway, and therapies for tonifying the lung and spleen repair the essence of Qi deficiency through antioxidative defense and energy metabolism. At the severe/very severe stable stage, the lung-kidney deficiency state is pathologically based on dysregulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Wnt repair network and depletion of stem/progenitor cells, and therapies for tonifying the kidney and reinforcing Qi absorption achieve simultaneous regulation of deficiency and stasis by inhibiting aberrant fibrosis and guiding ordered regeneration. These three pathways are not isolated but exhibit dynamic shifts in dominance and cross-talk, constituting the molecular network basis of deficiency causing excess and intermingled deficiency and excess. Furthermore, this article points out the current shortcomings in quantitative evidence, objective syndrome standardization, and coverage of syndrome states, and proposes future directions including building multi-omics databases, conducting biomarker-stratified randomized controlled trials, and developing disease-pattern combined animal models, aiming to provide a theoretical perspective that integrates holism and micro-targeting for precision prevention and treatment of COPD.
4.Mechanisms and Translational Prospects of Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Modulating Lipid Metabolism Reprogramming to Induce Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Jianfei YANG ; Huanhuan LIN ; Xiaoli SHI ; Jikai MA ; Wenwen YANG ; Yubei LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):283-291
Lipid metabolism reprogramming is a metabolic hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation and progression. It encompasses aberrant activation of de novo lipogenesis (DNL), remodeling of the membrane phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) ratio, upregulation of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, and compensatory activation of subcellular antioxidant networks. Together with liver-specific dysregulation of iron homeostasis, these alterations shape a dual metabolic landscape in which ferroptosis susceptibility and resistance coexist, thereby driving malignant progression and therapeutic tolerance. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the core pathogenesis of HCC is conceptualized as the interplay of dampness, heat, stasis, toxin, and deficiency, which is intrinsically consistent at the biological level with the aforementioned lipid accumulation, redox imbalance, and disordered iron metabolism. According to the three therapeutic principles of clearing heat, detoxifying, and resolving dampness, activating blood to dispel stasis and counteract toxins, and reinforcing healthy Qi to consolidate the root, this review systematically delineates the molecular mechanisms by which the active components of traditional Chinese medicine modulate the lipid-ferroptosis network. Active components including berberine, tanshinone ⅡA, and ginsenosides cooperatively induce ferroptosis in HCC by disrupting the cystine/glutamate antiporter-glutathione-glutathione peroxidase 4 (System Xc-/GSH/GPX4) antioxidant axis, upregulating long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) to promote PUFA-containing membrane lipid peroxidation, perturbing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (NRF2/KEAP1) and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/activating transcription factor 4 (PERK/ATF4) signaling pathways, and disrupting ferritin homeostasis. On this basis, the review evaluates the translational prospects of these components in reversing tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance, sensitizing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and enabling nanocarrier-mediated delivery, with the aim of providing a pharmacological basis for the development of TCM candidate agents targeting the lipid-ferroptosis axis and for the optimization of therapeutic strategies integrating Chinese and Western medicine.
5.The effect of cytomegalovirus and EB virus activation on hematopoietic reconstitution after intensive immunosuppressive therapy for severe aplastic anemia
Qian ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Miao MIAO ; Hongxia MA ; Yaoyao SHEN ; Nan WEI ; Kai ZOU ; Wanxiu SU ; Jingqiu YU ; Depei WU ; Limin LIU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(6):514-521
Objective:To investigate the infection rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) after intensive immunosuppressive therapy in combination with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (lST+TPO-RA) as well as assess the clinical impact of treatment.Methods:A retrospective, case series study was undertaken involving patients with SAA who were admitted to Soochow Hopes Hematonosis Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and Zhengzhou Third People′s Hospital from June 2022 to February 2025. Thirty patients with complete CMV and EBV monitoring data after IST+TPO-RA treatment were enrolled. The first activation time of CMV and EBV, the maximum viral load, the first negative conversion time, and blood routine tests within 3 days before CMV and EBV positivity, during the positive period, and within 3 days after turning negative were recorded. The patients were followed up for 9 months after the completion of IST. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the changes of blood routine before and after virus positivity and after turning negative. The χ2 test was used to compare the viral infection rate and the therapeutic effect of IST between the two groups. Results:The 30 SAA patients comprised 15 males and 15 females with an average age of (40.0±16.9) years. Of the 30 patients, 18 (60.0%) were infected with CMV and 6 (20.0%) with EBV. Among them, 17 cases received rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (r-ATG) treatment (r-ATG group), 13 cases received porcine anti-human lymphocyte immunoglobulin (p-ALG) treatment (p-ALG group). The CMV infection rate was significantly higher in the r-ATG group than in the p-ALG group (15/17 vs. 3/13, χ2=13.03, P<0.001); meanwhile, the rate of EBV infection was only slightly higher in the r-ATG group than in the p-ALG group, and the difference did not reach statistical significance (5/17 vs. 1/13, χ2=2.17, P=0.196). In patients infected with CMV, neutrophil, hemoglobin, and platelet counts were significantly decreased during the infection phase, followed by significant increases after CMV clearance ( F=14.48, 11.38, 4.73; all P<0.05). No significant differences in treatment efficacy were found between the r-ATG and p-ALG groups at 3, 6, and 9 months post-IST (all P>0.05). Conclusions:This preliminary study showed that the incidence of CMV and EBV infection in patients with SAA increased after IST, with CMV infections occurring significantly more frequently than EBV infections. The CMV infection rate was significantly higher in patients treated with r-ATG than in those receiving p-ALG. CMV infection was associated with notable alterations in hematological parameters, highlighting the need for close clinical monitoring.
6.Development and challenges of mass spectrometry database for traditional Chinese medicine:A review
Wang YIJUN ; Yang ZHIMING ; Wu JUNXIAN ; Ma XIAOLI ; Zhou LI ; Li XIANG ; Ma BAIPING ; Qiu ZIDONG ; Kang LIPING
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):210-221
Accurate characterization of the chemical composition of complex traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is an essential foundation for the modern scientific interpretation of TCM principles.Mass spectrometry is the most dominant technique in current research on the material basis of TCM,offering the highest sensitivity and the richest information provision.Establishing mass spectrometry databases represents the most effective approach to facilitating the structural analysis of TCM chemical components.This paper systematically searches and reviews literature published from January 2005 to January 2025 through online databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure,PubMed,and Web of Science,using"mass spectrometry database"and"traditional Chinese medicine"as keywords.It reviews the current status of seven TCM chemical component mass spectrometry databases and seven natural product mass spectrometry databases.The key advancements of these mass spectrometry databases for natural products are summarized,detailing their characteristics,search methodologies,included information,and data sources.Additionally,challenges related to data quality,standardization,timely updates,database interaction,retrieval functionality,and data sharing and security are discussed in depth.Furthermore,the paper explores prospective development directions for TCM mass spectrometry databases,emphasizing the importance of open data sharing,technological innovation,and data security.Through this analysis,the paper aims to offer theoretical guidance and practical recommendations for the precise identification of TCM components,as well as for the construction and application of these databases.
7.Analysis of differences in blood routine and infection markers among elderly AIDS patients combined with other opportunistic infections
Meixue CUI ; Yuan LYU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yuzhu ZHENG ; Wenxia MA ; Lingna LYU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(7):911-916
Objective:To analyze the differences in routine blood tests and infection markers among elderly AIDS patients with other opportunistic infections, to explore their immune status and inflammatory responses, and to provide new molecular markers for clinical diagnosis.Methods:The study included general indicators, routine blood tests, and infection markers of older HIV patients with other opportunistic infections admitted to Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2024.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results:A total of 94 elderly AIDS patients with various opportunistic infections were included in this study.Among them, the majority were co-infected with tuberculosis, accounting for 60 cases(63.83%), followed by 23 cases(24.47%)of AIDS patients co-infected with syphilis.Additionally, there were 7 cases of AIDS co-infected with amoebiasis(7.45%)and 4 cases of AIDS co-infected with monkeypox(4.26%).Almost all cases of combined infections were male, with males comprising 91.3% of AIDS patients co-infected with syphilis and 100% in the other co-infected groups.There were 9 blood routine and infectious markers that exhibited significant differences between patients with HIV co-infected with tuberculosis and those with other opportunistic infections.These markers included lymphocytes(LYM), hemoglobin(HGB), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP), procalcitonin(PCT), T lymphocytes, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and the CD4/CD8 ratio( P<0.05).Specifically, the levels of LYM, HGB, T lymphocytes, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and the CD4/CD8 ratio in elderly AIDS patients with tuberculosis were significantly lower than those in patients with other co-infections(all P<0.05).Conversely, the levels of inflammatory factors such as PCT, ESR, and CRP were notably higher in the former group(all P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis revealed that when LYM was utilized as an individual indicator for the differential diagnosis between AIDS patients with tuberculosis and those with other opportunistic infections, the area under the curve(AUC)amounted to 0.832.However, the CRP/LYM ratio demonstrated the optimal diagnostic performance in differential diagnosis, with an AUC reaching 0.866. Conclusions:The immune function of elderly AIDS patients is further compromised following co-infection with tuberculosis, which is accompanied by a severe inflammatory response.The CRP/LYM ratio shows promise as a hematological molecular marker for differentiating between AIDS patients with tuberculosis and those with other opportunistic infections.
8.Analysis of clinical features and prognosis in pediatric malignant solid tumors of head and neck in single-center
Peiyi YANG ; Chao DUAN ; Shengcai WANG ; Mei JIN ; Dawei ZHANG ; Libing FU ; Tong YU ; Zhikai LIU ; Xiaoli MA ; Xin NI ; Yan SU
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(3):545-552
Objective To summarize the clinical features and prognosis of children suffered from malignant solid tumors of head and neck.Methods The clinical data of children with primary malignant solid tumors located in the head and neck was retrospectively analyzed from January 2007 to December 2021 in the Department of Oncology,Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medical University,and the clinical features,prognostic factors were summarized.Results A total of 234 children with malignant solid tumors of head and neck were included,with a male to female ratio of 1∶0.7,aged from 3 months to 17 years and 6 months(median age 51 months).173 cases(73.9%)were treated with local painless masses.Other symptoms included snoring and facial paralysis.The proportion of rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS)was the highest(145 cases,62.0%),followed by neuroblastoma(NB)(25 cases,10.7%),Ewing sarcoma(19 cases,8.1%),etc.A total of 47 cases(20.1%)had distant metastasis.The patients received surgery,chemotherapy and radiotherapy under the mode of multidisciplinary treatment(MDT).The 3-year and 5-year overall survival(OS)were 80.8%and 75.8%,respectively,and the 3-year and 5-year progression free survival(PFS)were 64.0%and 58.9%,respectively.Tumor survivors had abnormal appearance or facial motor function(49 cases,41.2%),developmental problems or abnormal tooth loss(18 cases,15.1%),and other long-term complications that may be related to the tumor or treatment.Conclusion There are various pathologic types of pediatric head and neck malignant solid tumors,RMS and NB are the most common.Local painless mass was the most common complaint.Distant metastasis is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of head and neck malignant solid tumors.Under the MDT model,the prognosis of malignant solid tumors of the head and neck in our center was generally good.In the treatment of the tumors,the side effects and sequelae should be controlled as small as possible under the premise of long-term survival.
9.Advances in study of poliovirus receptor family in hematological tumors
Qian LEI ; Lijuan LI ; Xiaoli MA ; Liansheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1523-1530,中插6-中插8
Poliovirus receptor(PVR)family includes several immune checkpoint receptors such as T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif structural domains(TIGIT),CD96 and CD226,and their ligands CD155 and CD112,etc.PVR family members have sequence homology and highly interact with each other for synergistic stimulatory or inhibitory effects,forming a complex immunomodulatory network together.The co-signaling network formed by PVR family members is of great significance and has become a major hot spot in hematologic tumor immunotherapy in recent years.This review describes the structure of PVR family members,their mechanism of action,research progress in hematological tumors,and their prospects for application in the immunotherapy of hematologic tumors.
10.Development and challenges of mass spectrometry database for traditional Chinese medicine:A review
Wang YIJUN ; Yang ZHIMING ; Wu JUNXIAN ; Ma XIAOLI ; Zhou LI ; Li XIANG ; Ma BAIPING ; Qiu ZIDONG ; Kang LIPING
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):210-221
Accurate characterization of the chemical composition of complex traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is an essential foundation for the modern scientific interpretation of TCM principles.Mass spectrometry is the most dominant technique in current research on the material basis of TCM,offering the highest sensitivity and the richest information provision.Establishing mass spectrometry databases represents the most effective approach to facilitating the structural analysis of TCM chemical components.This paper systematically searches and reviews literature published from January 2005 to January 2025 through online databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure,PubMed,and Web of Science,using"mass spectrometry database"and"traditional Chinese medicine"as keywords.It reviews the current status of seven TCM chemical component mass spectrometry databases and seven natural product mass spectrometry databases.The key advancements of these mass spectrometry databases for natural products are summarized,detailing their characteristics,search methodologies,included information,and data sources.Additionally,challenges related to data quality,standardization,timely updates,database interaction,retrieval functionality,and data sharing and security are discussed in depth.Furthermore,the paper explores prospective development directions for TCM mass spectrometry databases,emphasizing the importance of open data sharing,technological innovation,and data security.Through this analysis,the paper aims to offer theoretical guidance and practical recommendations for the precise identification of TCM components,as well as for the construction and application of these databases.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail