1.Progress in mechanistic research on traditional Chinese medicine interventions for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea based on omics technologies
Shanxue GAO ; Jiale MA ; Long PENG ; Jie CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):401-406
Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), as a prototypical disorder involving the microbiota-gut-brain axis, remains poorly understood in terms of its pathogenesis, posing ongoing challenges for clinical diagnosis. Omics technologies, leveraging their high-throughput detection and systematic analysis advantages, has emerged as a critical tool for deciphering the complex mechanisms underlying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of IBS-D. This systematic review summarizes the research progress of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, and multi-omics integration techniques in TCM interventions for IBS-D. In single-omics studies, transcriptomics using techniques like RNA-seq, reveals the regulatory mechanisms of TCM on IBS-related signaling pathways. Proteomics, leveraging quantitative technologies such as 2D-difference gel electrophoresis and tandem mass tag, identifies differentially expressed proteins and elucidates the action targets of TCM in treating IBS-D. Metabolomics, employing methods like UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS, discovers metabolic pathways regulated by TCM to improve metabolic disturbances in IBS-D. Microbiomics, based on 16S rRNA sequencing, confirms that TCM can reshape the gut microbiota structure and restore the intestinal microecological balance, thereby improving IBS-D. Multi-omics integration further overcomes the limitations of single-omics approaches by synthesizing information from transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, enabling a more comprehensive and systematic elucidation of the complex mechanisms underlying TCM treatment for IBS-D. In the future, research related to IBS-D should be advanced from three aspects: stratified clinical research based on TCM syndrome types, multi-omics integration verification mechanisms, and emerging omics to explore new mechanisms, providing more innovative ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
2.Effect of dimethylglyoxal glycine on osteogenic,adipogenesis differentiation,and mitophagy of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Qiheng CHEN ; Tujun WENG ; Jiang PENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):50-57
BACKGROUND:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells play a crucial role in treatment of diseases,such as femoral head necrosis,and the therapeutic efficacy is closely related to the quality of the cells.The empowerment of cells has become a research focus.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of hypoxia mimetic dimethylglyoxal glycine pretreatment on mitophagy and differentiation capacity of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the bone marrow of patients' iliac crest and cultured in vitro to the third passage.The cells were treated with dimethylglyoxal glycine at 0,10,50,and 100 μmol/Lfor 24 hours,followed by the replacement with an osteogenic induction differentiation medium,which constituted the pretreatment group.The continuous treatment group was cultured directly in osteogenic induction medium containing 0,10,50,and 100 μmol/L dimethylglyoxal glycine after cell adhesion.After 7 days of induction,alkaline phosphatase staining was performed to select the most favorable conditions for osteogenic differentiation for subsequent experiments,with normally cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells serving as the control group.Alkaline phosphatase staining,alkaline phosphatase activity,oil red O staining,and related RT-qPCR were used to evaluate the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation differences of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells between the two groups.MitoSox staining was used to detect mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels.Mito-tracker and Lyso-tracker staining were used to detect the co-localization of mitochondria and lysosomes.The fluorescent probe JC-1 was used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Alkaline phosphatase staining indicated that the most beneficial treatment for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis was pretreatment with 10 μmol/L dimethylglyoxal glycine for 24 hours.Compared with the control group,the experimental group showed enhanced alkaline phosphatase staining expression,increased alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic gene expression,reduced lipid droplet formation and adipogenic gene expression as indicated by oil red O staining,decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,increased co-localization of mitochondria and lysosomes,and elevated mitochondrial membrane potential.The results suggest that 10 μmol/L dimethylglyoxal glycine pretreatment can promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,inhibit adipogenic differentiation,and enhance mitophagy.
3.Luteolin promotes wound healing in diabetic mice:roles and mechanisms
Zhiwei PENG ; Lei CHEN ; Lei TONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1398-1406
BACKGROUND:Luteolin has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,etc.,which can inhibit the release of cellular inflammatory factors,promote cell proliferation,and improve the cellular microenvironment.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential roles and mechanisms of luteolin in promoting diabetic chronic wound healing using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.METHODS:Potential targets of luteolin were screened using multiple databases,systemic pharmacology of Chinese medicines database,PubChem and UniProt databases.Genes related to wound healing were identified through the GeneCards database.A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to screen core targets,and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed to explore the biological pathways that luteolin may affect.In vivo experiments in mice were conducted to observe the effects of luteolin on wound healing.Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups.A 1 cm diameter full skin defect wound was made on the back of the control group(n=6),and a 1 cm diameter full skin defect wound was made on the back of the model group(n=6)and the treatment group(n=6)after the establishment of the diabetes model.The treatment group was given 200 mg/kg luteolin by gavage once a day for 9 consecutive days after the operation,and the wound healing was observed.At the end of drug administration,the samples were taken for hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α,and western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacological analysis identified 56 potential target genes associated with luteolin for the treatment of chronic wounds,of which the AKT gene was most closely linked to other target genes.Gene Ontology analysis indicated that luteolin could have antioxidant and anti-stress effects and have the potential to act as a multi-targeted drug.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated that the target genes of luteolin were mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.(2)On the 9th day of drug administration,the remaining wound area of mice in the control and treatment groups was smaller than that of the model group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining results showed that compared with the model group,the number of trabecular granulation tissues and collagen deposition were increased in the treatment group,and the degree of epithelialization was higher and close to that of the control group.The mRNA expression of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α on the wound surface was lower in the treatment group than the model group(P<0.05),while the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was higher in the treatment group than the model group(P<0.05).To conclude,luteolin inhibits wound inflammatory response and promotes healing of diabetic wounds by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
4.Isometric exercise reduces resting blood pressure:a meta-analysis of moderating factors and dose effects
Yang JIANG ; Hao PENG ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Yueyu SONG ; Xingxiao YIN ; Yanqi LI ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):975-986
OBJECTIVE:Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Isometric exercise training has been shown to significantly reduce resting blood pressure,but the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear,and specific application guidelines are yet to be established.This study aims to evaluate the impact of isometric exercise training on resting blood pressure through meta-analysis,explore its moderating factors,and provide evidence-based recommendations based on its dose-response relationship.METHODS:Following the PRISMA guidelines,a systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Scopus,and Web of Science databases using keywords"Isometric exercise training,""Systolic blood pressure,"and"Diastolic blood pressure,"covering literature up to September 2024.Randomized controlled trials involving isometric exercise training and resting blood pressure were included.Three independent researchers performed literature screening and data extraction,assessing bias risk and quality grades using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE framework.Main effect pooling,publication bias assessment,subgroup,and regression analysis were conducted using R software(version 4.3.4).RESULTS:A total of 28 articles(comprising 32 randomized controlled trials)involving 977 participants were included.(1)Meta-analysis results indicated that isometric exercise training significantly reduced resting systolic blood pressure(MD=-8.01,95%CI=-9.22 to-6.80,P<0.01,I2=18.20%,low evidence grade)and diastolic blood pressure(MD=-3.46,95%CI=-4.64 to-2.28,P<0.01,I2=0%,moderate evidence grade)compared to no exercise.(2)Subgroup analysis results revealed significant influences of gender,health status,exercise modality,frequency,intensity,duration,sets per session,rest duration,and baseline blood pressure on the main effects for both systolic(P<0.01)and diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05).(3)Regression analysis results did not show any significant influencing factors,but body mass index(β=-4.11,P=0.091)showed a significant negative trend on the main effect for systolic blood pressure.(4)No significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis results(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)Isometric exercise training significantly lowers systolic(low evidence grade)and diastolic(moderate evidence grade)blood pressure with clinically meaningful thresholds.(2)Participant characteristics(gender,health status,baseline blood pressure,and body mass index)and isometric exercise training protocols(modality,frequency,intensity,duration,cycle,sets per session,and rest duration)influence its antihypertensive effects.(3)The article recommends the optimal blood pressure management prescription:three sessions per week,with four sets per session,each set lasting 2 minutes with a 2-minute rest,at an intensity of 95%HRpeak using isometric wall squat exercises;the intervention period can be adjusted around a 6-week node.Future high-quality research is urgently needed to further validate and support these conclusions.
5.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
6.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
8.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.
9.Interpretation of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Wenxi PENG ; Meng QIAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xiuhui LI ; Xin CUI ; Zijia CHEN ; Xinyi CHEN ; Yi DENG ; Yanming XIE ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):152-160
The Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) is first specialized in the field of drug safety for oral Chinese patent medicines (OCPMs) in China. Rooted in China's healthcare context, the Guidelines address the unique usage patterns and risk characteristics of OCPMs, filling a regulatory gap in the pharmacovigilance framework specific to this category. To facilitate accurate understanding and effective implementation of the Guidelines, and to promote the standardized development of pharmacovigilance practices for OCPMs, this study offered a systematic interpretation based on its three core components. In the domain of risk monitoring and reporting, the paper analyzed the rationale for multi-source information integration and clarified the criteria for identifying key products and target populations for intensive monitoring. Regarding risk assessment, the Guidelines were examined from three dimensions of formulation components, medication behaviors, and population to address complex safety issues arising from medicinal constituents, irrational use, and individual susceptibility. In the area of risk control, the analysis focused on context-based interventions and dynamic closed-loop management strategies, exploring practical pathways to shift from passive response to proactive risk mitigation. Furthermore, this paper evaluated the applied value of the Guidelines and identified implementation challenges, such as insufficient capacity at the primary-care level and limited digital infrastructure. In response, the study proposed optimization strategies including establishing a dynamic updating mechanism, strengthening training at the grassroots level, and incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance pharmacovigilance capacity. This interpretation aims to provide actionable insights for marketing authorization holders (including manufacturers), pharmaceutical distributors, healthcare institutions, and research organizations, ultimately supporting the establishment and refinement of a full lifecycle pharmacovigilance system for OCPMs.
10.DNMT1 promotes the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer HCT8 cells by suppressing TRAF6-mediated ubiquitination of EZH2
PENG Xiaomei1 ; LUO Shunyuan2 ; SHI Xinpeng3 ; ZUO Haojian3 ; CAO Luyang1 ; CHEN Han3 ; ZHOU Haitao4 ; LUO Xiaoyong1,3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):28-36
[摘 要] 目的:探讨DNA甲基转移酶1(DNMT1)通过稳定zeste基因增强子同源物2(EZH2)促进结直肠癌(CRC)HCT8细胞增殖与迁移的机制。方法:利用生物信息学方法分析DNMT1在CRC组织中的表达水平。WB法检测DNMT1在CRC细胞HCT8、SW620和正常结肠上皮细胞NCM460中的表达。通过siRNA或慢病毒载体转染HCT8细胞,分为siNC组、siDNMT1组、Vector组、DNMT1-OE组、siTRAF6组、siEZH2组、siEZH2 + DNMT1-OE组。采用克隆形成实验、CCK-8法、Transwell实验和划痕愈合实验检测敲低或过表达DNMT1对HCT8细胞增殖与迁移的影响,WB和qPCR法检测EZH2蛋白和mRNA水平,免疫沉淀(IP)法检测EZH2泛素化水平,免疫荧光双染检测肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(TRAF6)与EZH2的细胞内共定位情况,克隆形成和划痕愈合实验验证EZH2对DNMT1功能的逆转作用。收集2022—2025年间郑州大学附属洛阳中心医院手术切除的12例CRC患者的癌及癌旁组织标本,采用免疫组化法检测CRC组织中DNMT1、TRAF6和EZH2的表达水平。结果:DNMT1在CRC组织中表达显著高于癌旁组织(P < 0.01),且在CRC细胞中表达上调(P < 0.05);DNMT1敲低显著抑制HCT8细胞增殖及迁移(均P < 0.01),过表达则相反(均P < 0.01)。DNMT1正向调控EZH2的蛋白水平(P < 0.01),而mRNA水平不变(P > 0.05)。MG132可恢复siDNMT1组的EZH2蛋白表达(P < 0.01),且siDNMT1组EZH2泛素化水平升高。DNMT1负向调控TRAF6的表达(P < 0.01),且TRAF6与EZH2在细胞质中共定位,IP证实两者直接结合。敲低TRAF6可减弱EZH2的泛素化水平,敲低EZH2可逆转DNMT1对HCT8细胞增殖、迁移的促进作用(均P < 0.01)。DNMT1和EZH2在CRC组织中呈高表达(P < 0.01),TRAF6在CRC组织中表达显著低于癌旁组织(P < 0.05)。结论:DNMT1通过抑制TRAF6稳定EZH2促进CRC细胞的增殖和迁移,DNMT1、TRAF6和EZH2可能是CRC治疗的潜在靶点。


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