1.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
2.Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable Report: Chronic ConstipationManagement in Asia
Yi Ping REN ; Wah Loong CHAN ; Kee Huat CHUAH ; Yong Sung KIM ; Atsushi NAKAJIMA ; Sanjiv MAHADEVA ; Yeong Yeh LEE ; Andrew S B CHUA ; Tao BAI ; Ari Fahrial SYAM ; Chien-Lin CHEN ; Ching-Liang LU ; M. Masudur RAHMAN ; Tanisa PATCHARATRAKUL ; Victoria Ping Y TAN ; Dao Viet HANG ; Xiaohua HOU ; Yinglian XIAO ; Justin WU ; Uday C GHOSHAL ; Hidekazu SUZUKI ; Sutep GONLACHANVIT ; Kewin T H SIAH
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(1):109-128
Background/Aims:
Chronic constipation is prevalent yet under-diagnosed across Asia, compromising quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. Cultural stigma, varied diets, and limited access to standardized diagnostic tools delay timely care.
Methods:
The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable in November 2024, brought together experts from 11 Asian countries. The group reviewed epidemiological data, analyzed multinational questionnaire on clinical practice pattern, and conducted structured discussions to identify key barriers and propose region-specific recommendations.
Results:
Chronic constipation prevalence varies across Asia, ranging from 1.8% in India to 16.6% in Japan, with women and the elderly disproportionately affected. Under-reporting persists owing to cultural taboos and widespread self treatment with laxatives and traditional medications. Although the Rome IV criteria remains the global standard, they may not fully reflect Asian symptom profiles, and diagnosis is limited by scarce motility laboratories. First line therapies such as dietary-fiber optimization and osmotic laxatives are widely available, but newer pharmacotherapies (prucalopride, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and elobixibat) remain costly and unevenly accessible. Biofeedback for dyssynergic defecation is underutilized due to limited availability. Experts recommend expanded regional research on to refine diagnostic criteria, coupled with enhanced physician education and public awareness. They advocate accessibility to second-line and novel therapies that incorporate culturally attuned regional guidelines, and improved access to gastrointestinal motility testing.
Conclusions
The Bali Chronic Constipation Roundtable highlighted Asia’s need for region specific diagnostics and management. Addressing diagnostic and treatment gaps will improve outcomes, while ongoing researcher clinician policy collaboration must standardize guidelines, advance research, and ensure equitable care across Asia.
3.The Association of Iodixanol With Renal and Cardiovascular Safety in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention:A Prospective Cohort Study
Zhaoping LIU ; Jian AN ; Aijie HOU ; Yanqin REN ; Lei QIN ; Xiaojie CHEN ; Guozhen HAO ; Xi SU ; Ping YANG ; Guidong SHEN ; Shenghuang WANG ; In-ho CHAE ; Yong HUO
Journal of Cardiovascular Intervention 2026;5(1):38-48
Background:
This study was performed to characterize the incidence, costs, and risk factors associated with renal and cardiovascular adverse outcomes following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Methods:
Patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI using iso-osmolar contrast were enrolled at 39 centers. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE) was analyzed, as well as inpatient costs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors.
Results:
Among 2,293 patients, the incidence of AKI and MARCE within 72 hours post-pPCI was 4.14% (n = 95) and 4.40% (n = 101), respectively. AKI and/or MARCE were associated with systolic blood pressure (AKI: odds ratio [OR], 1.009; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.000–1.018), hypertension (AKI: OR, 1.815; 95% CI, 1.133–2.906; MARCE: OR, 1.760;95% CI, 1.118–2.769), anterior wall infarction (AKI: OR, 1.895; 95% CI, 1.196–3.004; MARCE:OR, 1.939; 95% CI, 1.240–3.032), Killip class (AKI: OR, 1.465; 95% CI, 1.117–1.922; MARCE:OR, 1.467; 95% CI, 1.131–1.903), and serum creatinine (SCr; MARCE: OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.000–1.012). Hospitalization costs for patients with STEMI who developed AKI or MARCE were significantly higher than for those without AKI (9,595 ± 5,795 vs. 8,279 ± 3,872 USD, P = 0.003) or without MARCE (9,890 ± 5,616 vs. 8,255 ± 3,859 USD, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
In patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI with iso-osmolar contrast, the incidence of AKI and MARCE was associated with higher hospitalization costs. Systolic blood pressure, hypertension, anterior wall infarction, Killip class, and SCr were identified as risk factors for these outcomes.
4.Protocol for patient version of the cancer symptom management guideline
Jing CHI ; Lanfang ZHANG ; Tingting YANG ; Shihui XIE ; Chaixiu LI ; Shisi DENG ; Jianyao TANG ; Chuhan ZHONG ; Bingqian GUO ; Qiuyan REN ; Yuman LI ; Zhengya QIN ; Ping ZHAO ; Yanni WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):900-907
Effective symptom management can alleviate the physical and psychological distress experienced by patients with cancer, improve quality of life, and contribute to treatment adherence and improve clinical outcomes. However, most existing guidelines are developed for healthcare professionals, and patients and the public have limited access to standardized and comprehensible guidance on symptom management. To address this gap and to facilitate effective communication and shared decision-making, this study proposes the development of a patient version of the cancer symptom management guideline. The development process will adhere to the methodological framework recommended by the Guidelines International Network and the World Health Organization. The GRADE approach will be employed to assess the certainty of evidence and to formulate recommendations. In addition, the process will be informed by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) instrument and the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare-Public or Patient Versions of Guidelines (RIGHT-PVG). This protocol outlines the establishment of the guideline working group, the identification and prioritization of key questions, evidence retrieval and appraisal, and the formulation of recommendations, with the aim of ensuring methodological rigor and transparency in the development of the patient guideline and providing methodological reference for similar guideline initiatives.
5.Lactate metabolism and acute kidney injury.
Hui LI ; Qian REN ; Min SHI ; Liang MA ; Ping FU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):916-924
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinically critical syndrome in hospitalized patients with high morbidity and mortality. At present, the mechanism of AKI has not been fully elucidated, and no therapeutic drugs exist. As known, glycolytic product lactate is a key metabolite in physiological and pathological processes. The kidney is an important gluconeogenic organ, where lactate is the primary substrate of renal gluconeogenesis in physiological conditions. During AKI, altered glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in kidneys significantly disturb the lactate metabolic balance, which exert impacts on the severity and prognosis of AKI. Additionally, lactate-derived posttranslational modification, namely lactylation, is novel to AKI as it could regulate gene transcription of metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis or Warburg effect. Protein lactylation widely exists in human tissues and may severely affect non-histone functions. Moreover, the strategies of intervening lactate metabolic pathways are expected to bring a new dawn for the treatment of AKI. This review focused on renal lactate metabolism, especially in proximal renal tubules after AKI, and updated recent advances of lactylation modification, which may help to explore potential therapeutic targets against AKI.
Humans
;
Acute Kidney Injury/metabolism*
;
Lactic Acid/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Glycolysis/physiology*
;
Gluconeogenesis/physiology*
;
Kidney/metabolism*
6.Identification of blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology and evaluation of their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms.
Xia-Xia REN ; Jin-Na YANG ; Xue-Jun LUO ; Hui-Ping LI ; Miao QIAO ; Wen-Jia WANG ; Yi HE ; Shui-Ping ZHOU ; Yun-Hui HU ; Rui-Ming LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1928-1937
This study identified blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills and explored their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms. The main blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were detected and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The rationality of the formula was assessed by using enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms, and core targets of its active components were selected as the the potential anti-insomnia targets of Anshen Dropping Pills through network pharmacology analysis. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis were performed on the core targets. An active component-core target network for Anshen Dropping Pills was constructed. Finally, the effects of low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Anshen Dropping Pills on sleep episodes, sleep duration, and sleep latency in mice were measured by supraliminal and subliminal pentobarbital sodium experiments. Moreover, total scores of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale was used to evaluate the changes before and after the treatment with Anshen Dropping Pills in a clinical study. The enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms verified the rationality of the Anshen Dropping Pills formula, and nine blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The network proximity revealed a significant correlation between eight components and insomnia, including magnoflorine, liquiritin, spinosin, quercitrin, jujuboside A, ginsenoside Rb_3, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the major anti-insomnia pathways of Anshen Dropping Pills involved substance and energy metabolism, neuroprotection, immune system regulation, and endocrine regulation. Seven core genes related to insomnia were identified: APOE, ALB, BDNF, PPARG, INS, TP53, and TNF. In summary, Anshen Dropping Pills could increase sleep episodes, prolong sleep duration, and reduce sleep latency in mice. Clinical study results demonstrated that Anshen Dropping Pills could decrease total scores of PSQI scale. This study reveals the pharmacodynamic basis and potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects of Anshen Dropping Pills, suggesting that its anti-insomnia mechanisms may be associated with the regulation of insomnia-related signaling pathways. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of Anshen Dropping Pills.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Male
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Humans
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Sleep/drug effects*
;
Female
;
Adult
7.Research progress on prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with traditional Chinese medicine based on gut microbiota.
Rui REN ; Xing YANG ; Ping-Ping REN ; Qian BI ; Bing-Zhao DU ; Qing-Yan ZHANG ; Xue-Han WANG ; Zhong-Qi JIANG ; Jin-Xiao LIANG ; Ming-Yi SHAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4190-4200
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Common treatments include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). While exhibiting specific advantages, these approaches are associated with varying degrees of adverse effects. To alleviate patients' suffering and burdens, it is crucial to explore additional treatments and elucidate the pathogenesis of HCC, laying a foundation for the development of new TCM-based drugs. With emerging research on gut microbiota, it has been revealed that microbiota plays a vital role in the development of HCC by influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial metabolites, and immune regulation. TCM, with its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, has been increasingly recognized as a vital therapeutic treatment for HCC, particularly in patients at intermediate or advanced stages, by prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Recent global studies demonstrate that TCM exerts anti-HCC effects by modulating gut microbiota, restoring intestinal barrier function, regulating microbial composition and its metabolites, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing immune responses, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotype of HCC. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of HCC and highlight the regulatory effects of TCM, addressing the current gap in systematic understanding of the "TCM-gut microbiota-HCC" axis. The findings provide theoretical support for integrating TCM with western medicine in HCC treatment and promote the transition from basic research to precision clinical therapy through microbiota-targeted drug development and TCM-based interventions.
Humans
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
;
Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
8.Wip1 Phosphatase Regulates Hematopoietic Function in Mouse Spleen.
Xiao-Ping REN ; Zhi-Lin CHANG ; Yi WANG ; Hui-Min ZHU ; Wen-Yan HE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1491-1498
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the regulatory effect of Wip1 phosphatase on hematopoietic function in the mouse spleen.
METHODS:
Wip1 knockout mice were bred, and the effect of Wip1 deletion on the proportion and number of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, as well as their mature subsets in mouse spleen was detected by flow cytometry. The Proteome ProfilerTM antibody array was used to analyze the role of Wip1 deletion on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in CD45highCD11b+ myeloid cells sorted from mouse spleen.
RESULTS:
Wip1 deletion resulted in smaller size and significant reduction of cell number in the mouse spleen. The absolute numbers of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells were decreased. Meanwhile, the absolute number of T and B lymphocytes also significantly declined. However, the proportion of erythroid progenitors and erythroid cells at various stage significantly increased, but the number of mature erythroid cells decreased. Furthermore, the myeloid cells and their subsets neutrophils, monocytes, CD45highCD11b+ and CD45lowCD11b+ were all reduced. CD45highCD11b+ myeloid cells displayed proinflammatory phenotype in the spleen.
CONCLUSION
Wip1 gene deletion impairs normal hematopoietic function in the mouse spleen, leading to a significant reduction of mature hematopoietic cells of various lineages, and proinflammatory phenotype in CD45highCD11b+ myeloid cells.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Spleen/cytology*
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology*
;
Myeloid Cells/cytology*
;
Protein Phosphatase 2C
;
Hematopoiesis
;
Flow Cytometry
9.Randomized Controlled Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence Map
Mingyue LIU ; Baixiang HE ; Jingqiu HU ; Youran DAI ; Lingling REN ; Shufan GE ; Kelin LI ; Qiubai JIN ; Ping SONG ; Huiyan CHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):138-145
ObjectiveTo characterize the evidence distribution and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic dermatitis (AD) based on evidence mapping. MethodsSeven databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCTs in Chinese and English. Evidence distribution was presented graphically and textually, and methodological quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 1.0). ResultsA total of 168 RCTs were included. The number of annual publications showing an increasing trend, and 72.6% RCTs had sample sizes of 51-100 participants. The studies evaluated 108 distinct CHM interventions categorized as decoctions, granules, Chinese patent medicines, and extracts. Compound Glycyrrhizin was the most frequently used, followed by Xiaofengsan and Chushi Weiling decoction. Among the RCTs, 57.1% had the treatment courses of 4-8 weeks. Outcome measures predominantly focused on clinical response rate, skin lesion severity scores, and adverse events, with less attention to TCM symptom scores, skin barrier function, and relapse rates. The overall risk of bias was generally high. ConclusionWhile CHM for AD is a research hotspot and demonstrates clinical advantages, the related studies have problems such as unclear clinical positioning, poor research standardization and methodological quality, and insufficient prominence of TCM clinical advantages. Large-sample, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality studies are needed to enhance the evidence base for CHM in treating AD.
10.Randomized Controlled Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence Map
Mingyue LIU ; Baixiang HE ; Jingqiu HU ; Youran DAI ; Lingling REN ; Shufan GE ; Kelin LI ; Qiubai JIN ; Ping SONG ; Huiyan CHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):138-145
ObjectiveTo characterize the evidence distribution and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic dermatitis (AD) based on evidence mapping. MethodsSeven databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for the RCTs in Chinese and English. Evidence distribution was presented graphically and textually, and methodological quality was assessed via the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 1.0). ResultsA total of 168 RCTs were included. The number of annual publications showing an increasing trend, and 72.6% RCTs had sample sizes of 51-100 participants. The studies evaluated 108 distinct CHM interventions categorized as decoctions, granules, Chinese patent medicines, and extracts. Compound Glycyrrhizin was the most frequently used, followed by Xiaofengsan and Chushi Weiling decoction. Among the RCTs, 57.1% had the treatment courses of 4-8 weeks. Outcome measures predominantly focused on clinical response rate, skin lesion severity scores, and adverse events, with less attention to TCM symptom scores, skin barrier function, and relapse rates. The overall risk of bias was generally high. ConclusionWhile CHM for AD is a research hotspot and demonstrates clinical advantages, the related studies have problems such as unclear clinical positioning, poor research standardization and methodological quality, and insufficient prominence of TCM clinical advantages. Large-sample, methodologically rigorous, and high-quality studies are needed to enhance the evidence base for CHM in treating AD.

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