1.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
2.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
3."Olfactory Administration of Chinese Medicine"——A New Form of Application of Chinese Medicine
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):225-232
As an innovative form of combining traditional aromatherapy with modern nasal medicine delivery technology, "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" carries the theoretical essence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is "moving and channeling Qi and fragrance, dredging and awakening the mind". Based on the systematic records of olfactory therapies in ancient books in emergency care, disorders of consciousness, lung system, and gynecological diseases, this paper examines the historical evolution of its clinical application, and elucidates the profound historical basis and theoretical feasibility of "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" as a new form. Combined with the innovation and precise application of modern Chinese medicine olfactory agents in multi-system diseases such as nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, this paper further analyzes the multi-dimensional mechanism of olfactory receptor pathway, olfactory brain pathway, nasal mucosal blood vessels, and lymphatic channels, and demonstrates its advantages of rapid onset, targeted brain entry, and systemic regulation. Under the background of continuous growth in the demand for external TCM treatment, continuous breakthroughs in the technology of nasal dosage forms, and increasingly accurate drug delivery paths, Chinese medicine olfactory agents have shown significant practical applicability and development potential. This study aims to provide theoretical support and practical direction for the system construction of this form.
4.Palmar approach to on-top plasty for correction of radial polydactyly
Xiaoli WANG ; Baoxing TIAN ; Shengbo ZHOU ; Shihui LIN ; Xuesong GUO ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):669-673
Objective:To study the clinical outcome of palmar approach to on-top plasty in the treatment of unequal radial polydactyly.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with unequal radial polydactyly in which neither thumb duplicates possess both well-developed proximal and distal components. All the patients underwent palmar approach to on-top plasty between September 2013 and September 2023 at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and Shanxi Children’s Hospital. At the final follow-up, the active flexion-extension range of motion of the first metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints was measured, along with grip and pinch strength. The Vancouver scar scale was used to assess scar formation (total score 0-15, with higher scores indicating more severe scarring). Additionally, the pediatric quality of life inventory (total score 0-100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life, evaluated by the children themselves or by their parents/guardians on their behalf) and the satisfaction questionnaire (total score ranges from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction) were used to assess the patients’ daily quality of life and parents’satisfaction.Results:A total of 28 pediatric patients were included, comprising 15 males and 13 females, with an average age of 15 months (range: 10-36 months). All cases presented unilateral radial polydactyly, including 18 right hands and 10 left hands. The mean follow-up duration was 4.2 years (range: 1.5-6.0 years). All incisions healed in one stage, and the skin flaps survived well without infection. Joint stability was maintained without any deviation. All reconstructed thumbs demonstrated satisfactory aesthetic appearance. The reconstructed thumbs demonstrated mean active flexion-extension arcs of 76° (range 61°-85°) at the first metacarpophalangeal joint, and 42° (range 21°-65°) at the interphalangeal joint. The grip strength of the hand was 82% (63%-90%) of the normal opposite hand. The key, tip and tripod pinch strength were 76%(66%-83%), 77%(66%-85%) and 79%(68%-87%) of the normal opposite hand, respectively. No scar hyperplasia was found in all cases, and the Vancouver scar scale score was 1.2(0-3) points. The self-assessment score of the children on the pediatric quality of life inventory was 86 points, and the score of the parents/guardians was 91 points. In terms of family satisfaction, 23 patients scored 5, and 5 patients scored 4.Conclusion:The use of palmar approach to on-top plasty to treat unequal radial polydactyly can achieve functional and aesthetic results.
5.Isolation,identification and genome-wide analysis of a strain of Klebsiella pneu-moniae type ST-4263 from Kole pigs
Guixian ZHOU ; Shihui WU ; Minle WANG ; Yixiao LIAO ; Shuang LI ; Zemin YANG ; Ming WEN ; Simei XIAN ; Ying YANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1679-1687,1695
The 16S rRNA sequencing,whole genome sequencing and drug sensitivity tests were used to identify the isolates molecularly and to detect and analyse their virulence genes,resistance genes and drug resistance.The results showed that the isolate was highly homologous to Klebsiella pneumoniae X4 and located on the same branch by 16S rRNA sequence analysis,and it was named as KLKp10.Whole genome sequencing results showed that the KLKp10 genome was 5 342 841 bp in length,containing 5 138 genes,346 repetitive segments,6 rRNAs and 81 tRNAs,with a GC con-tent of 57.30%.MLST analysis showed that KLKp10 belongs to the ST-4263 type.The functions of 4 097 of the genes encoding proteins were classified and annotated by COG,and there were also 382 genes with unknown functions.A total of 50 functional classifications were involved in the an-notation results based on the GO database;33 kinds of signaling pathways were covered based on the signaling pathway annotations in the KEGG database.A total of 443 virulence genes were screened in the VFDB database,of which 339 belonged to the Set A database and could encode 124 virulence factors.The 101 resistance genes were predicted by comparing with the CARD database,among which there were more resistance genes against β-lactam antibiotics.The results of drug sensitivity test showed that KLKp10 was highly sensitive to ceftazidime,gentamicin,azithro-mycin,chloramphenicol,norfloxacin,ofloxacin,and enrofloxacin;moderately sensitive to ceftriax-one,neomycin,kanamycin,and streptomycin;and resistant to ciprofloxacin,tetracycline,amoxicil-lin,and penicillin.In this study,we systematically revealed the gene-wide characterization,virulence factors and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae KLKp10 of Kole pig origin,which provides important data support for the study of Klebsiella pneumoniae at the overall level of its genome.
6.Retrospective study of 174 cases of very high-risk and ordinary high-risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Huimin LIU ; Jiaxin LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jing CHEN ; Yan SUN ; Lin SUN
Practical Oncology Journal 2025;40(4):306-314
Objective To identify clinicopathological parameters that differentiate between very high-risk and ordinary high-risk gas-trointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs)to provide guidance for clinical treatment and follow-up monitoring.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted,collecting 174 cases of high-risk GISTs initially diagnosed and surgically resected at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between January 1st,2011,and December 31st,2019.Based on long-term follow-up data,the X-tile software was used to identify key parameters for screening very high-risk GISTs from ordinary high-risk GISTs,and the results were validated by using high-risk GIST cases from the cBioPortal database.Results Among the 174 high-risk GIST cases,the X-tile software indicat-ed that the maximum tumor diameter of 14 cm,the mitotic count of 14/5 mm2,and the Ki-67 proliferation index of 10%were the optimal cutoff values for distinguishing very high-risk GISTs from ordinary high-risk GISTs.Univariate survival analysis confirmed that these cutoff values were associated with progression free survival(PFS,all P<0.05).Multivariate survival analysis confirmed that the maximum tumor diameter≥14 cm(HR=5.727,P<0.01),mitotic count≥14/5 mm2(HR=2.454,P=0.047),and Ki-67 proliferation index≥10%(HR=2.275,P=0.047)were independent risk factors for tumor progression in high-risk GIST patients.High-risk GISTs with any one of the three parameters more than or equal to its optimal cutoff value were defined as very high-risk GISTs,and the other GISTs were defined as ordinary high-risk GISTs.Compared to very high-risk GIST patients,the ordinary high-risk GIST patients had superior PFS(P<0.01),and a trend toward better overall survival(OS,P=0.082).Stratified analysis showed that,in subgroups of patients with gastric or non-gas-tric primary tumors,those receiving or not receiving adjuvant therapy,and those with KIT proto-oncogene,receptor tyrosine kinase(KIT)gene mutations,ordinary high-risk GIST patients all exhibited superior PFS compared to very high-risk GIST patients(all P<0.05).Both PFS and OS of ordinary high-risk GIST patients in the cBioPortal database were better than those of very high-risk GIST patients(both P=0.001).Stratified analysis of the cBioPortal database data showed that,in subgroups of patients with gastric or non-gastric primary tu-mors,those who received adjuvant therapy,and those with KIT gene mutations,ordinary high-risk GIST patients all exhibited superior PFS compared to very high-risk GIST patients(all P<0.05);conversely,among patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy,very high-risk GIST patients showed a trend toward poorer PFS(P=0.366).Conclusions This study has established a method utilizing commonly used clinical parameters to distinguish very high-risk GISTs in clinical practice.However,further validation through multicenter studies with larger sample sizes is still required.
7.Exercise-induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis: A potential therapeutic tool to fight aging and disease.
Jizong JIANG ; Yongjun ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Hao YANG ; Shihui ZANG ; Emeli CHATTERJEE ; Guoping LI ; Dragos CRETOIU ; Cuimei ZHAO ; Junjie XIAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(20):2552-2587
Aging is an inevitable, physiological process of the human body, leading to deterioration in bodily function and increased susceptibility to various diseases. Effective endogenous therapeutic strategies for anti-aging and related diseases remain limited. Exercise confers multifaceted benefits to physical health by augmenting osteogenic and myogenic processes, enhancing cardiovascular and nervous system function, and attenuating chronic inflammation. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis play pivotal roles in anti-aging, tissue repair, and immune response modulation, underscoring their potential as therapeutic targets for age-related diseases. Modulating angiogenic and lymphangiogenic pathways may provide a promising strategy for mitigating vascular decline and immune system dysfunction associated with aging. Exercise-induced endogenous angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis can exert beneficial effects on physiological function, thereby representing a potential therapeutic paradigm for combating age-related decline and diseases. This review offers a thorough summary of the present knowledge regarding angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis induced by exercise, encompassing the underlying mechanisms and the effects in different organs. In addition, it explores the potential of physical activity as a non-pharmacological intervention for anti-aging strategies and disease management, offering novel insights into the intersection of physical activity, aging, and disease progression.
Humans
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Lymphangiogenesis/physiology*
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Aging/physiology*
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Exercise/physiology*
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Animals
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Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology*
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Angiogenesis
8.Effect of lncRNA MANCR on Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-150-5p/GPNMB Axis
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):135-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mitotically-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA MANCR) on the proliferation,migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the microRNA-50-5p (miR-150-5p)/non-metastatic melanoprotein B (GPNMB) axis. MethodsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in 42 cases of GC tissue and adjacent tissue resected during surgery in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to September 2023 were detected by Real-time PCR. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 and human GC cells BGC-823 were cultured in vitro, and their lncRNA MANCR expression was detected. BGC-823 cells were randomly separated into control group (routine culture),sh-NC group (with sh-NC transfected),sh-MANCR group (with sh-MANCR transfected),sh-MANCR + anti-NC group (with sh-MANCR and anti-NC both transfected),and sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group (with sh-MANCR and anti-miR-150-5p both transfected). The mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in the BGC-823 cells of all groups were analyzed. EdU staining was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion of BGC-823 cells. The expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin, and GPNMB were detected by Western blot. The interactions between lncRNA MANCR and miR-150-5p and between miR-150-5p and GPNMB were analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. ResultsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB in GC tissue were higher than those in adjacent tissue,and the expression of miR-150-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissue (P<0.05). Compared with that in GES-1,lncRNA MANCR expression in BGC-823 cells was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-NC group and control group,the EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,the mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB, and the expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein in the BGC-823 cells in the sh-MANCR group were lower ,and the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin were higher (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-MANCR group and the sh-MANCR + anti-NC group,the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin in the sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group were decreased. The EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,mRNA expressions of GPNMB, and expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA MANCR could target the negative regulation of miR-150-5p,and miR-150-5p could target the negative regulation of GPNMB. ConclusionKnockout of lncRNA MANCR can inhibit the proliferation,migration, and EMT of GC cells by regulating the miR-150-5p/GPNMB axis.
9.Effect of lncRNA MANCR on Proliferation, Migration, and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Gastric Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-150-5p/GPNMB Axis
Chao LI ; Shihui WANG ; Jie LIN ; Fanke WANG ; Rui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):135-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mitotically-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA MANCR) on the proliferation,migration, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells by regulating the microRNA-50-5p (miR-150-5p)/non-metastatic melanoprotein B (GPNMB) axis. MethodsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in 42 cases of GC tissue and adjacent tissue resected during surgery in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2022 to September 2023 were detected by Real-time PCR. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 and human GC cells BGC-823 were cultured in vitro, and their lncRNA MANCR expression was detected. BGC-823 cells were randomly separated into control group (routine culture),sh-NC group (with sh-NC transfected),sh-MANCR group (with sh-MANCR transfected),sh-MANCR + anti-NC group (with sh-MANCR and anti-NC both transfected),and sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group (with sh-MANCR and anti-miR-150-5p both transfected). The mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR,miR-150-5p, and GPNMB in the BGC-823 cells of all groups were analyzed. EdU staining was used to detect the proliferation of BGC-823 cells. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion of BGC-823 cells. The expressions of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin, and GPNMB were detected by Western blot. The interactions between lncRNA MANCR and miR-150-5p and between miR-150-5p and GPNMB were analyzed by dual luciferase reporter assay. ResultsThe mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB in GC tissue were higher than those in adjacent tissue,and the expression of miR-150-5p was lower than that in adjacent tissue (P<0.05). Compared with that in GES-1,lncRNA MANCR expression in BGC-823 cells was increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-NC group and control group,the EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,the mRNA expressions of lncRNA MANCR and GPNMB, and the expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein in the BGC-823 cells in the sh-MANCR group were lower ,and the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin were higher (P<0.05). Compared with those in the sh-MANCR group and the sh-MANCR + anti-NC group,the protein expressions of miR-150-5p and E-cadherin in the sh-MANCR + anti-miR-150-5p group were decreased. The EdU-positive cell rate,migration number,invasion number,mRNA expressions of GPNMB, and expressions of protein,N-cadherin protein, and Vimentin protein were increased (P<0.05). lncRNA MANCR could target the negative regulation of miR-150-5p,and miR-150-5p could target the negative regulation of GPNMB. ConclusionKnockout of lncRNA MANCR can inhibit the proliferation,migration, and EMT of GC cells by regulating the miR-150-5p/GPNMB axis.
10.Effect of Dachaihu decoction on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis and liver injury and its association with gut microbiota modulation in mice
Qingqing XIANG ; Feng LAI ; Hong XIAO ; Zhengjia PU ; Lingli MA ; Xiangyun LIU ; Shihui LI ; Shengmin MAO ; Jiarui FAN ; Yuchen LI ; Ankang LI ; Yang WANG ; Qunhua BAI
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(8):1084-1095
Objective:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Dachaihu decoction(DCD)on dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)and liver injury in mice,as well as the association between DCD benefits and gut microbiota modulation.Methods:Mice were treated with DCD(20.10 and 10.05 g/kg)for 2 weeks,with free access to drinking water containing 3%DSS in the second week to induce UC.Histopathological examination,RT-qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to investigate the effect of DCD on UC mice.Results:DCD pretreatment significantly alleviated weight loss,bloody diarrhea with mucus,histopathological abnormalities of the colon,and colon shortening in mice with DSS-induced UC.In addition,DCD pretreat-ment significantly upregulated the levels of Occludin,ZO-1,and MUC-2 in the colon and protected the intestinal barrier of mice.DCD pretreatment also alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon and the liver and significantly reduced the expression levels of the proinflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,iNOS,COX-2,and NLRP3,thereby exerting a protective effect against UC and liver injury.It should be noted that DCD corrected gut micro-biota imbalance in UC mice by enriching probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reducing harmful bacteria such as Norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae and Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusion:DCD can alleviate DSS-induced UC and exert a liver-protecting effect by protecting intestinal barrier,inhibiting inflam-mation,and regulating gut microbiota.

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