1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.miR-6824-3p suppresses hepatitis B virus replication by targeting NRAS to regulate TNF-α secretion in macrophages
Simin LIN ; Limin CHEN ; Yujia LI ; Shilin LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):465-477
Objective: To investigate the regulatory role of miR-6824-3p in macrophage function and its molecular mechanism in inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, thereby providing experimental evidence to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms underlying persistent HBV infection. Methods: miR-6824-3p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into human THP-1-induced macrophages. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), neutral red uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and fluorescent latex particle phagocytosis assays were employed to evaluate the effects of miR-6824-3p on macrophage phenotype and function. Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, western blot, and siRNA interference techniques, we identified the target gene of miR-6824-3p and examined their effects on downstream signaling pathways. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to assess the impact of miR-6824-3p-regulated macrophages on HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigen levels in HepAD38 cells. Key effector molecules were identified through neutralization assays. Results: miR-6824-3p mimic significantly promoted the expression and secretion of proinflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, in macrophages (P<0.001), while concurrently reducing ROS production and phagocytosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-6824-3p downregulated NRAS expression in macrophages, which was accompanied by a reduction in MAPK signalling path-way activity (p-MEK, p-ERK). Compared to the control group, the medium of macrophages with overexpressed miR-6824-3p inhibited the expression of HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigens HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcAg in HepAD38 cells (P<0.01). Similar results were also observed in the co-culture system of macrophages with HepAD38 cells. The addition of TNF-α neutralizing antibodies markedly attenuated the aforementioned antiviral effects (P<0.001). Conclusion: miR-6824-3p targets NRAS to affect the downstream MAPK signaling pathway, regulating the immune function of macrophages. The TNF-α induced by miR-6824-3p is one of the key molecules that suppress HBV replication. This study provides evidence for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs influence HBV replication via modulating the host immune microenvironment.
4.Study on Diagnostic Criteria of Quantitative Syndrome Differentiation of Toxin Syndrome of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Shilin LIU ; Andong LI ; Yanbin GAO ; Zheng NAN ; Jian SUN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):683-699
Objective To determine the diagnostic criteria of quantitative syndrome differentiation of toxin syndrome of diabetic kidney disease.Methods The questionnaire scale was developed through literature research and expert consultation.Points were assigned for the 5 major symptoms in 294 patients with DKD,and according to the TCM syndrome differentiation standard of toxic syndrome syndrome formulated by experts,it is divided into toxic syndrome group and non-toxic syndrome group.The symptom items were screened from the aspects of sensitivity,differentiation and representativeness by statistical method,and the weight value of the items was given by factor analysis.The threshold and the best diagnosis model were determined under the ROC curve.Finally,through the verification group data to verify the scale model,evaluate the diagnostic ability of the scale,and finally construct the diagnostic standard scale model of DKD toxin syndrome.Results 14 symptom items were selected as TCM related symptoms of DKD toxin syndrome,and the diagnostic threshold was determined to be 140.The diagnostic criteria of quantitative syndrome differentiation of DKD toxin syndrome were as follows:total score=fatigue * 10+edema * 10+turbid urine * 10+sore waist and knees * 10+dizziness * 10+tongue purple * 10+dark complexion * 9+limb numbness * 8+loose stools * 7+dry mouth * 4+dry eyes * 4+frequent urination at night * 3+abdominal distension * 3+greasy moss * 3.The degree of each item without this symptom should be multiplied by weight value by 0,mild by weight by 1,moderate by weight by 2,severe by weight by 3,and the total score≥140 could be diagnosed as toxin syndrome.The verification results showed that the sensitivity of the study group was 92.24%,the specificity was 96.19%,the Kappa value was 0.882,and the sensitivity,specificity and Kappa value of the verification group were 87.50%,96.97%and 0.836,respectively.Conclusion The standard scale of DKD toxin syndrome differentiation and diagnosis is constructed,and it has good diagnostic ability,which provides certain application value for clinical and scientific research.
5.The effect of hip-knee-ankle active and passive movement therapy on joint function in early and intermedi-ate-stage knee osteoarthritis patients
Xi LI ; Xiaoying REN ; Yongwei JIAO ; Zhipeng SUN ; Shilin YIN ; Zekun ZHANG ; Tianci GAO ; Jingxi WANG ; Yongwang ZHANG ; Lu LIU ; Shuangqing DU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(6):829-837
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of hip-knee-ankle active and passive exercise therapy in patients with early-to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 180 patients with early to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis(KOA)were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Tradi-tional Chinese Medicine between March 2023 and March 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups:active movement group,passive movement group,combined movement group,and control group,with 45 patients in each group.The active movement group received hip-knee-ankle active movement therapy daily until the end of follow-up.The passive movement group underwent hip-knee-ankle passive movement therapy three times per week for two weeks.The combined movement group received both active and passive therapies.The control group was administered oral celecoxib capsules(200 mg once daily for two weeks).Joint function was assessed in all four groups before treatment,at two weeks post-treatment,and at 14 weeks post-treatment.The primary outcome measure was the WOMAC joint function score,while secondary outcomes included the WOMAC pain score,stiffness score,and quality of life score(SF-12).Results A total of 160 patients completed the trial,with 39 in the active group,42 in the passive group,40 in the combined group,and 39 in the control group.There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics among the groups(P>0.05).Compared to baseline,the WOMAC scores for function,pain,and stiffness in the passive,combined,and control groups decreased significantly at both 2 and 14 weeks post-treatment(P<0.05),while the SF-12 scores increased significantly(P<0.05).Between 2 and 14 weeks post-treat-ment,the active and combined groups showed further significant decreases in WOMAC function,pain,and stiffness scores(P<0.05)and increases in SF-12 scores(P<0.05).At 2 weeks post-treatment,compared to the control group,the passive and combined groups exhibited significantly lower WOMAC function scores(P<0.05),with no significant difference between the passive and combined groups(P>0.05).By 14 weeks post-treatment,the active and combined groups demonstrated significantly lower WOMAC function scores(P<0.05),with the combined group showing a significantly lower score than the active group(P<0.05).Conclusion The four therapeutic approaches demonstrate a certain degree of efficacy in improving joint function for patients with early and mid-stage KOA.The passive therapy group exhibits superior short-term outcomes,while the active therapy group shows better long-term benefits.The combined therapy group presents notable advantages in both short-term and long-term effi-cacy,although its short-term effectiveness does not surpass that of the passive therapy group.It is recommended for patients with early and mid-stage KOA who have underlying gastrointestinal and cardiovascular conditions.
6.Study on Diagnostic Criteria of Quantitative Syndrome Differentiation of Toxin Syndrome of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Shilin LIU ; Andong LI ; Yanbin GAO ; Zheng NAN ; Jian SUN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):683-699
Objective To determine the diagnostic criteria of quantitative syndrome differentiation of toxin syndrome of diabetic kidney disease.Methods The questionnaire scale was developed through literature research and expert consultation.Points were assigned for the 5 major symptoms in 294 patients with DKD,and according to the TCM syndrome differentiation standard of toxic syndrome syndrome formulated by experts,it is divided into toxic syndrome group and non-toxic syndrome group.The symptom items were screened from the aspects of sensitivity,differentiation and representativeness by statistical method,and the weight value of the items was given by factor analysis.The threshold and the best diagnosis model were determined under the ROC curve.Finally,through the verification group data to verify the scale model,evaluate the diagnostic ability of the scale,and finally construct the diagnostic standard scale model of DKD toxin syndrome.Results 14 symptom items were selected as TCM related symptoms of DKD toxin syndrome,and the diagnostic threshold was determined to be 140.The diagnostic criteria of quantitative syndrome differentiation of DKD toxin syndrome were as follows:total score=fatigue * 10+edema * 10+turbid urine * 10+sore waist and knees * 10+dizziness * 10+tongue purple * 10+dark complexion * 9+limb numbness * 8+loose stools * 7+dry mouth * 4+dry eyes * 4+frequent urination at night * 3+abdominal distension * 3+greasy moss * 3.The degree of each item without this symptom should be multiplied by weight value by 0,mild by weight by 1,moderate by weight by 2,severe by weight by 3,and the total score≥140 could be diagnosed as toxin syndrome.The verification results showed that the sensitivity of the study group was 92.24%,the specificity was 96.19%,the Kappa value was 0.882,and the sensitivity,specificity and Kappa value of the verification group were 87.50%,96.97%and 0.836,respectively.Conclusion The standard scale of DKD toxin syndrome differentiation and diagnosis is constructed,and it has good diagnostic ability,which provides certain application value for clinical and scientific research.
7.Expert consensus on the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock for the precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma
Kai YANG ; Moyi SUN ; Longjiang LI ; Zhangui TANG ; Wei GUO ; Guoxin REN ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Hong TANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Zhijun SUN ; Qing XI ; Chunjie LI ; Xin HUANG ; Heming WU ; Wei SHANG ; Jian MENG ; Jichen LI ; Hong MA ; Guiquan ZHU ; Yi LI ; Yaoxu LI ; Haitao HE ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Dan ZHAO ; Deping SUN ; Xiaoqiang LV ; Dan CHEN ; Fujun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Yadong LI ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Xiaojuan FU ; Li XIANG ; Shouyi LI ; Shilin YIN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):149-156
Recent studies have shown that the physiological homeostasis of oral mucosal cells is regulated by the circadian clock.Dis-ruption or dysfunction of the circadian clock is closely associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Research based on the circadian clock offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OSCC.However,there is current-ly limited research on this topic,and people generally have insufficient understanding and recognition of the circadian clock.Given the complexity and challenges of circadian clock which is the fourth dimension of medical research,we organize relevant experts based on summarizing the current research results of circadian clock in the pathogenesis and precision diagnosis and treatment of OSCC,combining the scientific principles of the circadian clock's role and their long-term research experience,then summarizes and recommends the con-sensus opinions for the research of circadian clock in the pathogenesis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of human OSCC,with the hope of providing guidance for the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock or circadian rhythm in the pathogene-sis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma.
8.Second-look arthroscopic findings after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft(514 cases)
Yanye LI ; Mingfeng LU ; Lilian ZHAO ; Ting XU ; Jisi XING ; Shilin LI ; Sumin YAN ; Lilei HE
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(5):12-20
Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of 514 cases of anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft and to observe postoperative changes and recovery of the grafts through second-look arthroscopy.Methods This retrospective study collected data from 514 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft between May 2015 and June 2018,with a follow-up of at least one year.Knee function recovery and stability were assessed using the Lysholm score,International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC)score,and Tegner score,along with the pivot shift test and Lachman test.During the second-look arthroscopy,key observations included the synovial coverage,continuity of the reconstructed ligament,and any intra-articular abnormalities.Results The time interval between ACL reconstruction and second-look arthroscopy ranged from 12 to 28 months,with an average of 20 months.Postoperative infection occurred in 2 cases,both of which were successfully treated with arthroscopic debridement and drainage.No other patients experienced infections,graft resorption,or other complications.At the second-look arthroscopy,the Lysholm score significantly improved from(43.56±9.89)preoperative to(92.21±6.12)postoperatively,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);The IKDC score increased from(20.32±7.87)to(85.67±10.43),the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);The Tegner score improved from(4.31±0.82)to(6.61±1.21),the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Second-look arthroscopy revealed that the ligament remained intact in 375 patients,with partial tears in 139 patients,ligament tension was maintained in 447 patients,while 67 patients had laxity,the reconstructed ACL graft was deemed to be in good condition in 435 patients and suboptimal in 79 patients,there were significant differences observed in pre-and post-pivot shift test and Lachman test(P<0.05);Among the 514 patients,188(36.58%)successfully returned to sport.Conclusion ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft effectively restores knee function and stability.In patients followed for more than one years,the grafts show good vascularization and synovial coverage.Emphasis should be placed on systematic postoperative rehabilitation to optimize recovery.
9.Effects of Exogenous Hormones Combined with Thermotropic Stratification on Post-Ripening and Germination of Coptis chinensis Seeds
Siyu WANG ; Guofeng LI ; Siyu YANG ; Shilin CHEN ; Di LIU ; Yifei LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):14-23
Objective In this study,exogenous hormones combined with variable temperature stratification were used to relieve seed dormannia of Coptis chinensis and promote seed germination,and the effects of gibberellin on the physiological,biochemical and embryonic morphological changes of C.chinensis seeds during post-mature germination were further evaluated.Methods Using orthogonal test,different exogenous hormones(GA3,6-BA,NAA,ABA)and different temperature changing stratification(20℃/4℃)were set up,and the germination index(germination rate and split rate)of C.chinensis seeds were statistically compared.The activity of antioxidant enzymes(peroxidase POD,catalase CAT),the content of malondialdehyde(MDA)and endogenous hormones(GA,IAA,ABA)during the germination of C.chinensis seeds under optimal treatment were measured.The microscopic structure of the seeds was observed by paraffin embedding section.Results The results of range analysis showed that the best budding method was:100 mg·L-1 of gibberellin for 12 h,20℃for 60 day,4℃for 10 day.Physiological and biochemical index analysis showed that 100 mg·L-1 exogenous gibberellin treatment promoted the endogenous GA content to reach the peak in advance,maintained the POD and CAT contents at a higher level,and maintained the malondialdehyde(MDA)content at a lower level.The transformation from torpedo embryo to cotyledonous embryo was observed by electron microscope during postmature germination.Conclusion Exogenous gibberellin combined with variable temperature stratification treatment could significantly accelerate seed germination of C.chinensis,mainly by promoting seed embryo morphological development,affecting the contents of GA,POD and CAT,and rapidly relieving seed dormancy to promote seed germination.Compared with natural conditions,the germination period could be shortened by about six months.
10.The effect of hip-knee-ankle active and passive movement therapy on joint function in early and intermedi-ate-stage knee osteoarthritis patients
Xi LI ; Xiaoying REN ; Yongwei JIAO ; Zhipeng SUN ; Shilin YIN ; Zekun ZHANG ; Tianci GAO ; Jingxi WANG ; Yongwang ZHANG ; Lu LIU ; Shuangqing DU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(6):829-837
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of hip-knee-ankle active and passive exercise therapy in patients with early-to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 180 patients with early to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis(KOA)were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Tradi-tional Chinese Medicine between March 2023 and March 2024.Patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups:active movement group,passive movement group,combined movement group,and control group,with 45 patients in each group.The active movement group received hip-knee-ankle active movement therapy daily until the end of follow-up.The passive movement group underwent hip-knee-ankle passive movement therapy three times per week for two weeks.The combined movement group received both active and passive therapies.The control group was administered oral celecoxib capsules(200 mg once daily for two weeks).Joint function was assessed in all four groups before treatment,at two weeks post-treatment,and at 14 weeks post-treatment.The primary outcome measure was the WOMAC joint function score,while secondary outcomes included the WOMAC pain score,stiffness score,and quality of life score(SF-12).Results A total of 160 patients completed the trial,with 39 in the active group,42 in the passive group,40 in the combined group,and 39 in the control group.There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics among the groups(P>0.05).Compared to baseline,the WOMAC scores for function,pain,and stiffness in the passive,combined,and control groups decreased significantly at both 2 and 14 weeks post-treatment(P<0.05),while the SF-12 scores increased significantly(P<0.05).Between 2 and 14 weeks post-treat-ment,the active and combined groups showed further significant decreases in WOMAC function,pain,and stiffness scores(P<0.05)and increases in SF-12 scores(P<0.05).At 2 weeks post-treatment,compared to the control group,the passive and combined groups exhibited significantly lower WOMAC function scores(P<0.05),with no significant difference between the passive and combined groups(P>0.05).By 14 weeks post-treatment,the active and combined groups demonstrated significantly lower WOMAC function scores(P<0.05),with the combined group showing a significantly lower score than the active group(P<0.05).Conclusion The four therapeutic approaches demonstrate a certain degree of efficacy in improving joint function for patients with early and mid-stage KOA.The passive therapy group exhibits superior short-term outcomes,while the active therapy group shows better long-term benefits.The combined therapy group presents notable advantages in both short-term and long-term effi-cacy,although its short-term effectiveness does not surpass that of the passive therapy group.It is recommended for patients with early and mid-stage KOA who have underlying gastrointestinal and cardiovascular conditions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail