ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Jianpi Qinghua granules on blood glucose fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed overweight/obese type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） and Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome from the perspective of skeletal muscle mass and function， while providing new insights for the treatment of diabetes. MethodsThis study employed a randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled design. A total of 110 newly diagnosed overweight/obese T2DM patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group （54 cases） or the control group （56 cases）. Patients in the TCM group received Jianpi Qinghua Granules， while those in the control group received a placebo. Both groups underwent dietary and exercise guidance. After 12 weeks of intervention， blood glucose fluctuations were assessed using the following parameters： time in the target blood glucose range （TIR）， mean daily blood glucose （MBG）， standard deviation of mean daily blood glucose （SDBG）， mean amplitude of glycemic excursions （MAGE）， coefficient of variation of blood glucose （CV）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c） achievement rate， fasting plasma glucose （FPG）， and 2 hour postprandial glucose （2 hPG）. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry （DXA）， while skeletal muscle function was evaluated using a handheld dynamometer for distal muscle strength and a 5-time sit-to-stand test for lower limb function. Additionally， pancreatic islet function and TCM syndrome scores were analyzed. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in baseline data between the two groups before intervention， ensuring comparability. After treatment， compared to the control group， the TCM group showed a significant increase in TIR （P<0.01）. While the SDBG and CV decreased， and MBG and MAGE increased in the TCM group， these differences were not statistically significant. Notably， the TCM group exhibited significant reductions in 2 hPG （P<0.01） and HbA1c （P<0.05）， though the decrease in FPG was not statistically significant. The HbA1c achievement rate in the TCM group was significantly higher than that in the control group （χ²=45.498， P<0.01）. In terms of skeletal muscle mass and function， the TCM group demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength （P<0.01） and a significant reduction in the 5-time sit-to-stand duration （P<0.05）. However， although body fat percentage increased， leading to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and the ratio of skeletal muscle to fat， these changes were not statistically significant. For pancreatic islet function， the TCM group showed significant reductions in fasting insulin （FINS） and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） （P<0.01）. Additionally， the TCM syndrome score in the TCM group was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. ConclusionJianpi Qinghua granules may reduce blood glucose fluctuations in newly diagnosed overweight/obese T2DM patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome by enhancing skeletal muscle function， improving pancreatic islet function， and ameliorating related TCM syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of thread-dragging therapy on gangrene of non-ischemic diabetic foot ulcers (NIDFU). METHODS: A total of 136 patients with NIDFU were recruited from the Department of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 21, 2021 and February 1, 2023, and randomized into an intervention group and a control group, with 68 cases in each group. Both groups received basic treatment. The intervention group was treated with thread-dragging therapy, while the control group was treated with debridement combined with routine dressing changes after surgery. Both groups were treated continuously for 2 months. The amputation rates and changes in the ulcer area were compared between the groups. The inflammatory response index including peripheral white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophil percentage (NEUT%), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the ulcer areas in the intervention group were significantly smaller than that of the control group (8.50±3.88 cm² vs. 10.11±4.61 cm², P<0.05). The amputation rates of the two groups were not statistically significant (4.4% vs. 5.9%, P>0.05). Differences of WBCs count, CRP, and ESR before and after therapy in the intervention group were better than the control group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in changes of NEUT%, PCT, and IL-6 between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Thread-dragging therapy may be effective in the treatment of NIDFU, with the additional advantages of less tissue damage after healing. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100047496).
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Gangrene/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Amputation, Surgical ; Wound Healing ; Treatment Outcome ; Interleukin-6/blood*

Notum, a negative feedback regulator of the Wnt signaling, has emerged as a promising target for treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). This study showcases an efficient strategy for discovering the anti-Notum constituents from herbal medicines (HMs) as novel anti-GIOP agents. Firstly, a rapid-responding near-infrared fluorogenic substrate for Notum was rationally engineered for high-throughput identifying the anti-Notum HMs. The results showed that Bu-Gu-Zhi (BGZ), a known anti-osteoporosis herb, potently inhibited Notum in a competitive-inhibition manner. To uncover the key anti-Notum constituents in BGZ, an efficient strategy was adapted via integrating biochemical, phytochemical, computational, and pharmacological assays. Among all identified BGZ constituents, three furanocoumarins were validated as strong Notum inhibitors, while 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MP) showed the most potent anti-Notum activity and favorable safety profiles. Mechanistically, 5-MP acted as a competitive inhibitor of Notum via creating strong hydrophobic interactions with Trp128 and Phe268 in the catalytic cavity of Notum. Cellular assays showed that 5-MP remarkably promoted osteoblast differentiation and activated Wnt signaling in dexamethasone (DXMS)-challenged MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In dexamethasone-induced osteoporotic mice, 5-MP strongly elevated bone mineral density (BMD) and improved cancellous and cortical bone thickness. Collectively, this study constructs a high-efficient platform for discovering key anti-Notum constituents from HMs, while 5-MP emerges as a promising anti-GIOP agent.

OBJECTIVE: Angiogenesis is a critical target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. The previous studies indicated that Jiedu Fang (JDF) could inhibit hypoxia-induced angiogenesis through interleukin-8 (IL-8). Therefore, the present study further explores the mechanisms behind JDF's inhibition of HCC angiogenesis. METHODS: Angiogenesis was assessed with the capillary-like tube formation assay in vitro and the matrigel plug angiogenesis assay in vivo. A liver cancer-related gene set and genes associated with angiogenesis and the hypoxic microenvironment were analyzed using a bioinformatics platform. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays were used to assess the targeted mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The Transwell assay was used to assess the migration and invasion potential of EA.hy 926 cells. The orthotopic tumor xenograft model was established, and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect cluster of differentiation 31 and angiopoietin 2 expression, while an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor and IL-8 protein levels. RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo assays showed that IL-8 promoted angiogenesis, and JDF could antagonize this effect. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that aurora kinase A (Aurora A) was an important candidate, which can promote IL-8 expression through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The overexpression of Aurora A increased IL-8 secretion and promoted HCC migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, which was partly inhibited by JDF. Such effects were validated by in vivo assays. Further validation using the STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 demonstrated that STAT3 was regulated by Aurora A. CONCLUSION JDF exhibits efficacy in reducing hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in HCC through a mechanism involving the Aurora A/STAT3/IL-8 signaling pathway. Therefore, JDF holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for targeting HCC angiogenesis. Please cite this article as: Zhong MF, Luo YJ, Guo YY, Xiang S, Lin WF. Jiedu Fang inhibits hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting Aurora A/STAT3/IL-8 signaling pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):683-693.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood supply* ; Humans ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Interleukin-8/metabolism* ; Liver Neoplasms/blood supply* ; Aurora Kinase A/metabolism* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Angiogenesis

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Recurrence and metastasis remain the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients due to the lack of effective treatment. A microenvironment suitable for cancer cell growth, referred to as pre-metastatic niche (PMN), is formed in distant organs before metastasis occurs. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenous population of immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive effects. They can expand in large numbers in breast cancer patients and participate in the formation of PMN. MDSCs can remodel the extracellular matrix of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and recruit cancer stem cells to promote the lung metastasis of breast cancer. Furthermore, MDSCs facilitate immune evasion of breast cancer cells to impact the efficacy of immunotherapy. It is proposed that MDSCs represent a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of recurrence and metastasis in breast cancer. Therapeutic strategies targeting MDSCs have shown promising efficacy in preclinical studies and clinical trials. This review presents a summary of the principal factors involved in the recruitment and activation of MDSCs during the formation of PMN, and outlines MDSCs functions such as immunosuppression and the current targeted therapies against MDSCs, aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of distant metastases in breast cancer.
Humans ; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/immunology* ; Breast Neoplasms/immunology* ; Female ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Disease Progression ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplastic Stem Cells

Objective:To conduct a systematic evaluation of prognostic factors for retreatment of esophageal cancer patients with locoregional recurrence after radical chemoradiotherapy, and provide a clinical reference for selecting individualized retreatment schemes and improving their survival.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 85 patients with esophageal cancer who experienced locoregional recurrence at least 1 year after radical radiotherapy or chemotherapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2008 to December 2017. The effects of different nutritional and immune status and retreatment schemes on survival were compared, and the prognostic factors for retreatment were subjected to comprehensive subgroup analysis.Results:As of December 2021, the follow-up rate for all patients was 93%. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of all patients after retreatment were 31.5%, 18.6%, 10.6%, and 6.6%, respectively. For patients who received radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 36.8%, 22.3%, 13.0% and 9.3%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the time interval between the first treatment and recurrence, the retreatment schemes after recurrence, the level of serum albumin before retreatment, and the prognostic nutritional index before retreatment were independent prognostic factors for survival after retreatment ( P<0.05). Subgroup analysis was performed on the combinations of peripheral blood hemoglobin level, albumin level, and prognostic nutritional index before retreatment, as well as systemic immune inflammation index and short-term curative effect after retreatment. The results showed that the comprehensive analysis of blood routine and serum albumin indicators could accurately predict the survival after retreatment. Conclusions:The nutritional and immune status of patients with locoregional recurrence of esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy can be used to predict the prognosis of retreatment. The time interval between the first treatment and recurrence and the retreatment scheme significantly affect the survival after retreatment. The retreatment scheme should be rigorously evaluated and appropriately selected to improve the benefit-risk ratio.

The Dietary Ration for Military Personnel(GJB 826C-2022)is a new standard formulated after revision of the national military standard-Dietary Ration for Soldiers(GJB826B-2010).The major changes included that:①The daily standards of the ration for different types of stoveswere merged and integrated,and special requirements for food ration and food quality of personnel in special positions such as pilots,divers and those in direct contact with nuclear materials were specified;② The food structure was optimized.The daily standards of ration for grain,animal food,especially livestock and poultry meat were lowered while those for fruit and milk were increased.The requirements for the supply of whole grains were elevated while the proportions of lean meat,beef and mutton,seafood and other animal foods were detailed;③The new daily standards for nuts were added.The new standard could better meet the practical needsof actual combat,underscored dietary quality,and proved to be more user-friendly and practical.It is of great significance for improving the dietary nutrition of troops,creating a new dietary pattern to improve combat effectiveness,constructing a support system for joint military operations,and enhancing the military supply capabilities in China.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Fuzheng Huayu prescription on hepatocyte extinction and regeneration in fibrotic liver and its mechanism of action in promoting hepatocyte regeneration. MethodsMice were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis， and there were 10 mice in the model group， 10 in the sorafenib group， 10 in the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group， and 9 in the normal control group. Since week 4 of modeling， the mice in the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group and the sorafenib group were given the corresponding drug by gavage at a dose of 4.8 g/kg and 4 mg/kg， respectively， for three consecutive weeks， and those in the normal group and the model group were given an equal volume of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Serum liver function parameters were measured； the METAVIR scoring system was used to evaluate liver inflammation and fibrosis stage； Sirius Red staining and hydroxyproline （Hyp） content in liver tissue were used to evaluate collagen deposition； immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of type IV collagen， CD31， CD32b， Ki67， CyclinD1， glutamine synthetase， Wnt2， and HGF， and Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of Wnt2， LRP6， β-catenin， p-β-catenin， and CyclinD1 in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group， the Fuzheng Huayu prescription group and the sorafenib group showed the following changes： significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and the content of Hyp in liver tissue （all P<0.01）； a significant reduction in METAVIR score； significant reductions in the expression levels of type Ⅳ collagen and CD31 （all P<0.05） and a significant increase in the expression level of CD32b （P<0.01）； significant reductions in the number of parenchymal extinction lesions and significant increases in the expression levels of Ki67 and CyclinD1 in liver tissue （all P<0.01）； significant increases in the protein expression levels of Wnt2， LRP6， β-catenin， and CyclinD1 and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of p-β-catenin （all P<0.05）； significant increases in the number of cells stained positive for both CD32b and Wnt2. ConclusionFuzheng Huayu prescription can inhibit hepatic sinusoidal capillarization， improve the Wnt2 exocrine function of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells， activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway associated with hepatocyte regeneration， and finally reverse liver cirrhosis.