1.ZFX promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating Nectin-4 expression through the PI3K/AKT pathway
LONG Yuanfeng1, 2 ; YANG Yan3 ; BIAN Yuhang1 ; DENG Yubin1 ; CHEN Qiaoling1 ; YANG Hang1 ; ZHANG Ruolan1 ; ZHAO Quanneng1 ; YANG Mi1 ; BIE Jun1 ; SONG Guiqin1 ; LIU Kang1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):408-417
[摘 要] 目的:探讨X连锁锌指蛋白(ZFX)通过Nectin-4表达影响食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)进展的分子机制及其对PI3K/AKT信号通路的激活作用。方法:收集2022年8月至2023年7月在南充市中心医院手术切除的30对ESCC组织及癌旁组织标本。采用人食管上皮细胞HET-1A及ESCC细胞KYSE-30、KYSE-150、KYSE-410、KYSE-510和TE-1。基于2018年至2019年收集的6例ESCC配对标本转录组测序数据筛选Nectin-4,通过TIMER2.0数据库、RT-qPCR和WB法、免疫组织化学(IHC)检测ESCC组织及细胞中Nectin-4的表达水平。采用shRNA技术在KYSE-410和KYSE-510细胞中敲低Nectin-4,通过CCK-8、克隆形成、划痕愈合及Transwell实验检测敲低Nectin-4对细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的影响,采用WB法检测敲低Nectin-4对细胞PI3K/AKT通路及EMT相关蛋白表达水平的影响。通过生物信息学预测并结合双萤光素酶报告基因实验,鉴定并验证ZFX作为Nectin-4的上游转录调控因子。结果:综合分析显示,ESCC组织及细胞系中Nectin-4表达显著高于癌旁组织及HET-1A细胞(均P < 0.01)。功能研究表明,敲低Nectin-4显著抑制KYSE-410和KYSE-510细胞的增殖活性、克隆形成能力,以及迁移和侵袭能力(均P < 0.01)。机制方面,敲低Nectin-4时细胞中E-cadherin表达上调、N-cadherin下调(均P < 0.01),并抑制PI3K/AKT通路相关蛋白的磷酸化水平(P < 0.01)。结论: ZFX通过上调Nectin-4表达激活PI3K/AKT信号通路促进ESCC进展,为ESCC的治疗提供了潜在的新靶点。
2.Association between warning signs of psychological and behavioral development problems with emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children
LUO Meifang, SONG Qiying, ZHAO Xiaoli, GUO Yuqin, ZOU Li
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):661-665
Objective:
To explore the association between warning signs of psychological and behavioral development problems with emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children in Bao an District, Shenzhen, so as to provide an empirical basis for optimizing psychological screening strategies in kindergartens.
Methods:
From September 2023 to August 2024, a total of 49 804 preschool children aged 4-6 years from all 401 kindergartens in Bao an District were enrolled as study subjects. The Warning Signs Checklist for Screening Psychological, Behavioral and Developmental Problems of Children and the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to assess children s developmental status and emotional and behavioral problems, respectively. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between warning signs and emotional and behavioral problems, stratified by sex.
Results:
The overall positive screening rate for developmental warning signs was 1.5%, and the detection rate for high risk in the SDQ total difficulties score was 6.3%. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, children who screened positive for warning signs exhibited a significantly higher risk of elevated SDQ total difficulties and subscale scores compared to those who screened negative, across both sexes (a OR boys =1.66-13.42, a OR girls =2.04-22.15, all P <0.01). The only exceptions were gross motor skills and conduct problems in boys, and personal social skills and conduct problems in girls. Notably, abnormalities in the personal social domain demonstrated the strongest association with emotional/behavioral problems (a OR boys =7.72-13.42, a OR girls =3.88-22.15), followed by the language domain (a OR boys =4.63-9.23, a OR girls =3.78-14.41) (all P <0.01).
Conclusion
A positive screening result for warning signs, particularly in the personal social and language domains, serves as a strong indicator of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children.
3.Awareness of nutrition and health knowledge among residents aged 18-64 in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023
Fanlin ZHAO ; Jiajie ZANG ; Zhengyuan WANG ; Zhuo SUN ; Qi SONG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):76-81
Background In recent years, the National Health Commission of China organized surveys on the awareness of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adults aged 18 to 64. Shanghai, as a core sample with benchmark significance in terms of economic level, geographical location, and population structure, still lacks sufficient real-time and effective research data. Objective To estimate the awareness rate of nutrition and health knowledge of Shanghai residents aged 18-64 in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023, identify shortcomings in nutritional health knowledge and potential influencing factors to clarify the core issues that need to be addressed urgently. Methods According to the questionnaire and scoring standard designed by the National Institute of Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a stratified random sampling strategy was employed by urban/rural areas, regions, age, and gender and considering invalid questionnaires and refusal rates. Therefore, 1680 residents were selected in 4 survey sites in Shanghai. The survey subjects were grouped according to gender, marital status, age, education level, and occupation. t-test or analysis of variance was used to compare the average scores of nutritional health knowledge among different groups of respondents; chi-square test was used to analyze the awareness rate of nutritional health knowledge among respondents in different groups; and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The nutrition and health knowledge score among Shanghai residents aged 18–64 was 73.45 ± 11.51, with an awareness rate of 53.14%. The food characteristics category had the lowest correct response rate at 66.39%. The mean scores of different genders were significantly different (t=−2.12, P=0.034), and the female group had higher scores than the male group. Significant differences in average scores and awareness rates were observed among age (F=10.95, P < 0.001; χ2=24.62, P < 0.001), educational level (F=46.01, P < 0.001; χ2=119.34, P < 0.001) , and industry groups (F=10.97, P < 0.001; χ2=56.30, P < 0.001). The logistic model showed that better knowledge awareness of nutrition and health in residents with high school, technical school, and above education (OR=1.959−3.622) than those with primary education or below; and worse in argo-food processing industry; manufacturing industry; agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery; and other occupational residents than those in medical and health institutions (OR=0.458-0.504). Conclusion At present, residents’ understanding of food characteristics is particularly weak. Education level and occupation are the key factors influencing residents’ awareness rate of nutrition and health knowledge. Targeted and effective measures should be taken to improve the nutritional quality of residents.
4.Multi-targeting Action Mechanism of Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription on Doxorubicin-induced Mouse with Chronic Heart Failure Based on NF-κB/AVP-AQP2 Complex Pathway Mediated by Liver X Receptor
Baixue LI ; Junfeng ZHAO ; Song ZHANG ; Lei LIU ; Yangzhi PENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):286-297
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription (Linggui Zhugan Tang combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang) on a doxorubicin-induced mouse model of chronic heart failure (CHF). The multi-targeting action mechanism of the therapy is revealed, based on the arginine vasopressin (AVP)-vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R)-aquaporin 2 (AQP2) signaling pathway and nuclear transcription factor -κB (NF-κB) pathway mediated by the liver X receptor (LXR) in the heart, brain, and kidney tissue. MethodsCHF mouse models were established by using intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin and subsequently divided into a blank control group, a model control group, Wenyang Xiaoyin Prescription groups (Linggui Zhugan decoction combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei decoction) with various doses, a captopril group, and a combination group receiving both Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription (as before) and captopril. Cardiac function was assessed by using color Doppler echocardiography, while the levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), AVP, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the serum were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes and ventricular remodeling in ventricular tissues were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and myocardial cell apoptosis of mice was assessed by using TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were employed to detect the protein and RNA expression levels of LXRα, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cardiac tissue, LXRβ, AVP in the hypothalamus, and LXRβ, V2R, and AQP2 in the kidneys. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to quantify AQP2-positive collecting ducts in renal tissues. ResultsThe Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription significantly enhanced cardiac function indicators in CHF mice, reducing levels of BNP, AVP, and RAAS in the serum. It also mitigated myocardial cell damage and fibrosis change. The Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription inhibited the expressions of NF-κB and its downstream targets TNF-α and iNOS and improved myocardial inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and ventricular remodeling by upregulating the expression of LXRα in cardiac tissues. Concurrently, the Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription elevated LXRβ expression in the kidneys and hypothalamus while downregulating the expression levels of AVP, V2R, and AQP2, as well as water permeability in the collecting ducts, thereby alleviating cardiac load. ConclusionThe intervention of Wenyang Xiaoyin prescription demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect on CHF, and its role involves the multi-target effect mechanism of the AVP/V2R/AQP2 and NF-κB pathways mediated by the nuclear receptor LXR in the heart, brain, and kidney tissue.
5.Prevalence and related factors of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure with their comorbidities among primary and secondary school students in Changchun
SONG Yan, HAN Qihui, ZHAO Huizi, SONG Yueying
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):263-267
Objective:
To analyze the prevalence and the related factors of comorbidity of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure among primary and secondary school students in Changchun, so as to provide a basis for the intervention strategies of multiple disease prevention among primary and secondary school students.
Methods:
From September to October 2023,a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 32 552 primary and secondary school students aged 7 to 18 from 16 counties (cities) and districts in Changchun City for physical examinations and questionnaires on behavioral patterns. The Chi-square test was used for intergroup comparison and unconditional Logistic regression model was used for analyzing related factors of comorbidity presence of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure among primary and secondary school students.
Results:
The detection rate of comorbidity of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure among primary and secondary school students was 8.7%.The detection rate of boys(10.1%) was higher than that of girls(7.3%), the detection rate was higher among students in urban areas ( 10.6 %) than that in suburban areas(5.7%); and the detection rate among vocation high school students(15.7%) was higher than that in general high school students (11.8%), junior high school students (10.2%) and primary school students (5.3%).All the differences were statistically significant (χ 2=84.67, 239.28, 468.64 ,all P <0.01).The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that daily moderate to vigorous physical activity for 60 minutes or more ( OR =0.70) was associated with a reduced risk of comorbidity of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure among primary and secondary school students; boys ( OR = 1.46 ), urban residents ( OR =1.70),junior high school students( OR =1.78), general high school students ( OR =1.97), vocational high school students ( OR =2.20), and screen time without meeting the standard( OR =1.11) were associated with an increased risk of comorbidity of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure among primary and secondary school students(all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The comorbidity detection rate of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Changchun is relatively high. Targeted measures should be developed to reduce the occurrence of overweight/obesity and elevated blood pressure with comorbidity of them.
6.Differentiation and treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis based on the"midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory
Lingfei MENG ; Chaolun ZHU ; Zixu ZHAO ; Ranran SONG ; Yifan WANG ; Congling FAN ; Liuyue MI ; Shuangxi zhang
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):16-23
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research indicates that immune dysregulation resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythm is closely associated with its pathogenesis. Both Western chronomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" treatment based on temporal factors" emphasize the temporal relationship between natural rhythms and human physiology and pathology. The " midnight-noon and ebb-flow " theory represents the concrete application and deepening of TCM " treatment based on temporal factors" within the realm of chronomedicine. This article correlates the onset time of ulcerative colitis with specific periods in the " midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory:the Mao period(05:00-07:00),when the yangming large intestine meridian of hand is dominant; the Si period(09:00-11:00),when the taiyin spleen meridian of foot is dominant; and the You period(17:00-19:00),when the shaoyin kidney meridian of foot is dominant. According to this perspective,if the disease manifests during the Mao period,the pathogenesis is attributed to dampnessheat accumulation and disorder of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on clearing heat,resolving dampness,and harmonizing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Shaoyao Decoction or Baitouweng Decoction. If it occurs during the Si period,the pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen,eliminating dampness,and restoring qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Huangya Decoction or Shenling Baizhu Powder. If it presents during the You period,the pathogenesis is characterized by fire failing to warm earth,and consumption resulting in qi and blood leakage. Treatment should focus on warming the kidney and spleen,and securing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Sishen Pill or Tianhun Decoction. In addition to oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine,comprehensive therapies including acupuncture,herbal enemas,and acupoint application can provide novel insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
7.Theoretical Exploration of "Treat Heat with Cold" and "Disperse Fire Constraint" and Clinical Application in Acupuncture
Tingting SONG ; Shuo DU ; Jiping ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):808-812
The connotation of "treat heat with cold" and "disperse fire constraint" differs, and under the guidance of these two principles, there are variations in the selection of acupoints, choice of needles, and manipulation techniques in clinical acupuncture. "Treat heat with cold" is used to clear and drain heat pathogens, while "disperse fire constraint" focuses on diffusing and dissipating fire from constraint. When both fire constraint and internal heat coexist, treatment should combine both "dispersing the fire" and "cooling the heat". In clinical acupuncture, for clearing heat and draining heat pathogens, acupoints on Governor vessel (督脉) and Yangming (阳明经) channel are commonly selected, with Jing-well points, Ying-spring points and He-sea points. To diffuse and dissipate fire constraint, acupoints on the Taiyang (太阳) and Shaoyang (少阳) channels are usually chosen, with Jing-river points and Ashi points as the primary options. In terms of needle choice, for heat syndrome, filiform needles, three-edged needles, and cupping are often used for clearing heat and resolving toxins; for fire constraint syndrome, moxibustion and fire needles are employed to expel fire from the body. Regarding manipulation techniques, draining method can be used in both conditions, with heat syndrome requiring shallow needling and quick removal, while fire constraint syndrome requiring deeper and longer retention of needles, having an emphasis on hand pressure coordination and smooth qi flow. In clinical practice, it is essential to distinguish the presence of "constraint" and the depth of the disease location to appropriately combine "dispersing fire" and "cooling heat".
8.Study on the mechanism of Huatan qushi huoxue formula in improving metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Dongfang SHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):864-869
OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula (HQHF) inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups: Control group (10% blank serum), Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], HQHF-L group (2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), HQHF-M group (5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), and HQHF-H group (10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS). After 24 h of routine culture post-administration, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy; localization and expression of gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology (cell membrane bulging and pore formation), increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane ( P <0.05), significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). Compared with the Model group, the HQHF-L, HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology, reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N ( P <0.05), significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis, and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
9.High-altitude exposure on retinal damage and oxidative stress levels
Quan ZHAO ; Song WANG ; Chen YIN ; Meng JING ; Juan MA ; Yan CAI
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):760-766
AIM:To investigate the effects of high-altitude hypoxic exposure on retinal injury and the associated changes in oxidative stress-related indicators in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into a plain group and a high-altitude group, with 12 rats(24 eyes)in each group. Rats in the plain group were housed under normoxic conditions in an SPF-grade animal facility, whereas rats in the high-altitude group were placed in a special environmental chamber simulating an altitude of 6 000 m for 7 d. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to assess retinal layer architecture and quantify retinal thickness. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe retinal histopathological changes. Immunofluorescence(IF)was used to detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)in retinal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was applied to examine the ultrastructure of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD), and reduced glutathione(GSH)in retinal tissue. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in retinal tissue were assessed using the 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)fluorescent probe. RESULTS: OCT examination revealed disorganized retinal architecture in the high-altitude group, with increased inner and middle ring thickness and decreased outer ring thickness compared with the plain group(all P<0.05). HE staining showed varying degrees of retinal layer damage, blurred layer boundaries, loosely arranged RGCs, and partial cellular necrosis in the high-altitude group. IF analysis demonstrated significantly increased HIF-1α expression in the inner nuclear layer of the high-altitude group(P<0.01). TEM revealed mitochondrial swelling, disrupted cristae, and reduced matrix electron density in RGCs of the high-altitude group. ELISA and fluorescence probe assays showed significantly elevated MDA levels and ROS fluorescence intensity, accompanied by decreased T-SOD and GSH levels in the retinal tissue of the high-altitude group(all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to a high-altitude hypoxic environment induces marked morphological and ultrastructural damage in the rat retina and significantly enhances oxidative stress, suggesting that oxidative stress may play a critical role in retinal injury induced by high-altitude hypoxia.
10.Analysis on Characteristics and Prescriptions of Chinese Patent Medicines for Functional Diarrhea on Market
Shuangfei DENG ; Siyu LI ; Changyue SONG ; Caiyu LIU ; Daiyue DING ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):261-268
ObjectiveThis study focused on the marketed Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of Functional Diarrhea (FDr) in China and their prescription characteristics, in order to provide support for the clinical application and research and development of anti-FDr Chinese patent medicines. MethodsCollect the information of Chinese patent medicines that have been marketed to treat FDr, use Microsoft Excel 2021 software to conduct preliminary data collation and statistical analysis, and use the ancient and modern medical record cloud platform (V2.3.9) to analyze the standardized Chinese patent medicine prescriptions from the aspects of drug nature and taste, medication characteristics and prescription rules. Results147 kinds of FDr Chinese patent medicines were included in this study. There are a total of 40 varieties of FDr Chinese patent medicines suitable for children; The distribution of dosage forms is mainly pills, tablets, and capsules. 110 prescriptions were screened, among which the proportion of Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of spleen deficiency syndrome was the highest; The top three drug use frequency were licorice, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Poria cocos; The medicinal properties are mainly warm and flat, and the medicinal taste is mostly pungent, sweet and bitter, and most of them belong to the two meridians of the spleen and stomach; The association rules analysis obtains 20 strong association pairing sets; Three drug combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionFDr Chinese patent medicine shows unique value in clinical application, especially in the field of children. However, there are still problems such as strong professionalism in the indication expression of drug instructions, limited coverage of the medical insurance catalog, and lack of high-level evidence-based medicine and pharmacoeconomic evidence. To this end, in the future, efforts should be made to build a multi-level evidence-based evidence system, improve medication compliance, and deepen research on syndrome-based medication laws, so as to enhance the clinical application value and scientific connotation of FDr Chinese patent medicines.


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