1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
2.Advances in the assessment of diabetic retinopathy severity in periarterial capillary-free zone by optical coherence tomography angiography
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):441-446
Diabetic retinopathy(DR), the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, has become a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness across all age groups. The early diagnosis and severity assessment of DR rely on the precise evaluation of retinal microvascular alterations. The periarterial capillary-free zone(paCFZ), a physiological avascular region surrounding retinal arteries, has recently been recognized as an important biomarker reflecting the status of retinal microcirculation. Advances in optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)have enabled noninvasive, high-resolution quantification of the paCFZ, offering a novel approach for the early detection and stratification of DR. This review systematically summarizes the definition and developmental mechanism of the paCFZ, as well as its morphological characteristics across different stages of DR, with a particular focus on the advantages of OCTA in visualizing and quantifying the paCFZ. We further discuss the differential manifestations of the paCFZ in nonproliferative DR and proliferative DR, and its associations with retinal ischemia and oxygenation status. In addition, the potential clinical value of paCFZ in evaluating responses to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapy and predicting disease progression is summarized. Finally, the challenges in clinical translation and future research directions are addressed, aiming to provide theoretical support and new perspectives for early screening, risk stratification, and personalized management of DR.
3.Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Jatrorrhizine in Treating Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Shengqi NIU ; Liwei LANG ; Xing LI ; Haotian LI ; Shizhang WEI ; Manyi JING ; Yanling ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):211-218
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jatrorrhizine on endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways in the mouse model of ulcerative colitis. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the low-dose and high-dose jatrorrhizine groups (0.04, 0.16 g·kg-1), and the mesalazine group (0.52 g·kg-1)The mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and treated with different doses of jatrorrhizine by gavage. The changes in body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), and colonic histopathology were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of jatrorrhizine. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was employed to determine the serum and fecal levels of metabolites in mice. Metabolomics methods were used to screen the differential metabolites, on the basis of which the potential therapeutic mechanism of jatrorrhizine on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice was investigated. ResultsAfter intervention with jatrorrhizine, the model mice showed significantly decreased DAI(P<0.05,P<0.01), recovered colon length,(P<0.05,P<0.01) and alleviated histopathology of the colon. The metabolomics study screened out 13 differential metabolites in the serum and 8 differential metabolites in the feces. The pathway enrichment analysis predicted three potential metabolic pathways: Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. ConclusionJatrorrhizine may treat ulcerative colitis by regulating the biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.
4.Pathogenesis and treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury
Bo HE ; Wen CHEN ; Suilu MA ; Zhijun HE ; Yuan SONG ; Jinpeng LI ; Tao LIU ; Xiaotao WEI ; Weiwei WANG ; Jing XIE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1230-1238
BACKGROUND:Flap transplantation technique is a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of severe tissue defects,but postoperative flap necrosis is easily triggered by ischemia-reperfusion injury.Therefore,it is still an important research topic to improve the survival rate of transplanted flaps. OBJECTIVE:To review the pathogenesis and latest treatment progress of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang Database and PubMed database were searched for relevant literature published from 2014 to 2024.The search terms used were"flap,ischemia-reperfusion injury,inflammatory response,oxidative stress,Ca2+overload,apoptosis,mesenchymal stem cells,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathways,shock wave,pretreatment"in Chinese and English.After elimination of irrelevant literature,poor quality and obsolete literature,77 documents were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Flap ischemia/reperfusion injury may be related to pathological factors such as inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,Ca2+overload,and apoptosis,which can cause apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells,vascular damage and microcirculation disorders in the flap,and eventually lead to flap necrosis.Studies have found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation,platelet-rich plasma,signaling pathway modulators,shock waves,and pretreatment can alleviate flap ischemia/reperfusion injuries from different aspects and to varying degrees,and reduce the necrosis rate and necrosis area of the grafted flap.Although there are many therapeutic methods for skin flap ischemia/reperfusion injury,a unified and effective therapeutic method has not yet been developed in the clinic,and the advantages and disadvantages of various therapeutic methods have not yet been compared.Most of the studies remain in the stage of animal experiments,rarely involving clinical observations.Therefore,a lot of research is required in the future to gradually move from animal experiments to the clinic in order to better serve the clinic.
5.Mechanism of Lijin manipulation regulating scar formation in skeletal muscle injury repair in rabbits
Kaiying LI ; Xiaoge WEI ; Fei SONG ; Nan YANG ; Zhenning ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Jing MU ; Huisheng MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1600-1608
BACKGROUND:Lijin manipulation can promote skeletal muscle repair and treat skeletal muscle injury.However,the formation of fibrosis and scar tissue hyperplasia are closely related to the quality of skeletal muscle repair.To study the regulatory effect of Lijin manipulation on the formation of fibrosis and scar tissue hyperplasia is helpful to explain the related mechanism of Lijin manipulation to improve the repair quality of skeletal muscle injury. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of Lijin manipulation to improve the repair quality of skeletal muscle injury in rabbits,thereby providing a scientific basis for clinical treatment. METHODS:Forty-five healthy adult Japanese large-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into blank group,model group and Lijin group,with 15 rats in each group.Gastrocnemius strike modeling was performed in both model group and Lijin group.The Lijin group began to intervene with tendon manipulation on the 3rd day after modeling,once a day,and 15 minutes at a time.Five animals in each group were killed on the 7th,14th and 21st days after modeling.The morphology and inflammatory cell count of gastrocnemius were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,the collagen fiber amount was observed by Masson staining,the expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in gastrocnemius was detected by ELISA.The protein and mRNA expressions of paired cassette gene 7,myogenic differentiation factor,myoblastogenin,alpha-actin,transforming growth factor beta 1,and type Ⅰ collagen were detected by western blot and RT-PCR,respectively,and the expression of type Ⅰ collagen protein was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining showed that compared with the model group,inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber content decreased in the Lijin group(P<0.01),and the muscle fibers gradually healed.ELISA results showed that compared with the model group,the expression of interleukin-6 in the Lijin group continued to decrease(P<0.05),and the expression of interleukin-10 increased on the 7th day after modeling(P<0.05)and then showed a decreasing trend(P<0.05).Western blot and RT-PCR results showed that compared with the model group,the protein and mRNA expressions of paired cassette gene 7,myogenic differentiation factor,myoblastogenin in the Lijin group were significantly increased on the 14th day after modeling(P<0.05),but decreased on the 21st day(P<0.05);the protein and mRNA expressions of alpha-actin,transforming growth factor beta 1,and type Ⅰ collagen in the Lijin group were significantly decreased compared with those in the model group(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of type Ⅰ collagen in the Lijin group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P<0.05).To conclude,Lijin manipulation could improve the repair quality of skeletal muscle injury by inhibiting inflammation,promoting the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells,and reducing fibrosis.
6.Scientific basis for acupuncture combined with neural stem cells for repairing spinal cord injury
Xiaomeng HUANG ; Zhilan ZHANG ; Wenya SHANG ; Jing HUANG ; Huilin WEI ; Bing LI ; Yafeng REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4111-4121
BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury is a neurological disorder caused by traumatic or non-traumatic events,often leading to severe functional impairment below the injured segment.In recent years,neural stem cell transplantation has been considered to have significant therapeutic potential in regulating the inflammatory response after spinal cord injury,inhibiting excessive proliferation of glial scars,and promoting nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To review and discuss the potential mechanism of action of acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation therapy in inhibiting spinal cord injury-induced secondary injury,and to delve into the scientific basis for its treatment of spinal cord injury. METHODS:PubMed,Elsevier,WanFang,and CNKI databases were searched using"spinal cord injury,acupuncture,neural stem cells,SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis"as Chinese and English search terms.Totally 96 articles were finally included.The research findings of acupuncture combined with neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury were summarized and analyzed,and the mechanism of this combination therapy in the treatment of secondary injury after spinal cord injury was summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The stromal-derived factor 1α(SDF-1α)/chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)axis plays a crucial role in neural stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury.This signaling mechanism not only affects neural stem cell migration,proliferation,and differentiation,but is also a key factor in determining the efficiency of stem cell homing to the injury site.Therefore,the regulation of targeting this axis is of great significance in enhancing the therapeutic effect of spinal cord injury.(2)Acupuncture,as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy,shows unique advantages in the regulation of secondary injury in spinal cord injury.It can effectively reduce secondary injury after spinal cord injury by regulating inflammatory response,inhibiting apoptosis,improving microcirculation,reducing glial scar formation,and counteracting oxidative stress.(3)Acupuncture was also able to influence the expression and function of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis,thereby enhancing the homing and survival ability of neural stem cells and promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.(4)The therapy combining acupuncture and stem cell transplantation is an innovative treatment strategy for spinal cord injury and suitable for repairing neural circuits.It combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with the advantages of modern biotechnology,providing a new treatment option for spinal cord injury patients.However,this combination therapy is still in the research and exploration stage,and its long-term efficacy and safety need to be further verified.(5)Taken together,acupuncture and neural stem cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury has great potential for clinical application,but in-depth research and optimization of treatment options are still needed.In the future,we look forward to further revealing the efficacy mechanism and optimal indications of this therapy through more clinical trials and mechanism studies,so as to bring better hope of recovery and more efficient therapeutic effects to spinal cord injury patients.
7.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
8.Effect of Spraying Nano-calcium Carbonate and Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate on Characters, Carbohydrate Components and Endogenous Hormones of Dendrobium officinale
Jing LI ; Rong ZHOU ; Yingyue HOU ; Wei CAI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Guangying DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):208-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of foliar fertilizer of nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate on the agronomic traits, carbohydrate and endogenous hormone contents of Dendrobium officinale planted for 1 year under greenhouse cultivation, in order to provide scientific basis for fertilization to improve the yield and quality of D. officinale. MethodsSingle-factor experimental design was adopted. Starting from early spring, D. officinale was treated with foliar spraying according to corresponding fertilizers. Three treatment groups were established based on different fertilizers, namely, a blank group(clear water), a nano-calcium carbonate group(0.727 g·L-1 nano-calcium carbonate water-soluble fertilizer), and a calcium nitrate tetrahydrate group(1.091 g·L-1 calcium nitrate tetrahydrate water-soluble fertilizer). The frequency of spraying was three times per month, and the entire treatment process lasted for nine months. The effects of various treatments on the traits and relative chlorophyll content of D. officinale were dynamically monitored. Sampling was conducted at three specific time points:August 2, 2023, September 8, 2023, and November 1, 2023, respectively. The contents of glucose and mannose in D. officinale stems were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), the content of soluble sugars in D. officinale stems and leaves was determined by phenol method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of cytokinin and auxin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the treatments with nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate could significantly increase stem length, stem node number, leaf number, and tiller number. Among them, during the harvesting period in November, the stem length and tiller number, which are indicators related to the yield of D. officinale, increased by 60.85% and 19.23% after treatment with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, and by 32.54% and 28.85% after treatment with nano-calcium carbonate, respectively. Compared with the blank group, treatments with nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate could promote the accumulation of sucrose in the stems and leaves of D. officinale to varying degrees, as well as the accumulation of polysaccharides, mannose, and glucose in the stems. In addition, nano-calcium carbonate treatment also facilitated the accumulation of fructose in the stems and leaves of D. officinale. Specifically, during the harvesting period in November, polysaccharides and mannose, which were the main active ingredients in D. officinale stems, increased by 28.48% and 29.36% after treatment with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, and by 39.91% and 82.62% after treatment with nano-calcium carbonate, respectively. In addition, compared with the blank group, the concentrations of auxin in the stems and leaves of D. officinale were significantly increased after treatment with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate(P<0.05). Similarly, the concentrations of cytokinin and auxin in the stems of D. officinale were also elevated after treatment with nano-calcium carbonate. Correlation analysis further indicated that elongation growth and tillering of D. officinale stems after foliar spraying of nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate might be related to the accumulation of carbohydrates in the stems and leaves and the synergistic effect of auxin and cytokinin. ConclusionIn production practice, spraying nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate can promote the accumulation of cytokinin, auxin, and carbohydrate contents in the stems and leaves of D. officinale, and promote tillering and elongation growth of the stems.
9.Effect of childhood maltreatment on depression in college students: a moderated mediation model
Xinghua LAI ; Huitong ZHAO ; Ruofan XIAO ; Can CUI ; Ameng ZHAO ; Wei FU ; Jing JIANG ; Tinghuizi SHANG ; Honglong LI ; Zengyan YU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):247-253
BackgroundCurrently, the problem of depressed mood in college students is becoming more prominent. The experience of childhood maltreatment is a significant contributor to depression among college students. Although the association between the two has been confirmed, the specific psychosocial mechanisms underlying how childhood maltreatment affects college students' mental health remain insufficiently evidenced. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression among college students, and to investigate the moderated effects of psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status, aiming to provide references for improving depressive symptoms in college students. MethodsOn 14 March 2024, a cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 751 college students from a university in Heilongjiang Province. Participants were assessed with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Patients' Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to examine the correlation between the scores of scales. Model 4 and model 7 in Process 4.2 were used to test the mediating effects of emotional regulation difficulties and the moderated effects of psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status. Results① A total of 712 (94.81%) valid questionnaires were collected. ② College students' CTQ score was positively correlated with DERS score and PHQ-9 score (r=0.296, 0.507, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with CD-RISC-10 score and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire score (r=-0.148, -0.229, P<0.01). ③ The indirect effect value of difficulties in emotion regulation on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression was 0.091 (95% CI: 0.018~0.046), accounting for 17.95% of the total effect. ④ The first half of the mediation model "childhood maltreatment → difficulties in emotion regulation → depression" (childhood maltreatment → difficulties in emotion regulation) was moderated by psychological resilience (β=-0.030, t=-6.147, 95% CI: -0.040~-0.020) and family socioeconomic status (β=-0.051, t=-3.929, 95% CI: -0.077~-0.026). ConclusionChildhood maltreatment exerts both a direct effect on college students' depression and an indirect effect through emotion regulation difficulties. The childhood maltreatment → emotion regulation difficulties pathway in this mediation model is moderated by psychological resilience and family socioeconomic status. [Funded by Qiqihar Medical University Graduate Student Innovation Fund Project (number, QYYCX2023-48); Special Research Fund Project for Young Doctors of Qiqihar Academy of Medical Sciences (number, QMSI2021B-08)]
10.Relationship between physical activity and sarcopenia among elderly people in ten provinces (autonomous regions) of China, 2022—2023
Yuchen WANG ; Huijun WANG ; Yuna HE ; Chang SU ; Jiguo ZHANG ; Wenwen DU ; Xiaofang JIA ; Feifei HUANG ; Li LI ; Jing BAI ; Yanli WEI ; Xiaofan ZHANG ; Fangxu GUAN ; Yifei OUYANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):661-667
Background The decline of physical activity in the elderly due to aging may increase the risk of sarcopenia. Currently, there is a lack of evidence from large natural populations on the relationship between PA and sarcopenia. Objective To explore the relationship between PA and sarcopenia in the elderly aged 60 years and above in 10 provinces (autonomous regions) of China. Methods Data were retrieved from the 2022—2023 round of the China Development and Nutrition Health Impact Cohort. Personal basic information and PA data were collected by questionnaire survey. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis, muscle strength was measured using a grip dynamometer, and physical performance was reflected by 6-meter walk speed. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria were used to diagnose sarcopenia. Light physical activity (LPA) duration, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration, and total physical activity volume were calculated. A total of

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