1.Chinese Medicine Regulates Nrf2 Signaling Pathway for Treating Hepatic Fibrosis: A Review
Shuxuan QIU ; Lin GUO ; Ruiying WANG ; Xudong MA ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):276-283
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is an abnormal repair process that occurs after chronic liver injury. It is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver, resulting in fibrous tissue hyperplasia, which may further develop into cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Currently, there is a lack of specific anti-HF drugs in clinical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has advantages in the treatment of HF, including multi-component and multi-target interventions with high safety, and can significantly delay the progression of HF. It has therefore become a current research hotspot. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as a key transcription factor involved in antioxidant stress, can effectively intervene in the progression of HF by activating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes and detoxification genes. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which active components of Chinese medicine (such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins) and TCM compound prescriptions (such as Haobie Yangyin Ruanjian prescription and Biejia Xiaozheng pills) exert anti-fibrotic effects through activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, including enhancing antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing hepatocyte apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. In addition, this article points out the current shortcomings in research based on the Nrf2 signaling pathway and proposes corresponding suggestions to promote related studies. It also provides an important theoretical basis for the development of novel anti-HF Chinese medicine targeting Nrf2.
2.High-efficient discovering the potent anti-Notum agents from herbal medicines for combating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Yuqing SONG ; Feng ZHANG ; Jia GUO ; Yufan FAN ; Hairong ZENG ; Mengru SUN ; Jun QIAN ; Shenglan QI ; Zihan CHEN ; Xudong JIN ; Yunqing SONG ; Tian TIAN ; Zhi QIAN ; Yao SUN ; Zhenhao TIAN ; Baoqing YU ; Guangbo GE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4174-4192
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.
3.Expert consensus on early orthodontic treatment of class III malocclusion.
Xin ZHOU ; Si CHEN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Weiran LI ; Jun WANG ; Min HU ; Yang CAO ; Yuehua LIU ; Bin YAN ; Jiejun SHI ; Jie GUO ; Zhihua LI ; Wensheng MA ; Yi LIU ; Huang LI ; Yanqin LU ; Liling REN ; Rui ZOU ; Linyu XU ; Jiangtian HU ; Xiuping WU ; Shuxia CUI ; Lulu XU ; Xudong WANG ; Songsong ZHU ; Li HU ; Qingming TANG ; Jinlin SONG ; Bing FANG ; Lili CHEN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):20-20
The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans
;
Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification*
;
Orthodontics, Corrective/methods*
;
Consensus
;
Child
4.Pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial function as novel strategies for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer.
Boya WANG ; Xinrui GUO ; Lanhui QIN ; Liheng HE ; Jingnan LI ; Xudong JIN ; Dapeng CHEN ; Guangbo GE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101074-101074
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent intestinal disease, and has become a major global health issue. Individuals with IBD face an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), and recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both IBD and CRC. This review covers the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction, and explores pharmacological targets and strategies for addressing both conditions by modulating mitochondrial function. Additionally, recent advancements in the pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction for treating IBD and CRC, encompassing mitochondrial damage, release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and impairment of mitophagy, are thoroughly summarized. The review also provides a systematic overview of natural compounds (such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and diterpenoids), Chinese medicines, and intestinal microbiota, which can alleviate IBD and attenuate the progression of CRC by modulating mitochondrial function. In the future, it will be imperative to develop more practical methodologies for real-time monitoring and accurate detection of mitochondrial function, which will greatly aid scientists in identifying more effective agents for treating IBD and CRC through modulation of mitochondrial function.
5.A CYP80B enzyme from Stephania tetrandra enables the 3'-hydroxylation of N-methylcoclaurine and coclaurine in the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids.
Yaoting LI ; Yuhan FENG ; Wan GUO ; Yu GAO ; Jiatao ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Chun LEI ; Yun KANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Xudong QU ; Jianming HUANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):630-640
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a structurally diverse group of plant metabolites renowned for their pharmacological properties. However, sustainable sources for these compounds remain limited. Consequently, researchers are focusing on elucidating BIA biosynthetic pathways and genes to explore alternative sources using synthetic biology approaches. CYP80B, a family of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, plays a crucial role in BIA biosynthesis. Previously reported CYP80Bs are known to catalyze the 3'-hydroxylation of (S)-N-methylcoclaurine, with the N-methyl group essential for catalytic activity. In this study, we successfully cloned a full-length CYP80B gene (StCYP80B) from Stephania tetrandra (S. tetrandra) and identified its function using a yeast heterologous expression system. Both in vivo yeast feeding and in vitro enzyme analysis demonstrated that StCYP80B could catalyze N-methylcoclaurine and coclaurine into their respective 3'-hydroxylated products. Notably, StCYP80B exhibited an expanded substrate selectivity compared to previously reported wild-type CYP80Bs, as it did not require an N-methyl group for hydroxylase activity. Furthermore, StCYP80B displayed a clear preference for the (S)-configuration. Co-expression of StCYP80B with the CYP450 reductases (CPRs, StCPR1, and StCPR2), also cloned from S. tetrandra, significantly enhanced the catalytic activity towards (S)-coclaurine. Site-directed mutagenesis of StCYP80B revealed that the residue H205 is crucial for coclaurine catalysis. Additionally, StCYP80B exhibited tissue-specific expression in plants. This study provides new genetic resources for the biosynthesis of BIAs and further elucidates their synthetic pathway in natural plant systems.
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/chemistry*
;
Benzylisoquinolines/chemistry*
;
Hydroxylation
;
Plant Proteins/chemistry*
;
Alkaloids/metabolism*
;
Stephania tetrandra/genetics*
6.Expert consensus on classification and diagnosis of congenital orofacial cleft.
Chenghao LI ; Yang AN ; Xiaohong DUAN ; Yingkun GUO ; Shanling LIU ; Hong LUO ; Duan MA ; Yunyun REN ; Xudong WANG ; Xiaoshan WU ; Hongning XIE ; Hongping ZHU ; Jun ZHU ; Bing SHI
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(1):1-14
Congenital orofacial cleft, the most common birth defect in the maxillofacial region, exhibits a wide range of prognosis depending on the severity of deformity and underlying etiology. Non-syndromic congenital orofacial clefts typically present with milder deformities and more favorable treatment outcomes, whereas syndromic congenital orofacial clefts often manifest with concomitant organ abnormalities, which pose greater challenges for treatment and result in poorer prognosis. This consensus provides an elaborate classification system for varying degrees of orofacial clefts along with corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. Results serve as a crucial resource for families to navigate prenatal screening results or make informed decisions regarding treatment options while also contributing significantly to preventing serious birth defects within the development of population.
Humans
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Cleft Lip/diagnosis*
;
Cleft Palate/diagnosis*
;
Consensus
;
Prenatal Diagnosis
;
Female
7.Analysis of the trends of gout disease burden in China from 1990 to 2021 and age-period-cohort model
Jianhu ZHENG ; Ziyan GUO ; Xudong SUN ; Yaxin PAN ; Anyu WANG ; Weidong SUN
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(12):1250-1257
Objective To analyze the temporal trends of gout disezse burden in China from 1990 to 2021,and construct an age-period-cohort(APC)model to explore the independent effects of age,period,and birth cohort on epidemiological indicators,and predict the future burden of gout disease in China from 2022 to 2035.Methods Data on gout disease burden in China during 1990-2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 database.Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess temporal trends.The APC model was applied to evaluate the age,period and cohort effects on prevalence risk and disability-adjusted life years(DALYs).A Bayesian age-period-cohort(BAPC)model was employed to project the age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR)and age-standardized DALY rate(ASDR)of gout in China from 2022 to 2035.Results From 1990 to 2021,the incidence,prevalence and DALYs of gout in China all increased substantially,with overall rising trends in the age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR),ASPR and ASDR.Compared with 1990,the incidence,prevalence and DALYs in 2021 increased by 160.45%,181.12%,and 175.93%,respectively,while their age-standardized rates increased by 23.74%,26.48%and 25.89%.Joinpoint regression analysis revealed that average annual percentage changes(AAPCs)of 0.73%for ASIR,0.82%for ASPR and 0.80%for ASDR during 1990-2021.In 2021,the number of cases and DALYs reached their peaks in males aged 55-59 years and females aged 65-69 years.Both prevalence and DALY rates increased steadily with age,with marked rises starting at age 30 in men and age 40 in women.Overall,males showed higher prevalence,DALYs and corresponding rates than those of females across all age groups.APC model results indicated that the age effect,period effect and cohort effects on prevalence and DALY rates presented an overall upward tread.Decomposition analysis showed that population aging contributed the most to the increase in incidence and DALYs from 1990 to 2021.BAPC projections suggested that by 2035,the ASPR and ASDR of gout in China reached 890.50 per 100,000 and 27.26 per 100,000,respectively.Conclusion The ASPR and ASDR of gout in China are projected to continue increasing from 2022 to 2035.Targeted public health strategies for high-risk populations are urgently needed to reduce the growing burden of gout.
8.De novo patients with high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer can benefit from the addition of docetaxel to triplet therapy: Network-analysis and systematic review.
Hanxu GUO ; Chengqi JIN ; Li DING ; Jun XIE ; Jing XU ; Ruiliang WANG ; Hong WANG ; Changcheng GUO ; Jiansheng ZHANG ; Bo PENG ; Xudong YAO ; Jing YUAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):231-233
9.Pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial function as novel strategies for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer
Boya WANG ; Xinrui GUO ; Lanhui QIN ; Liheng HE ; Jingnan LI ; Xudong JIN ; Dapeng CHEN ; Guangbo GE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):679-688
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a chronic and recurrent intestinal disease,and has become a major global health issue.Individuals with IBD face an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer(CRC),and recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both IBD and CRC.This review covers the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC,focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction,and explores pharmacological targets and strategies for addressing both conditions by modulating mitochondrial function.Additionally,recent advancements in the phar-macological modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction for treating IBD and CRC,encompassing mitochondrial damage,release of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA),and impairment of mitophagy,are thoroughly summarized.The review also provides a systematic overview of natural compounds(such as flavonoids,alkaloids,and diterpenoids),Chinese medicines,and intestinal microbiota,which can alleviate IBD and attenuate the progression of CRC by modulating mitochondrial function.In the future,it will be imperative to develop more practical methodologies for real-time monitoring and accurate detection of mitochondrial function,which will greatly aid scientists in identifying more effective agents for treating IBD and CRC through modulation of mitochondrial function.
10.Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus
Yuxiang GUO ; Maosen WANG ; Zhongyuan LIU ; Xudong ZHANG ; Pengfei MA ; Xiangkun WANG ; Renfeng LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):359-364
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with biliary duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is currently not common in clinical practice and is easily misdiagnosed, and previously, it was often considered an advanced stage of the disease with a poor prognosis, making its treatment challenging. However, in-depth studies in recent years have gradually deepened our understanding of this disease, leading to significant changes in diagnostic and treatment concepts. Currently, comprehensive treatment, mainly surgery, is used for treatment, but there is still controversy over the selection of clinical treatment strategies. This article provides a detailed discussion on surgical methods and prognosis, in order to provide a reference for clinical treatment options.

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