1.Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers and Compounds on Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Review
Xiaonan YAN ; Jigao LI ; Ruixiang YANG ; Ruilin LIU ; Quan ZHOU ; Zhen LI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):289-298
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease with synovitis as the main manifestation, which often causes joint swelling and pain or even deformity. It is considered to be an incurable lifelong disease. Although the current Western medicine treatment can alleviate the progression of the disease, it has the clinical limitations of liver injury, cardiovascular complications, and other adverse reactions, along with easy recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and has the advantages of individualized treatment and fewer adverse reactions. It can effectively relieve the symptoms of joint swelling and pain in RA patients and slow down the progression of bone destruction, which has attracted wide concern in the medical community. Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is an important intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune regulation, and other biological behaviors, and plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of RA. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and compounds can inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), regulate immune response, and thus exert an effect in the treatment of RA. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic induction and overview. Therefore, by searching the relevant literature in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases from 2009 to 2024, this study described the mechanism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of RA and summarized the research progress of TCM monomers and compounds in regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in RA intervention. The study aims to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of RA with TCM and the research and development of new drugs.
2.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.
3.Shaoyaotang Regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis
Dongsheng WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenjing QUAN ; Wanqing XIONG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):69-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis, as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.42 g·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (11.1, 22.2, 44.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After successful modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated DAI score (P<0.01), reduced colon length and colon weight (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased colon length and colon weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
5.Research progress in gene therapy for heart failure
Yan CONG ; Ran ZHENG ; Ming LI ; Zhi XIU ; Quan WAN
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(9):707-711
Heart failure(HF)is a cardiovascular disease with a high prevalence and mortality rate worldwide,and despite the widespread use of existing drugs,device intervetions and surgical procedures,the clinical outcomes are still unsatisfactory.The exploration of new methods to treat HF is still an urgent problem.Gene therapy provides a new therapeutic strategy for HF by targeting the regulation of pathogenic genes.This article systematically reviewed the delivery system optimization,key targets and clinical translational challenges of gene therapy for HF,aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of treatment strategies.
6.Efficacy Analysis of BMD,T-scores,HU Values,and Modified VBQ Scores in Predicting Thoracolumbar Fragility Fractures
Shixin XU ; Rongshuang YAN ; Cheng PAN ; Yang LUO ; Derui FEI ; Quan LI ; Ying ZHANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(8):58-64
Objective To investigate the differences in BMD,T-scores,lumbar HU values,and modified VBQ scores in patients with thoracolumbar fractures,analyze their correlations,and evaluate their predictive efficacy for thoracolumbar fractures.Methods Patients with thoracolumbar fragility fractures and hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively enrolled.Among them,132 eligible patients were divided into the fracture group(n=63)and the non-fracture group(n=69).BMD and T-scores of L1~L4 vertebrae were measured via DEXA,lumbar HU values were obtained from CT scans,and modified VBQ scores were calculated using lumbar MRI.Intergroup comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests.Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships among BMD,T-scores,HU values,and modified VBQ scores.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate their predictive performance for thoracolumbar fractures.Results The fracture group exhibited significantly lower mean BMD,T-scores,and HU values in L1~L4 compared to the non-fracture group,while modified VBQ scores were significantly higher(P<0.001).Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between BMD,T-scores,and HU values in L1~L4,whereas all three parameters showed a significant negative correlation with modified VBQ scores(P<0.001).The AUC values for predicting thoracolumbar fractures were 0.826(T-score),0.836(BMD),0.759(HU value),and 0.875(modified VBQ score),with optimal cutoff thresholds of-1.65(T-score),0.836 g/cm2(BMD),68.4(HU value),and 3.01(modified VBQ score),respectively.Conclusion BMD,T-scores,HU values,and modified VBQ scores in L1~L4 vertebrae are significantly correlated and can serve as the predictive indicators for thoracolumbar fractures.Among them,the modified VBQ score demonstrates the best predictive performance,making it a valuable auxiliary tool for assessing the vertebral bone quality.
7.Ultrasound Characteristics of Secondary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid.
Dong LIU ; Yan-Jia GOU ; Quan WEN ; Su-Ting ZONG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(3):390-395
Objective To analyze the ultrasonographic features of secondary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid(SSCC-T)and evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and ultrasonographic data from 12 patients with pathologically confirmed SSCC-T treated at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University between January 2016 and January 2025.Evaluated parameters included lesion size,echogenicity,edge,vascularity,calcification,and cervical lymph node metastasis.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyze the ultrasonographic features of SSCC-T,and Fisher's exact test was conducted to analyze the correlation between different ultrasound classifications and thyroid dysfunction.Results The 12 patients showed the following ultrasound classifications:nodular type(50.0%,6/12),diffuse type(33.3%,4/12),and mixed type(16.7%,2/12).All diffuse-type patients exhibited a characteristic cord-like hypoechoic pattern.Cervical lymph node metastasis was observed in all the patients,with 75.0%(9/12)showing lymph nodes >2 cm in maximum diameter.Thyroid dysfunction occurred in 66.7%(8/12)of patients,including 2 patients with dynamic shifts from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism.Diffuse and mixed types were associated with hypothyroidism(P=0.038).Conclusions SSCC-T demonstrates specific ultrasonographic features,particularly the cord-like hypoechoic pattern in the diffuse type.For patients with squamous cell carcinoma,regular ultrasound examinations of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes combined with changes in thyroid function are conducive to the timely detection of thyroid metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Ultrasonography
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging*
;
Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging*
;
Lymphatic Metastasis
;
Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
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Thyroid Gland/diagnostic imaging*
;
Adult
8.Advances in Applications of Machine Learning for Colorimetric Analysis
Yu-Han YAN ; Quan-Feng WANG ; Yu-Tong LAI ; De-Min YANG ; Chang XIA
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1797-1807
Colorimetric analysis is a detection and quantification method based on observable color changes in response to analytes,which offers significant advantages including visually detectable signals,straightforward operation,rapid response,and low cost.Consequently,it plays a crucial role in a variety of fields.With increasingly diverse and complex application,colorimetric analysis requires continuous improvement in sensitivity,adaptability to diverse detection environments,and complex data handling capabilities.In recent years,the development of artificial intelligence technology,particularly within its core domain of machine learning(ML),has led to significant advancements in colorimetric analysis.The ML-assisted colorimetric analysis enables high-throughput and high-sensitivity detection,alongside automated analysis,thereby providing novel strategies to overcome the inherent limitations.This review categorized machine learning techniques and summarized their application in colorimetric analysis,introducing two fundamental categories of supervised learning,and unsupervised learning based on the division of core learning paradigms.The research progress of ML-assisted colorimetric analysis in the fields of environmental monitoring,biochemical detection,and food safety were summarized.Finally,the current challenges facing by this research area were analyzed and the research prospect of ML-assisted colorimetric analysis was outlined.
9.Construction of a triple pre-rehabilitation intervention program for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy
Xiangfeng QUAN ; Xinxi HE ; Yang CHEN ; Liulin PAN ; Qiulan WU ; Huayan MA ; Jiyan HONG ; Yanmei TANG ; Yan HUANG ; Wenqin LI
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(28):2199-2205
Objective:To construct a triple pre-rehabilitation intervention program for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, to provide a basis for promoting pre-rehabilitation in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.Methods:Literature analysis was used to search domestic and foreign databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, PubMed, etc, on triple pre-rehabilitation and rapid rehabilitation of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, with a search time frame from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2023. The Delphi expert letter consultation was conducted later, and the final draft of the triple pre-rehabilitation intervention program for patients with radical prostatectomy was finally formed.Results:A total of 20 experts completed 2 rounds of inquiries, all were female, with an age of (40.85 ± 5.40) years old. The response rates for the 2 rounds of expert inquiries were both 100%(20/20). The authority coefficients of the experts were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively. Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.11 and 0.21, respectively. The coefficient of variation for each item in the second round of inquiries ranged from 0 to 0.15. The triple pre-rehabilitation intervention program for patients with radical resection of prostate cancer was constructed, including 4 primary indexes, 8 secondary indexes and 25 tertiary indexes.Conclusions:It is scientific, targeted and feasible to construct a triple pre-rehabilitation intervention program for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy based on Delphi method, which can provide clinical basis for pre-rehabilitation of elderly patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery.
10.Role of miR-130b-3p/USP47/NLRP3 inflammasome in airway remodeling in asthma
Chang-lin QUAN ; Zhi-guang WANG ; Qiao-yun BAI ; Ning-po DING ; Yi-lan SONG ; Guang-hai YAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1500-1508
Aim To investigate the role of miR-130b-3p in regulating the USP47/NLRP3 inflammasome in airway remodeling associated with asthma and to explore its potential therapeutic value in asthma treat-ment.Methods An OVA-induced asthma mouse mod-el was established,and intervention with miR-130b-3p agomir was performed.Histological staining,quantita-tive real-time PCR,Western blot,immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to analyze the effects of miR-130b-3p on the expression of USP47,NLRP3,and related inflammatory factors,as well as the inflamma-some activity.Results miR-130b-3p was significantly downregulated in asthmatic mice,and its intervention significantly inhibited airway epithelial damage,inflam-matory cell infiltration,and collagen deposition.Addi-tionally,miR-130b-3p targeted USP47 and indirectly suppressed NLRP3 expression,leading to reduced in-flammasome activity and alleviated asthma-related in-flammatory responses.Conclusion miR-130b-3p re-duces asthma-related inflammatory responses by down-regulating USP47 expression and indirectly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activity.

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