1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
2.Mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules regulating NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway on antidepressant effect in rats
Shuang MENG ; Jie ZHAO ; Xinxin WANG ; Dandan TAN ; Xiaorong ZHOU ; Huimin SUN ; Xiaojuan MA ; Zhenyu FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1440-1446
OBJECTIVE To explore the antidepressant mechanism of Wenyang jieyu granules (WYJYG) via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC)/Caspase-1 pathway. METHODS A rat model of depression was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with single-housing for 42 consecutive days.The experiment set up blank group, model group, MCC950 (NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor) group (10 mg/kg), fluoxetine group (positive control,2.08 mg/kg),low-dose WYJYG(3.78 g/kg) and high-dose WYJYG group (7.56 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group. From the 22nd day of the experiment, rats in the fluoxetine group, low-dose and high-dose WYJYG groups were intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Rats in the MCC950 group were intraperitoneally injected with MCC950 at the corresponding concentration and intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water. Rats in the blank group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage and an equal volume of normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. All interventions were performed once a day for 21 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were conducted once a week. After the last administration, the contents of ASC, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in hippocampal tissues were detected. The protein expressions of NLRP3, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein were determined, and neuronal apoptosis was observed. RESULTS After the last administration, compared with the model group, the open-field activity time was significantly prolonged ( P <0.05), and the latency to feed in a novel environment was significantly shortened ( P <0.05) in rats of the high-dose WYJYG group. In hippocampal tissue, the contents of ASC, Iba1, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as the protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and CD68, and the positive rate of neuronal apoptosis were all significantly decreased/downregulated ( P <0.05). Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly upregulated ( P <0.05), and the density of neuronal apoptosis-positive cells was significantly reduced ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS WYJYG play on antidepressant role by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway, reducing microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, and inhibiting hippocampal neurons apoptosis.
3.Complicated VHL-associated bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas in a child: a case report and literature review
Xu WANG ; Yi XIE ; Yushi ZHANG ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):453-455
Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome is a type of neoplastic disease that can involve multiple organs and systems, and it can be manifested as pheochromocytoma in the adrenal gland. We recently admitted a patient with a complicated bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas associated with VHL in a child. After multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment, detailed perioperative treatment and monitoring, the patient recovered well after surgery. This article aims to increase the experience of diagnosis and treatment of VHL-pheochromocytoma in children by sharing this rare case.
4.Progress of research on drug therapies for SARS-CoV-2 variants infections
Jiayi ZHANG ; Xiaodong HUANG ; Weidong LI ; Xiaowen HAN ; Zhenyu YIN ; Lei GAO ; Ewetse Paul MASWIKITI ; Bin MA ; Ying ZHANG ; Hao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(10):1577-1583
Thousands of variant gene sequences of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerged since the COVID-19 epidemic broke out in Dec.2019.Alpha(B.1.1.7),Beta(B.1.351),Gamma(P.1),Delta(B.1.617.2)and Omicron(B.1.1.529)were the most representative variants.With the continuous emergence of new variants,the predomi-nant strain in the global pandemic as of Jan.2025 is the Omicron BA.2.86-derived mutant,JN.1.The effectiveness of drugs against Omicron variants remains a key research focus in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.The infectiousness and pathogenicity of the variants altered remarkably due to mutations in the genome on S protein of the mutant strains,and these emerging variants are more likely to evade immunity and were more infectious than the previous prevalent variants.During the process of combating with the constantly emerging novel variants,drugs showed various effects on treatment of diseases caused by different variants.New drugs and treatment coun-termeasures are constantly updated with the prevalence of various variants.The current status of research on pres-ent drugs for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and the therapeutic effects on emerging variants are reviewed in the article so as to provide reference for prevention and treatment of the upcoming evolved variants.
5.Analysis of suicide methods and demographic characteristics of attempted suicide patients in Baise City
Jiaying LI ; Xinyu BAI ; Yourong CAO ; Qianwei HUANG ; PHILLIPS Michael R ; Zhenyu MA
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(10):849-855
Objective:To analyze suicide methods and demographic characteristics of attempted suicide pa-tients in Baise City,Guangxi and to provide the basis for suicide intervention.Methods:A retrospective analysis method was conducted on the case data of attempted suicide patients treated in the emergency departments of 14 general hospitals in Baise City from 2018 to 2021.The situation of attempted suicide patients was recorded using the suicide patient information collection forms.Results:Among the 2 529 attempted suicide patients,1 636 committed-suicide by taking pesticides,557 used therapeutic drugs,112 used rodenticides,and 53 used carbonmonoxide(CO).The proportion of male and farmer suicides by taking pesticides was higher,and the proportion of female and non-farmer suicides by taking therapeutic drugs was higher.Multivariate analysis showed that the proportion of patients aged 45-60 years old patients who took pesticide was higher(OR=3.18),while the proportion of patients aged 45~60 who took therapeutic drugs was lower(OR=0.19).The proportion of suicides taking pesticides and using carbon monoxide significantly decreased in 2020(OR=0.56)and 2021(OR=0.52),while the proportion of sui-cides taking therapeutic drugs significantly increased in 2020(OR=2.04)and 2021(OR=3.18).Conclusion:Proportion of attempted suicide by taking pesticides is the most common method of suicide among residents in Baise City,with males,farmers,and middle-aged groups being the most affected.The proportion of attempted suicide by taking medication has significantly increased,with a higher incidence among women.
6.Complicated VHL-associated bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas in a child: a case report and literature review
Xu WANG ; Yi XIE ; Yushi ZHANG ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):453-455
Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome is a type of neoplastic disease that can involve multiple organs and systems, and it can be manifested as pheochromocytoma in the adrenal gland. We recently admitted a patient with a complicated bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas associated with VHL in a child. After multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment, detailed perioperative treatment and monitoring, the patient recovered well after surgery. This article aims to increase the experience of diagnosis and treatment of VHL-pheochromocytoma in children by sharing this rare case.
7.Intranasal administration of pirfenidone attenuates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Zhenyu XIAO ; Yangyang SUN ; Yi YANG ; Yingkai MA ; Yongan WANG ; Yuan LUO
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(4):268-276
OBJCTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal administration of pirfeni-done in treating paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice across treatment durations.METHODS Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 per group):the normal control group(saline),pirfenidone control group,paraquat group,and three treatment groups receiving a combination of paraquat and pirfenidone for 15,10 and 5 d,respectively.Except the normal and pirfeni-done control groups,all the mice received intraperitoneal injection of paraquat(35 mg·kg-1)to induce pulmonary fibrosis.In the treatment groups,pirfenidone(20 mg·kg-1)was delivered intranasally once daily,beginning on days 1,6,and 11 post-paraquat exposure,until day 15.Fifteen days after paraquat exposure,pulmonary function tests,micro-CT imaging,and arterial blood gas analysis were performed.Histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition in lung tissues were examined using HE and Masson staining respectively.The protein expression levels of fibrosis markers,including fibronectin(FN),collagen typeⅠ(CollⅠ),E-cadherin(E-cad),vimentin(Vim),and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),were detected by Western blotting.Additionally,inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,IL-1β,and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,mice treated with paraquat exhibited significant respiratory alterations,including prolonged expiratory time(TE),increased enhanced pause(PENH),and reduced tidal volume(TV).CT imaging revealed reticular high-density shadows and ground-glass opacities in paraquat-treated mice.Blood gas analysis showed reduced partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),oxygen saturation of blood(SaO2),fractional oxygen saturation of hemoglobin(FO2 Hb),and central venous oxygen saturation(ScvO2),along with increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2)and fractional deoxyhemoglobin saturation(FHHb),indicating that mice exposed to para-quat exhibited severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia.Histological evaluation highlighted pronounced lung interstitial thickening,alveolar collapse,inflammatory infiltration,and extensive fibrotic changes marked by collagen accumulation.Furthermore,exposure to paraquat significantly increased the protein levels of FN,CollⅠ,vimentin,and α-SMA,markedly reduced E-cadherin levels and elevated the levels of inflam-matory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and IL-1β)as well as the pro-fibrotic cytokine CTGF.Pirfenidone treat-ment demonstrated time-dependent efficacy,with the 15 d group showing the most significant improvements in pulmonary function as evidenced by reduced PENH levels and increased TV,EV and MV.CT imaging revealed a decrease in high-density opacities and improved lung transparency after pirfenidone treatment.In addition,arterial blood gas measurements indicated markedly elevated levels of PaO2,SaO2 and FO2 Hb.Histological analysis showed that pirfenidone alleviated lung interstitial thick-ening,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and decreased collagen deposition.At the molecular level,pirfenidone significantly reduced the protein expressions of FN,CollⅠ,Vim and α-SMA,while increasing E-cad levels.Furthermore,inflammatory cytokines,particularly IL-6 and IL-1β,were notably suppressed following pirfenidone intervention.CONCLUSION Intranasal administration of pirfenidone can exhibit potent time-dependent anti-fibrotic efficacy in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis,with early interven-tions delivering the most substantial therapeutic benefits.
8.Amniotic and bladder extracellular matrix materials in repairing rat endometrial injury
Xiaojuan KONG ; Zhengjiao MA ; Zhenyu TAN ; Peng LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(22):4731-4739
BACKGROUND:A large number of studies have confirmed that both amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials can be used as stem cell carriers for the treatment of endometrial injury,but the difference in effect between the two materials is relatively rare.OBJECTIVE:To compare the difference of amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials as stem cell carrier in the treatment of endometrial injury.METHODS:Whole bone marrow adhesion method was used to isolate and purify bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from SD rats.SD-rat amniotic extracellular matrix materials and bladder extracellular matrix materials were prepared respectively,and then bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on the surface of the two materials to detect cell proliferation and adhesion.Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group).Except the sham operation group,the endometrial injury group,the amniotic extracellular matrix group,and the bladder extracellular matrix group were all established by mechanical intervention.The amniotic extracellular matrix/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell complex and bladder stromal extracellular matrix/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell complex were transplanted into the injured endometrial site in the amniotic extracellular matrix group and the bladder extracellular matrix group.Samples were collected and detected 14 and 28 days after transplantation.The morphology of rat endometrial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial tissues were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expression levels of vimentin and CD34 in endometrial tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Both kinds of extracellular matrix materials were beneficial to the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Compared with bladder extracellular matrix materials,amniotic extracellular matrix materials could promote the adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Compared with the sham operation group,the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly decreased(P<0.01),endometrial tissue was dysplastic,endometrial thickness and number of glands were significantly decreased,and vimentin and CD34 positive expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01)in the endometrial injury group.Compared with the endometrial injury group,the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor,insulin-like growth factor 1,and vascular endothelial growth factor were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the endometrial tissue morphology was significantly improved,and the endometrial thickness and the number of glands were significantly increased;the positive expressions of vimentin and CD34 were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01)in the amniotic extracellular matrix group and the bladder extracellular matrix group,and the improvement of amniotic extracellular matrix group was better than that of bladder extracellular matrix group(P<0.05).(3)The results show that compared with bladder extracellular matrix materials,amniotic extracellular matrix material as a carrier of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can further promote the repair of damaged endometrium.
9.Protective effect of asiaticoside on isoproterenol induced myocardial injury in mice
Ziyu Ma ; Xinmeng Zuo ; Zhenyu Wang ; Mingming Wang ; Cui Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):59-65
Abstract:
To study the protective effect of asiaticoside(AS) on Isoproterenol Hydrochloride(ISO)-induced myocardial injury in mice.
Methods:
Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank control(CON) group, model group [ISO,ISO 10/(kg·d)], Low dose group [ISO+AS-L,ISO 10 mg/(kg·d)+AS 5 mg/(kg·d)], Medium dose group [ISO+AS-M, ISO 10 mg/(kg·d)+AS 10 mg/(kg·d)], High dose group [ISO+AS-H, ISO 10 mg/(kg·d)+AS 20 mg/(kg·d)]. Heart mass ratio was counted; changes were observed in electrocardiogram; Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β and cardiac troponin T(cTn-T) in serum; Masson staining was used to observe the fibrosis of mouse myocardial tissue; Western blot was used to detect the ratio of Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression levels(Bax/Bcl-2) and the expression levels of Caspase-3 and NLRP3 proteins in myocardial tissue; real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels ofANP,BNP,β-MHC,TNF-α, IL-6, Type Ⅰ collagen(COLⅠ), and Type Ⅲ collagen(COLⅢ).
Results:
Compared with the CON group, the ISO group had an elevated heart-to-mass ratio(P<0.01), a lower heart rate(P<0.05), a prolonged QT interval(P<0.05), elevated expression of myocardial injury markers cTn-T,ANP,BNP, andβ-MHC(P<0.01); increased expression of IL-1β in the serum(P<0.01), increased expression ofTNF-αin the cardiac tissue and increasedIL-6expression(P<0.001), and NLRP3 protein expression was elevated(P<0.05); myocardium showed a large number of collagen fibers bluish staining(P<0.001),COLⅠ,COLⅢmRNA expression levels increased(P<0.001), and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio(P<0.001) and Caspase-3 expression were significantly elevated(P<0.05). Compared with ISO group, heart-to-mass ratio of mice in ISO+AS-L and ISO+AS-M groups decreased(P<0.05), heart rate increased, QT interval was shortened, cTn-T, ANP, BNP and β-MHC decreased(P<0.001), myocardial collagen fiber blue-staining decreased(P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels ofCOLⅠandCOLⅢdecreased(P<0.05). The expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α decreased(P<0.01). NLRP3, Caspase-3 protein expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decreased(P<0.05). The expression level ofIL-6in ISO+AS-M group decreased(P<0.01). The expression levels ofANP,BNP, andTNF-αmRNA expression were reduced in the ISO+AS-H group(P<0.001); the degree of myocardial fibrosis was improved(P<0.05), and the expression levels ofCOLⅠandCOLⅢmRNA were reduced(P<0.05).
Conclusion
AS has a protective effect against ISO-induced myocardial injury in mice by ameliorating cardiac fibrosis, inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and attenuating myocardial tissue inflammatory response.
10.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Lung Cancer: A Review
Jiarui CAO ; Bo FENG ; Chunzheng MA ; Weixia CHEN ; Jiangfan YU ; Shasha CAO ; Zhenyu ZHANG ; Wenhui OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):265-276
Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality rates globally. Current treatment methods for lung cancer primarily include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the main limitations of these treatments are their side effects, the drug resistance, and the economic burden they impose. As a critical cancer pathway, the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway regulates tumor occurrence and development through multiple mechanisms by influencing various downstream targets. Consequently, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway offers a promising avenue for lung cancer treatment research. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation and growth of lung cancer cells, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metabolic alterations, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and the development of treatment resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered increasing attention due to its minimal side effects, low economic burden, and its potential to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity when used in conjunction with Western medicine. In addition to traditional Chinese medicine compounds, a growing number of Chinese medicine monomers have come into the spotlight because of their more targeted effects. Numerous studies investigating the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer have demonstrated that TCM can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis, and EMT, improve the inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments, and enhance treatment sensitivity by intervening in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby impeding the progression of lung cancer. In recent years, the research on the regulation of this pathway by TCM in the treatment of lung cancer has been updated rapidly. However, the summary of these studies has not been updated in time. This review summarizes and reflects on the recent research findings regarding the regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by TCM to intervene in lung cancer from three aspects, introducing the JAK/STAT pathway, elaborating the mechanism of this pathway in lung cancer, and exploring the intervention of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer through this pathway, to provide more reference for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.


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