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.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.
3.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.
4.The role of immune cells in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis
Wenjuan MA ; Xuguo YANG ; Zhenyu TIE ; Yongmao ZHANG ; Zhenxiang WANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(8):1936-1939
Hepatic fibrosis(HF)is an inevitable process for many chronic liver diseases to develop into liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer.More than 80%of hepatocellular carcinomas are formed after the process of chronic hepatitis,HF or liver cirrhosis.The immune microenvironment produced by inflammation and fi-brosis plays a significant role in promoting the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.He-patic stellate cells(HSC),extracellular matrix(ECM),and fibroblasts are involved in the progression of HF by influencing innate immunity and adaptive immunity.This article,by analyzing the role of immune cells in HF,is expected to provide new intervention approaches and therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of HF,thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy and offering safer and more effective treat-ment options for HF patients.
5.Study on establishment of UPLC fingerprint and determination of 12 components in Aiye standard decoction
Yifei MA ; Xiangyuan ZHOU ; Yuanyuan XIE ; Zhenyu LI ; Minyou HE ; Yong LIU ; Wenhui LUO ; Xian QIU ; Qiong LUO ; Roushan CHEN ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1425-1431
Objective:To establish a quality control method for Aiye standard decoction.Methods:The ultra performance liquid chromatogrphy (UPLC) column Waters ACQUITY HSS T3 C18 (2.1 mm×150 mm,1.8 μm) was used to gradient elution by acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water. 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction fingerprints were established by UPLC and the common peaks were determined in the fingerprints. The contents of 12 components were determined. The 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction were analyzed by similarity calculation, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) for analysis of differential components of Artemisiae Argyi Folium from different origins.Results:A total of 13 common peaks were marked in the fingerprints of 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction, 12 of which were identified by comparison with reference substance, including chlorogenic acid, sochlorogenic acid A, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid,1,3-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, schaftoside, isochlorogenic acid B,1,5-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, jaceosidin and eupatilin. Similarity evaluation, PCA and HCA all classified the 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction into 2 categories. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis screened 5 differential biomarkers from 13 common peaks. The content determination results showed that the phenolic compounds and flavonoids in samples from Hubei were significantly higher than that in samples from other areas.Conclusion:This method can effectively analyze the differences in the quality of Aiye standard decoction from different origins, and provide reference for the formulation of quality standards for Aiye standard decoction and related preparations.
6.Study on fingerprint spectra of different medicinal parts of Poria cocos
Yifei MA ; Lin ZHOU ; Xiangyuan ZHOU ; Yong LIU ; Qiong LUO ; Minyou HE ; Zhenyu LI ; Roushan CHEN ; Wenhui LUO ; Dongmei SUN ; Xiangdong CHEN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(11):1586-1594
Objective:To establish a method for the determination of triterpenes and nucleosides in Poria based on HPLC; To accurately determine the various bioactive components in Poria.Methods:Similarity evaluation, clustering analysis and principal component analysis were used to analyze the similarities and differences of different medicinal parts of Poria, and the key chromatographic peaks that could reflect the characteristics were found.Results:The Poricoic acid A and dehydroeburiconic acid could be used as the identification basis for Poriae Cutis and White Poria; at the same time, Polyporenic acid C, dehydropachymic acid and dehydrotrametenolic acid could be used to evaluate Rubra Poria and Poriae Cutis; uridine, guanosine and adenosine may be essential ingredients for evaluating the quality of White Poria, Poriae Cutis and Rubra Poria. In different medicinal parts of Poria, the triterpenes were showed significant differences; by contrary, there were little differences among the same medicinal parts.Conclusion:This study reveals the quality differences between different medicinal parts of Poria, which can provide a scientific basis for the rational application and pharmacodynamic standardization of Poria.
7.Factors influencing the severity of alcohol use disorder and the construction of risk prediction model
Xuezhi YANG ; Bing LU ; Wan WEI ; Zhen ZENG ; Sigui HU ; Yongkang CAO ; Zhenyu MA
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(2):131-136
BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common chronic and relapsing psychiatric disorders. Identifying severe AUD early and intervening promptly is crucial to prevent irreversible harm. Currently, the assessment of AUD severity primarily relies on psychiatric examination by clinicians, and there is limited research on the factors influencing AUD severity and the development of prediction models. ObjectiveTo analyze the factors influencing AUD severity, and construct a risk prediction model to aid in the assessment of disease progression in AUD patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 358 first-time hospitalized patients admitted to Nanning Fifth People's Hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. These patients met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria for AUD. Basic patient data was collected, and the patients were divided into two groups based on disease severity: mild-moderate group (n=330) and severe group (n=1 028). The patients were randomly divided into training and test sets in a 7∶3 ratio. A Logistic regression model was constructed in the training set, and the predictive ability of the model for disease severity was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the test set. ResultsCompared with the mild-moderate group, the severe group had a higher proportion of patients living in urban areas (χ2=7.804), were farmers (χ2=17.991), had a higher frequency of alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks/day) (χ2=35.267), had a higher age at first drinking (t=-3.858), had a greater number of comorbid somatic disorders (Z=-22.782), and had higher proportions of γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (χ2=259.940) and total bilirubin abnormalities (χ2=148.552) (P<0.01). Logistic analysis conducted in the training set showed that being a farmer (OR=2.024, 95% CI: 1.352~3.029), having an older age at first drinking (OR=1.075, 95% CI: 1.025~1.129), drinking outside of mealtimes (OR=3.988, 95% CI: 2.408~6.606), having total bilirubin abnormalities (OR=1.034, 95% CI: 1.000~1.069), and having more comorbid somatic diseases (OR=4.386, 95% CI: 2.636~7.298) were identified as risk factors for disease severity in AUD patients. The area under curve (AUC) for this model in the test set was 0.906. ConclusionIn psychiatric hospitals, being a farmer, having an older age at first drinking, drinking outside of mealtimes, having abnormal total bilirubin levels, and having comorbidities with somatic illnesses may be risk factors for severe AUD.
8.Study on the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction by HPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker
Zhenyu LI ; Xiangyuan ZHOU ; Yifei MA ; Xian QIU ; Minyou HE ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):76-83
Objective:To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction; To determine the three effective components with similar structure by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS); To evaluate the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.Methods:HPLC was adopted to establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction. The Chromatographic column was Waters XBridge Phenyl (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution with gradient elution. Cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted based on the relative peak area of common peaks. The same method as the fingerprint was used to establish QAMS of tubeimoside A, B, C on Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.Results:There were 14 common peaks in the fingerprint of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction. It was confirmed that the peak 3 was L-tryptophan, the peak 11 was tubeimoside B, the peak 12 was tubeimoside C, and the peak 13 was tubeimoside A. 15 batches of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction from different origins were divided into 3 categories by HCA and PCA. There was no significant difference between QAMS and the external standard method (ESM) through the system suitability inspection. Conclusion:This method is accurate, reliable and has good specificity, which can effectively evaluate the quality of Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma standard decoction.
9.Experimental study to construct the three-dimensional scaffold of rabbit cartilage-shedding cells and evaluate their compatibility with stem cells
Juju XU ; Yanyan XIE ; Zhiyi GUO ; Yukai MA ; Linhong WANG ; Meirong YANG ; Zhaoling DENG ; Baolai HUA ; Zhenyu YAN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(8):1012-1022
Objective To prepare decellularized scaffolds from rabbit cartilage at various concentrations and assess their physicochemical properties and compatibility with stem cells to provide an experimental basis for cartilage repair.Methods Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)were cultured using the Percoll density gradient separation method,and this was followed by flow cytometric analysis and testing of their osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capabilities.Cartilage pieces were excised from rabbit knees and hip joints and subjected to physical crushing,repeated freeze-thaw cycles,and mixed enzymatic digestion for decellularization.To compare and observe the physicochemical properties of the decellularized scaffolds at different concentrations,three groups of scaffolds(labelwd A,B,and C)were designed with concentrations of 100%,50%and 30%,with three replicates each.Third-generation PKH26-labeled BMSCs were seeded onto optimally concentrated scaffolds and cultured for 1 week to observe cell growth.Results Flow cytometry detected BMSC surface antigens with positive expression of CD44 and CD90 and negative expression of CD45.Osteogenic induction stained with alizarin red showed red calcific nodules,and chondrogenic induction stained with alcian blue showed blue cartilaginous nodules.No apparent cell morphology was observed in the three groups of scaffolds stained with hematoxylin-eosin,and toluidine blue.There was a significant difference in DNA concentration between decellularized samples and non-decellularized scaffolds(P<0.05).The content of glycosaminoglycans was slightly lower than the normal values.Significant differences were observed between the three groups of scaffolds in terms of pore size,water absorption,porosity,tensile strength,and Young's modulus(P<0.05).After co-cultivation of stem cells with the scaffolds,cell adhesion was found to be good.Conclusions Percoll density gradient separation can obtain high-purity rabbit BMSCs,and the mixed decellularization method is superior.Group B scaffolds were the most suitable for tissue-engineered cartilage repair.BMSCs cultured in vitro grew well on Group B scaffolds.
10.Laboratory malaria re-examination and evaluation of malaria diagnostic capability in Shanghai Municipal Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2017 to 2022
Yaoguang ZHANG ; Zhenyu WANG ; Min ZHU ; Li JIANG ; Qian ZHU ; Xiaojiang MA ; Qing YU ; Jian CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(5):521-526
Objective To evaluate the malaria diagnostic capability in Shanghai Municipal Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory from 2017 to 2022 and to analyze factors affecting the diagnosis results, so as to provide the scientific evidence for increasing the laboratory malaria diagnostic capability during the post-elimination stage. Methods Plasmodium-negative blood smears were randomly sampled using a proportional sampling method each quarter during the period from 2017 to 2022 and scored by Shanghai Municipal Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory. Malaria cases’ blood samples from district centers for disease control and prevention in Shanghai Municipality were re-reviewed using microscopy and multiplex PCR assay to evaluate the capability of malaria diagnosis. Results A total of 7 746 quality control blood smears were collected from district centers for disease control and prevention in Shanghai Municipality from 2017 to 2022, with a mean score of (76.74 ± 14.34) points and a qualification rate of 86.65% (6 712/7 746). A total of 387 blood smears were re-reviewed from 2017 to 2022, with an overall coincidence of 96.38% (373/387) for malaria diagnosis and 95.06% (308/324) for parasite species identification, and there were no significant differences in the coincidence for either malaria diagnosis (χ2 = 2.57, P > 0.05) or parasite species identification among years (χ2 = 1.04, P > 0.05). A total of 384 whole blood samples were collected from district centers for disease control and prevention, and the detection of whole blood samples was 70.31% (270/384) in district centers for disease control and prevention. All 384 whole blood samples were re-reviewed by Shanghai Municipal Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory using a multiplex PCR assay from 2017 to 2022, with an overall coincidence of 94.07% (254/270) for malaria diagnosis and 99.55% (223/224) for parasite species identification, and there were no significant differences in the coincidence for either malaria diagnosis (χ2 = 5.77, P > 0.05) or parasite species identification among years (χ2 = 8.37, P > 0.05). The overall coincidence rates of Plasmodium-positive and negative whole blood samples were 100.00% (224/224) and 65.22% (30/46) in district centers for disease control and prevention, with a significant difference (χ2 = 82.82, P < 0.001), and there was a significant difference in the coincidence rate for identification of P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale (χ2 = 24.28, P < 0.001). A total of 1 584 blind blood smears subjected to microscopic examinations by centers for disease control and prevention and medical institutions across all districts in Shanghai Municipality from 2017 to 2022, with a 96.15% (1 523/1 584) correct rate for malaria diagnosis and 85.07% (1 003/1 179) for parasite species identification, and there were significant differences in the correct rate of both malaria diagnosis (χ2 = 20.98, P < 0.001) and parasite species identification among years (χ2 = 70.77, P < 0.001). A total of 320 blind nucleic acid samples from malaria cases were tested, with a 99.38% (318/320) correct rate for malaria diagnosis and 100.00% (225/225) for parasite species identification, and there was no significant difference in the correct rate of malaria diagnosis among years (χ2 = 6.04, P > 0.05). Conclusions There were still shortcomings in blood smears preparation, microscopic examinations and nucleic acid testing in centers for disease control and prevention across all districts in Shanghai Municipality from 2017 to 2022. A greater role in the quality control of malaria diagnosis is recommended for Shanghai Municipal Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory to prevent the re-establishment of imported malaria and consolidate the elimination achievements.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail