1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaojinwan-containing Serum in Inhibiting Breast Cancer Cells Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Hongdi TANG ; Xiaobo JIN ; Chen GAO ; Hongkai LI ; Zhiming LI ; Lu YAO ; Fengli SONG ; Ning KANG ; Wenwen WANG ; Ying SUN ; Zhibin WANG ; Tong LI ; Yingli ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):13-22
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and underlying mechanism of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the process of Xiaojinwan (XJW)-containing serum interfering with endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. MethodsXJW-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of XJW (4 g·kg-1) to SD rats. MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in vitro. β-Catenin overexpression and knockdown plasmids were constructed and transfected into MDA-MB-231 cells. The optimal XJW-containing serum (4 g·kg-1) according to previous studies was used for β-catenin intervention and overexpression experiments. The groups for intervention/overexpression experiments included intervention/overexpression blank group, β-catenin intervention/overexpression group, intervention/overexpression blank + XJW group, and β-catenin intervention/overexpression + XJW group. Cell morphology was observed under a microscope. Flow cytometry was used to detect and record apoptosis rates. Western blot was performed to measure apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and active-Caspase-3] and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect β-catenin mRNA expression levels in different groups. ResultsIntervention experiment results showed that compared with the intervention blank group, the β-catenin intervention group and the intervention blank + XJW group showed increased apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated protein levels of Bax, active Caspase-3, and E-cadherin (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased protein levels of Bcl-2 and Vimentin (P<0.05, P<0.01). β-catenin mRNA expression was reduced in the β-catenin intervention group (P<0.05, 0.63 ± 0.15) and the intervention blank + XJW group (P<0.05, 0.79 ± 0.33). Compared with the β-catenin intervention group, the β-catenin intervention + XJW group exhibited an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), elevated Bax and active Caspase-3 protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin protein levels (P<0.05). β-catenin mRNA expression was further reduced in the β-catenin intervention + XJW group (P<0.01, 0.22 ± 0.08). Compared with the intervention blank + XJW group, the β-catenin intervention + XJW group showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), elevated Bax, active Caspase-3, and E-cadherin protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and vimentin protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). β-catenin mRNA expression was also reduced (P<0.05). Overexpression experiment results showed that compared with the overexpression blank group, the β-catenin overexpression group exhibited a reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.01), while the overexpression blank + XJW group showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.05). In the β-catenin overexpression and β-catenin overexpression + XJW groups, Bax and E-cadherin protein levels decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and vimentin levels increased (P<0.05). In the overexpression blank + XJW group, Bax and E-cadherin levels increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and vimentin levels decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). β-catenin mRNA expression increased in the β-catenin overexpression group (P<0.01, 7.26 ± 1.03) but decreased in the overexpression blank + XJW group (P<0.05, 0.73 ± 0.14). Compared with the β-catenin overexpression group, the β-catenin overexpression + XJW group showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), elevated Bax and E-cadherin levels (P<0.05), and decreased N-cadherin and vimentin levels (P<0.05). β-catenin mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, 4.65 ± 1.02). Compared with the overexpression blank + XJW group, the β-catenin overexpression + XJW group exhibited a reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.01), decreased Bax and E-cadherin levels (P<0.01), and increased Bcl-2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin levels (P<0.05). β-catenin mRNA expression increased (P<0.01). ConclusionXJW-containing serum inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by suppressing EMT, which is associated with the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Macrophage Glycolysis in Regulating Acute Lung Injury and TCM Intervention Strategies Based on Theory of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence"
Qian XU ; Maofu ZHANG ; Xiali LIANG ; Guoxiong HAO ; Jingwei LI ; Xiaojie JIN ; Yongqi LIU ; Xiangxia LUO ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):218-226
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical respiratory emergency caused by various non-cardiogenic factors, including severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections, lung contusion, and sepsis. Its pathological features are centered on alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction, uncontrolled inflammatory responses, and impaired alveolar fluid clearance, manifesting as refractory hypoxemia and respiratory distress, with a poor clinical prognosis. Modern studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose metabolic reprogramming in macrophages, characterized by hyperactivated glycolysis, drive pro-inflammatory polarization and represent a key mechanism leading to excessive inflammatory responses and disease progression in ALI. Therefore, targeting macrophage glycolysis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI. The Plain Questions: Special Discussion on Channels and Vessels in Huangdi's Internal Classic states that "The spleen disseminates essence upward to the lungs". When the spleen fails in transport and transformation, the distribution of refined nutrients becomes disordered, resulting in the endogenous generation of turbid pathogens that obstruct the pulmonary collaterals, causing failure of lung dispersion and descent and leading to dyspneic reversal. This forms the dynamic pathological pattern of ''deficiency in the root with excess in the manifestation'', thereby proposing the core pathogenesis of ALI as ''spleen deficiency with transport dysfunction and turbid pathogens obstructing the lungs''. This process is intrinsically associated with the inflammatory cascade triggered by disordered macrophage glucose metabolism. Taking the theory of ''spleen failing to disperse essence'' as the entry point, the present study systematically elucidates the progressive pathological mechanism of "energy metabolism disorder-cytokine storm'' in ALI from the perspectives of the ''spleen deficiency-turbid obstruction'' pathogenesis and macrophage glycolysis-pro-inflammatory polarization. In addition, we summarize Chinese medicine compound formulas and monomeric components that ''restore spleen transport and eliminate turbid pathogens'', and explore their potential mechanisms in the treatment of ALI by regulating macrophage metabolic phenotypes to improve the state of ''spleen failing to disperse essence''. This provides a molecular basis for elucidating the ''spleen-lung'' energy metabolism dialogue, deepens understanding of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of herbal prescriptions, and promotes the deep integration of classical theory with modern medicine.
3.Current status and prospects of perioperative depression, anxiety and related interventions in lung cancer patients
Xinyu YUAN ; Zijian XU ; Nengke LIN ; Zhiming CHEN ; Zhizhi WANG ; Jiansong XU ; Jinyu CHEN ; Shaobin LI ; Siyang FENG ; Di LU ; Kaican CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1388-1394
Psychological problems are significant factors that contribute to the occurrence of postoperative complications, reduced quality of life, and prolonged hospital stays. Lung cancer patients who require surgery often experience high psychological stress related to both the disease and the treatment, making them more susceptible to depression and anxiety. Therefore, timely intervention to address these psychological issues is crucial for promoting postoperative recovery and improving patients' quality of life. This paper will review the current status, impact, and interventions for depression and anxiety-related psychological problems in lung cancer surgery patients.
4.Exploring the treatment approach for bone marrow suppression after radiotherapy and chemotherapy from the perspective of "acute deficiency syndrome"
Zhiming LI ; Fen HUANG ; Jiawang JIANG ; Wei JIANG ; Xiaochun CHEN ; Xin LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):122-126
Bone marrow suppression is one of the common adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Anticancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy first directly damage the patient′s peripheral blood cells, impairing qi and blood; further, they damage the actively proliferating cell populations in the bone marrow, impairing yin and blood; and then they interfere with hematopoietic stem cells, impairing essence and blood. This process is rapid and intense, consistent with the characteristics of " acute deficiency syndrome" , marked by sudden onset, rapid changes, critical condition, complexity and variability, multiple complications, and poor prognosis. Given this, its diagnosis and treatment should differ from those of general deficiency syndromes. This paper advocates the principles and ideas of diagnosis and treatment such as " preventing first and treating early to prevent changes; supplementing for deficiency and strengthening vital qi to eliminate pathogenic factor; urgent rescue for critical conditions, no time to lose; and comprehensive supplementing throughout the process, with severe cases requiring singular action" . This approach is intended to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for bone marrow suppression after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Signaling Pathways Related to Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer: A Review
Maofu ZHANG ; Xinyu LI ; Yanyun SHEN ; Yeyuan LIU ; Jialin ZHONG ; Lulu CHEN ; Haihong ZHAO ; Zhongyang SONG ; Zhiming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):297-306
Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) are a group of pathological changes caused by abnormalities in the structure, morphology, and differentiation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Since the early symptoms are hidden and non-specific, PLGC is not easy to be diagnosed and it has often developed into intermediate or advanced gastric cancer once being diagnosed and missed the best time for treatment. Accordingly, the incidence of this disease is increasing year by year, which lifts a heavy burden on the patients. The pathogenesis of PLGC is complex, involving inflammatory microenvironment, bile reflux, glycolysis, autophagy, and apoptosis. Currently, PLGC is mainly treated with anti-inflammatory and endoscopic therapies, which are difficult to curb the development of PLGC. Therefore, seeking a safe and effective therapy is an important topic of modern research. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by treatment based on syndrome differentiation and a holistic view, exerts effects via multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets. Recent studies have confirmed that TCM can regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and other signaling pathways. By targeting these pathways, TCM can inhibit aerobic glycolysis, reduce oxidative stress, repair the inflammatory microenvironment, regulate cellular autophagy, and promote vascular normalization, thereby delaying or reversing PLGC. However, few researchers have systematically summarized the TCM regulation of PLGC-associated pathways. By reviewing the relevant articles at home and abroad, this paper summarized the roles of the above signaling pathways in the development of PLGC and the research progress in the regulation of signaling pathways by TCM in the treatment of PLGC, with a view to providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical research on PLGC and the drug development for this disease.
6.Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting Regulates BDNF/TrkB-Mediated Microglial Polarization to Improve Insomnia in Rats
Hongchun PU ; Zhiming WANG ; Yi LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2514-2520
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture(EA)at"Baihui"(GV20)and"Shenting"(GV24)acupoints in a rat model of insomnia.Methods An insomnia model was established by intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA).Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=9 each):normal control group,EA-treated normal,model,and EA-treated model group.After successful modeling,EA intervention was administered for 7 days.Sleep duration and quality were monitored using an animal sleep-phase analysis system.Hypothalamic levels of serotonin(5-HT),dopamine(DA),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 6(IL-6),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),mannose receptor(CD206),interleukin 10(IL-10),and arginase 1(ARG1)were measured by ELISA.Hypothalamic histopathology was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Western Blot analyzed brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and its receptor tropomyosin kinase B(TrkB)protein expression.Results Compared with the normal group,rats in the model group exhibited hypothalamic tissue damage,accompanied by reduced 5-HT levels,elevated DA concentrations,and significantly impaired sleep duration and sleep quality scores(P<0.05).Concurrently,the model group showed increased levels of M1 microglial markers(TNF-α,IL-6,iNOS)but decreased levels of M2 markers(CD206,IL-10,ARG1),alongside diminished protein expression of both BDNF and TrkB in the hypothalamus,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).In contrast,the EA-treated model group demonstrated attenuated hypothalamic lesions relative to the untreated model group.These rats exhibited elevated 5-HT levels,reduced DA concentrations,and significantly improved sleep duration and quality(P<0.05).Furthermore,EA treatment decreased expression of M1 markers(TNF-α,IL-6,iNOS)while increasing M2 markers(CD206,IL-10,ARG1),with concomitant upregulation of BDNF and TrkB protein expression,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion EA at"Baihui"and"Shenting"alleviates insomnia symptoms by promoting microglial M1-to-M2 polarization,potentially via BDNF/TrkB pathway activation.
7.Advances in clinical research on stem cell therapy for sepsis
Xinyu NIU ; Zhiming SUN ; Min XIE ; Shuangling LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(9):1234-1238
Sepsis is a life-threatening acute organ dysfunction syndrome caused by a dys-regulated host response to infection.As a regenerative medicine therapy with broad clinical prospects,stem cells have attracted significant at-tention due to their multifaceted biological capabilities,including anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and anti-apoptotic effects,as well as immunomodulatory properties and tissue/organ repair potential.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)function through mechanisms such as modulating macrophage polarization and suppressing excessive inflammation responses,thereby promoting tissue regeneration.Pre-clinical studies demonstrate that MSCs significantly reduce sepsis mortality and decrease sepsis-associated complications including acute kidney injury(AKI),acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and sepsis associated myopathy.Furthermore,perinatal-derived stem cells and genetically modified stem cells have shown therapeutic promise in sepsis management.Current challenges in stem cell-based sepsis therapy cover optimizing delivery strategies,standardizing cell preparation protocols and de-veloping biomarker-guided personalized therapeutic regimens.
8.Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of prurigo nodularis.
Li ZHANG ; Qingchun DIAO ; Xia DOU ; Hong FANG ; Songmei GENG ; Hao GUO ; Yaolong CHEN ; Chao JI ; Chengxin LI ; Linfeng LI ; Jie LI ; Jingyi LI ; Wei LI ; Zhiming LI ; Yunsheng LIANG ; Jianjun QIAO ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Qing SUN ; Juan TAO ; Fang WANG ; Zhiqiang XIE ; Jinhua XU ; Suling XU ; Hongwei YAN ; Xu YAO ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Litao ZHANG ; Gang ZHU ; Fei HAO ; Xinghua GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2859-2861
9.Investigation and reflection on two cluster incidents of occupational chronic n-hexane poisoning
Zhiming LI ; Sijun CHEN ; Hao CHEN ; Jinlin YU ; Yifeng ZHENG ; Jing WANG ; Yuanjun LIAO
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):353-356
Occupational chronic n-hexane poisoning incidents have been effectively curtailed in traditional printing and footwear industries, but its hazards are emerging in new industries. In recent years, two cluster incidents involving eight patients with occupational chronic n-hexane poisoning had occurred in Longgang District, Shenzhen City. Unlike the cleaning processes of electronic components in the electronics industry, these two incidents occurred during cleaning operations of non-electronic products. The rapid on-site detection tubes indicated the presence of n-hexane in the organic solvents used at the work site, and subsequent analysis of volatile components of the organic solvents further confirmed the involvement of n-hexane. Although the n-hexane exposure concentration of short term in the workplace air samples were below its occupational exposure limit, all eight cases were diagnosed as occupational chronic n-hexane poisoning, based on occupational exposure history, clinical manifestations, field investigations, and laboratory test results. These two poisoning incidents highlight that in air-conditioned or enclosed workshops with substandard occupational disease prevention facilities, the use of n-hexane containing organic solvents may result in occupational chronic n-hexane poisoning, even when the air monitoring results do not exceed the occupational exposure limits.
10.COPB1 promotes the development and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment
LIN Yan ; YU Shuangjian ; JIA Sifan ; LI Feiyu ; ZHAO Chenpu ; DONG Zhiming ; SHEN Supeng ; LIANG Jia ; GUO Yanli
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(12):1236-1246
[摘 要] 目的:探究包被蛋白复合体β1亚基(COPB1)在食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)中的表达,及其对ESCC细胞恶性生物学行为的影响、作用机制及临床意义。方法:采用2014~2018年间在河北医科大学第四医院生物样本库中82例ESCC组织及癌旁组织,常规培养正常食管鳞状上皮细胞HEEC和食管癌细胞KYSE-150、KYSE-170、Eca109、TE1、KYSE-30、KYSE-450,用转染试剂将pcDNA3.1-vector(空载体)、pcDNA3.1-COPB1载体,si-NC和si-COPB1转染至KYSE-150、TE1细胞中,记为NC、COPB1-OE、si-NC和si-COPB1组。用数据库数据分析COPB1 mRNA在泛癌组织中的表达及其表达与免疫细胞浸润的关系,qPCR法检测ESCC组织和细胞中COPB1、PIK3CB、CD68、CD163、CD206、ARG1、IL-10 mRNA水平表达情况,WB法检测ESCC组织和各组细胞中的COPB1、PI3K、CD68、CD163、CD206、p-AKT蛋白表达,克隆形成实验和MTS实验检测各组细胞的增殖能力,划痕愈合实验和Transwell实验检测各组细胞的迁移和侵袭能力,免疫组织化学染色(IHC)法检测ESCC组织中COPB1和CD206蛋白表达。以人单核细胞白血病细胞(THP-1)构建巨噬细胞模型,用佛波酯(PMA)和IL-3和IL-4和ESCC细胞上清液诱导巨噬细胞转型,用qPCR和WB法检测CD68和CD206m RNA和蛋白的表达。结果:COPB1在泛癌组织和ESCC组织中均呈高表达且与淋巴结转移和TNM分期有关联(均P < 0.01),COPB1高表达的ESCC患者总生存期短(P < 0.05),COPB1是潜在的ESCC的诊断标志物。COPB1在KYSE-150和TE1细胞中也呈高表达(均P < 0.05),过表达或敲减COPB1可明显抑制或促进KYSE-150和TE1细胞的增殖能力、迁移和侵袭能力(均P < 0.05)。COPB1表达变化诱导的差异表达基因主要富集于PI3K/AKT通路(均P < 0.001), COPB1可促进PI3K/AKT通路的活化(P < 0.05),COPB1高表达可导致M2型巨噬细胞浸润增加(P < 0.05),COPB1高表达促进TAM/M2极化(P < 0.05)。结论:COPB1在ESCC组织中呈高表达,其可激活PI3K/AKT通路及调控肿瘤免疫微环境促进 ESCC发生发展,COPB1有望成为ESCC诊断和预后的生物标志物及治疗靶点。


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