1.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
2.Targeted Regulation of Inflammation-related Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: A Review
Shuang ZHAO ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ning LIU ; Jianan SU ; Yuhan AO ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):273-283
Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and seriously threatens human quality of life. Its prevention and treatment urgently need breakthroughs. The inflammatory response, which runs through the physiological and pathological evolution process of AS, is one of the important mechanisms for AS occurrence. Currently, the treatment methods for AS in Western medicine are relatively mature. However, they have adverse reactions such as abnormal liver and kidney function, drug tolerance, target vessel restenosis, and stent thrombosis, which remain the key bottleneck restricting clinical efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by multiple components, multiple targets, and multi-pathway synergy, shows unique clinical application potential and efficacy advantages in the intervention of AS. This article reviewed the research progress of TCM in intervening in AS by regulating inflammatory-related signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), in the past five years. It summarized the combined mechanism of action of TCM monomers, TCM pairs, and compound preparations in inhibiting the inflammatory cascade reaction through multiple targets, regulating lipid metabolism disorders, and improving vascular endothelial dysfunction and the imbalance of the microenvironment. It deepened the research on the molecular mechanism of TCM in anti-AS, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical transformation application and related theoretical research of TCM in anti-AS.
3.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
4.Association between screen time and anxiety-depression symptoms and their comorbidity among middle school students in Taiyuan City
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):980-984
Objective:
To investigate the association between screen time (ST) during leisure time and anxiety-depression symptoms among middle school students, so as to provide a basis for formulating relevant intervention measures.
Methods:
From November to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 542 students from junior and senior high school in Taiyuan City. A self designed questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate ST and anxiety/depression symptoms among middle school students. The Logistic regression model was used to explore the association of ST with symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as with anxiety and depression comorbiditles (CAD).
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD were 13.69%, 15.77%, and 10.11%, respectively. The median ST was 2.00 h/d [interquartile range ( IQR =2.38) for weekly averages], with 0.33 h/d ( IQR =1.67) on work days and 5.00 h/d ( IQR=5.50) on rest days. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the total ST of mobile phones during rest days ( OR =1.07, 1.10, 1.11) and the averages ST of mobile phones over a week ( OR = 1.20 , 1.22, 1.29), as well as the total ST of all screen types during rest days ( OR =1.04, 1.04, 1.05) and the averages ST of all screen types over a week ( OR =1.08, 1.09, 1.21) were positively correlated with anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and CAD (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Among middle school students in Taiyuan City, screen time is positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety or depression and the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, especially smartphone screen time and weekend screen use. Therefore, measures should be implemented to reduce unnecessary screen time among middle school students, especially the use of mobile phones, in order to mitigate the occurrence of anxiety and depression.
5.Correlation of MET Status with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Advanced Prostatic Acinar Adenocarcinoma
Weiying HE ; Wenjia SUN ; Huiyu LI ; Yanggeling ZHANG ; De WU ; Chunxia AO ; Jincheng WANG ; Yanan YANG ; Xuexue XIAO ; Luyao ZHANG ; Xiyuan WANG ; Junqiu YUE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):698-704
Objective To explore the correlation of MET status in patients with advanced prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma with the clinical pathological parameters and prognosis. Methods The specimen from 135 patients with advanced prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma was included. The expression of c-MET protein was detected via immunohistochemistry, and MET gene amplification was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The relationships of c-MET expression and gene amplification with clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results The positive expression rate of c-MET was 52.60% (71/135). Compared with the c-MET expression in adjacent tissues, that in tumor tissues showed lower heterogeneous expression. Among the cases, 1.71% (2/117) exhibited MET gene polyploidy, but no gene amplification was detected. Positive c-MET expression was significantly correlated with high Gleason scores and grade groups (P=
6.Expert consensus on the model informed precision dosing of tacroli-mus in patients receiving anti-rejection therapy
Bing CHEN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Xingang LI ; Dewei SHANG ; Peijun ZHOU ; Junjie DING ; Xiaoq-iang XIANG ; Xiaoyan QIU ; Zhuo WANG ; Xiaoyu LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Wei ZHAO ; Yuzhu WANG ; Jianjun GAO ; Zheng JI-AO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(4):433-445
There is significant inter-individual variation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacody-namics in patients receiving tacrolimus(TAC)for an-ti-rejection therapy,which cause the rejection or toxic action.Based on results of therapeutic drug monitoring and pathophysiological index of trans-plant patients,the individualized dosing regimen can be designed and adjusted by using model in-formed precision dosing(MIPD).The patients'clini-cal outcome can be improved.In the consensus,the different methods of MIPD used for patients re-ceived TAC for anti-rejection therapy were intro-duced,which can be used for the designing and ad-justing doing regimen,predicting adverse drug reac-tion,improving medication adherence and econom-ics during therapy.
7.Analysis of causes and countermeasures for forensic clinical judicial expertise errors involving medical imaging
Lina GUAN ; He YAN ; Qi DU ; Shenglan LI ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Jianheng AO ; Shan PU ; Yunlan LI ; Shijun HONG
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(2):156-162
The accuracy of medical imaging diagnosis will directly impact the clinical forensic evaluation's scientific validity and objectivity.This study systematically analyzed the primary causes of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in imaging examinations,focusing on representative cases,including rib fractures,traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage,joint injuries with ligament damage,nasal fractures,congenital skeletal variations,and epiphyseal injuries.Key contributing factors encompassed limitation of imaging technologies,the insufficient interpretive experience of examiners,the complexity of injury mechanisms,and inadequate post-traumatic dynamic imaging follow-up.To address these issues,improvement strategies are proposed,which were establishing standardized imaging review protocols,implementing multimodal imaging approaches,rigorous evaluation of original imaging data,and enhancing professional knowledge regarding anatomical variations and injury differentiation.These measures aim to elevate the quality of forensic imaging diagnosis,providing more precise and reliable strategies for forensic clinical identifications.
8.Research on coagulation effect of cold atmospheric plasma jet device and its mechanism of action
Yan LI ; Hong-ye ZHENG ; Ao-xi XU ; Ya-jun ZHAO ; Shan-shan JIN ; Xu ZHANG ; Yu-fan WEI ; Yi-heng ZHANG ; Li ZHU ; Xi-ru LI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):20-27
Objective To investigate the coagulation effect of a cold atmospheric plasma(CAP)jet device with helium as the working gas and to study its coagulation mechanism preliminarily.Methods A CAP jet device treatment group,a helium airflow treatment group,a hot air treatment group(60℃)and a natural coagulation group were formed according to the treatment modes of the blood samples,with 10 μL of blood samples involved in each group,in order to validate the coagulation effect of the CAP jet device in vitro;the coagulation mechanism of the CAP jet device was explored by its application to the treatment of anticoagulated whole blood,platelet-rich plasma and platelet-depleted plasma;the coagulation effect of the CAP jet device in vivo was verified with a mouse liver punctate hemorrhage model and a rabbit mesenteric hemorrhage model.Results The CAP jet device can significantly accelerate the coagulation of anticoagulated blood droplets,and the coagulation time of anticoagulated blood droplets in the CAP jet device-treated group was shortened from 28 min in the natural coagulation group to(23±1.56)s,with the difference statistically significant(P<0.05),and the CAP jet device treatment group gained advantages significantly over the helium airflow treatment group(P<0.05)and the hot air(60℃)treatment group(P<0.05)in coagulation-promoting effect;the procoagulant effect of the CAP jet device rose with the increase of platelet content in blood droplets,and the coagulation effect of platelet-rich blood droplets was significantly better than that of whole blood(P<0.05),while no coagulation was observed in platelet-poor droplets.The CAP jet device could rapidly stop hemostasis of punctate hemorrhage in mouse liver and mesenteric hemorrhage in rabbits without delayed hemorrhage occurring within 10 min,and no obvious structural abnormality of the liver and thermal damage of the tissue were found microscopically.Conclusion The CAP jet device plays procoagulant and hemostatic effects in vivo and in vitro,and its effect is not dependent on temperature and airflow evaporation effects and is considered to be related to platelet activation,with low thermal damage to living tissue.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):20-27]
9.Effect of chloroquine on replication and proliferation of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus
Ao ZHANG ; Ruizhao QIU ; Zi LI ; Feng GAO ; Deguang SONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(4):634-639
Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)is highly prevalent and wide-ly distributed,and its harm on pig farming is of great concern,therefore,effective strategies for prevention and control are necessary.In this study,chloroquine(CQ)was selected and its effect and mechanism on replication and proliferation of PHEV were investigated.The results showed that CQ(1-100 mmol/L)inhibits the replication and proliferation of PHEV in a dose-dependent manner and has no cytotoxicity on N2a cells.The production of inflammatory cytokines and activa-tion of NF-κB signaling pathway were both inhibited by CQ concentration at 50 mmol/L in PHEV-infected N2a cells.In conclusion,we confirmed the inhibition of CQ in replication and proliferation of PHEV.It is expected to be applied to the prevention and treatment of PHEV in clinical.
10.Safety Analysis of Pembrolizumab in the General Population and Elderly Based on the FAERS Database
Yuxi ZHANG ; Ao XU ; Yan WANG ; Haitao CHEN ; Xiaoting XU ; Li CHEN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(9):1448-1455
Objective To explore and analyze the adverse drug event(ADE)signals associated with pembrolizumab and to provide a reference for the real-world safety of drug use on elderly patients.Methods ADE reports of pembrolizumab in the general population and elderly population were collected from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)for the period between January 1st,2019,and June 30th,2024.Multiple signal detection methods(ROR,PRR,MHRA)were employed for data mining.Classification and statistical analysis were performed using the System Organ Class(SOC)and Preferred Term(PT)from the MedDRA(Version 27.1)dictionary.Results A total of 966 signals were identified in the general population,spanning 24 SOCs,while 593 signals were detected in the elderly population,spanning 23 SOCs.Comparative visualization analysis of critical PTs under four major SOCs revealed no significant abnormal signals in elderly patients.Conclusion A comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of the ADE data from the FAERS database indicates that pembrolizumab appears to be relatively safe for use in elderly patients.


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