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.Research progress on the etiology and prevention of acute gallstone pancreatitis
Ao WANG ; Yanan ZHANG ; Li ZHANG ; Xiande GUO ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(2):150-155
Acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP) represents an acute inflammatory condition of the pancreas, of which etiology and prevention require systematic understanding from the molecular mechanisms of onset, combined with the foundations of pathological anatomy and pathophysiological processes. Main pancreatic duct obstruction and bile acid reflux are the primary causes of AGP. The duration of the obstruction is particularly crucial to its progression, and early intervention in pancreatic duct obstruction is key to preventing severe cases. The management strategy for AGP in its early stages includes endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic sphincterotomy. The core of diagnosis and treatment involves promptly identifying the cause, relieving bile and pancreatic duct obstruction, reducing pressure in the pancreatic duct, implementing common bile duct drainage, and evaluating the effect of pancreatic duct stenting. Since gallstones are the only controllable factor, early cholecystectomy is the safest choice for preventing AGP. However, the timing and methods of etiological prevention and treatment of AGP still require further research. This article synthesizes insights into anatomical factor management, gallstone prevention, interruption of the onset process, and coordination of prevention mechanisms, aiming to provide a reference for AGP prevention and treatment.
5.Research progress on the etiology and prevention of acute gallstone pancreatitis
Ao WANG ; Yanan ZHANG ; Li ZHANG ; Xiande GUO ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(2):150-155
Acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP) represents an acute inflammatory condition of the pancreas, of which etiology and prevention require systematic understanding from the molecular mechanisms of onset, combined with the foundations of pathological anatomy and pathophysiological processes. Main pancreatic duct obstruction and bile acid reflux are the primary causes of AGP. The duration of the obstruction is particularly crucial to its progression, and early intervention in pancreatic duct obstruction is key to preventing severe cases. The management strategy for AGP in its early stages includes endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic sphincterotomy. The core of diagnosis and treatment involves promptly identifying the cause, relieving bile and pancreatic duct obstruction, reducing pressure in the pancreatic duct, implementing common bile duct drainage, and evaluating the effect of pancreatic duct stenting. Since gallstones are the only controllable factor, early cholecystectomy is the safest choice for preventing AGP. However, the timing and methods of etiological prevention and treatment of AGP still require further research. This article synthesizes insights into anatomical factor management, gallstone prevention, interruption of the onset process, and coordination of prevention mechanisms, aiming to provide a reference for AGP prevention and treatment.
6.Simultaneous determination of 6 aconitum-type alkaloids in Xiaozhong ointment by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Tian-Li XIA ; De-Ping ZHAO ; Ao XUE ; Mei-Ling JIN ; Zi-Yue ZHU ; Qing LI ; Ning ZHANG ; Xia LEI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1341-1344
Objective To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of aconitine,neoaconitine,hypaconitine,benzoyl aconitine,benzoyl mesaconine and benzoylhypacoitine in Xiaozhong ointment by UPLC-TQD-MS.Methods ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column(50 mm ×2.1 mm,1.7 μm),mobile phase 0.1%formic acid water(A)-acetonitrile(B),gradient elution,column temperature 40 ℃,flow rate 0.3 mL·min-1,injection volume 5 μL;electrospray ionization source(ESI+)and multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)were used for mass spectrometry analysis.Results The concentration of aconitine,new aconitine,hypaconitine,benzoyl aconitine,benzoyl new aconitine and benzoyl hypaconitine were 1.0-100.0 ng·mL-1,respectively,the average recovery were 98.62%-101.24%.The mass fractions of the six components were 0.18,0.33,0.38,0.43,0.28,0.06μg·g-1.Conclusion The method can be used to determine the content of 6 aconitine-type alkaloids in Xiaozhong ointment,and provide reference for the quality evaluation and clinical safe use of Xiaozhong ointment.
7.Exploring the factors affecting music-related quality of life in post-lingual deaf adults with cochlear implants
Ye YANG ; Xiaoyun QIAN ; Liguo GENG ; Yaofeng JIANG ; Junyan GAO ; Li HUANG ; Ao LI ; Ning ZHAO ; Yuqin XU ; Guangjie ZHU ; Xia GAO
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(1):27-33
Objective:To observe the feelings of listening to music and the importance of music in the daily life of post-lingual deaf adults with cochlear implants, and to explore the relevant influencing factors.Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey study. From January 2021 to August 2021,the Music-Related Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate the music needs and music experiences of 63 post-lingual deaf adults who met the inclusion criteria, including 27 males and 36 females, aged (40.7±12.3) years, at the time of surgery (36.8±13.1) years, and with a preoperative hearing aid ineffective time of (3.9±5.8) years. Indicators analyzed included age, duration of ineffective preoperative hearing aid wear, preoperative music preference, duration of postoperative cochlear implant use, current hearing aid modality, and auditory rehabilitation outcomes. Whether the six factors mentioned above constituted an influence on the subjects′ music listening was investigated using SPSS 25.0 statistical software.Results:All of the observations in the scale were correlated with a single factor. The two sub-dimensions of music experience section were related to the effect of auditory rehabilitation. In the importance section, the effect of auditory rehabilitation was the influential factor of the dimension of "participation importance", and the preoperative enjoyment of music was the relevant influential factor of the dimension of "perceived importance". There was a significant difference between the groups when they were grouped by the above factors ( P value<0.05), while there was no statistically significance between the groups when they were grouped by other factors ( P value>0.05). Conclusions:Post-lingual deaf adults show the need and attempt to listen to music after cochlear implantation. The effectiveness of auditory rehabilitation and the degree of music preference preoperatively are two important factors that influence music listening in implant recipients. Once the level of auditory communication has been restored to a certain degree, it is important to pay more attention to the needs of music for implant recipients and train them in time, especially for those with music preferences preoperatively.
8.Urine metabolomics study of Psoralea corylifolia in improving learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 mice
Yue QIAO ; Ao XUE ; Yue ZHANG ; Hong-dan XU ; Guang LI ; Ji-hui ZHAO ; Jing HU ; Ning ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1010-1016
Urine nontargeted metabolomics technology was developed for investigating the effect and mechanism of improving learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 mice of
9.Research progress in etiology of acute gallstone pancreatitis
Yanan ZHANG ; Ao WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Xiande GUO ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2024;30(2):156-160
Acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP) is a kind of acute pancreatitis caused by gallstones. The etiology of AGP is complex, and the anatomic basis and initiating factors have a synergistic effect on its pathogenesis, which needs to be studied jointly. The way of the confluence of pancreaticobiliary ducts, dilated main pancreatic duct, the relatively narrow opening of duodenal papilla and small stones or microlithiasis may be involved in the pathogenesis of AGP, in which small stones are the most important. Etiological diagnosis and clinical treatment of AGP should be carried out simultaneously. The timely selection of treatment methods for different causes can alleviate the patient's condition to the greatest extent and reduce the cost of treatment. At present, it is difficult to unify the prediction indexes of AGP. Meanwhile, the pathogenesis and related prophylaxis and treatment also need to be studied. In this paper, the anatomic basis, initiation factors, pathogenesis and self-defense of AGP were analyzed to provide a new perspective for its treatment.
10.Application progress of transpapillary biliary drainage in endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2022;38(12):2868-2872
Transpapillary biliary drainage is important for the endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis and its complications. The benefits of various drainage approaches are worth considering. This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) in endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis under different pathological conditions. According to research, although both drainage methods are equally safe and effective, ENBD plays an important role in emergency biliary drainage, while ERBD has advantages in the medium-and long-term treatment of refractory choledocholithiasis. With the ongoing evolution of biliary drainage in endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis, ERBD has a promising future due to its small diameter, pigtail type, self-shedding or biodegradable characteristics.

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