1.Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo Prescription in Improving Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Chronic Kidney Disease Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xincui BAO ; Baosheng ZHAO ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Jing YANG ; You WANG ; Lijia WU ; Yujin LI ; Ming GAO ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):100-108
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription improves renal fibrosis in rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=15) and a modeling group (n=55). Rats in the modeling group were administered a 2.5% adenine suspension at a dose of 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 by gavage for 4 weeks to establish a CKD model. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group (20.25 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.82, 11.64, and 23.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively), with 10 rats in each group. Each group was administered an equal volume of physiological saline, the corresponding concentration of irbesartan, or Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription by gavage for 12 weeks. Body weight and renal function indices were dynamically monitored. Serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 hUTP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Renal histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and mTOR in renal tissues. Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), and mTOR in renal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in renal tissues. ResultsCompared with the model group, rats in the irbesartan group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription groups showed significantly decreased levels of SCr, BUN, ACR, 24 hUTP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01). AST levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), while no significant difference was observed in ALT levels. Histopathological examination revealed that, compared with the model group, renal tubular epithelial cell edema and necrosis and Bowman's capsule dilation were alleviated, inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced, and interstitial and glomerular fibrosis was markedly improved in all treatment groups, with the most pronounced effect observed in the high-dose Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription group. Real-time PCR results showed that mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were significantly downregulated in the high-dose group (P<0.01). IHC results demonstrated that PI3K and p-Akt expression levels in renal tissues were significantly decreased in the high-dose group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis further confirmed that the expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly reduced in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription improves renal function indices in CKD rats, reduces collagen deposition in renal tissues, and decreases serum inflammatory factor levels. Its protective effect on renal function may be achieved by activating autophagy through downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby alleviating renal fibrosis.
2.Research progress of proton therapy for esophageal cancer
Chengrui FU ; Baosheng LI ; Wei HUANG
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(1):48-52
Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of death from cancer worldwide. Radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Compared with photon radiotherapy, proton radiotherapy significantly reduces normal organ dose due to its unique biophysical properties, which makes this modality potential ideal for esophageal cancer treatment. Proton radiotherapy plays an important role in radical radiotherapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and re-radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. The efficacy is equivalent to or better than that of photon radiotherapy, and proton radiotherapy is superior than photon radiotherapy in security. The combination of proton radiotherapy and immunotherapy, the increase of radiotherapy dose, and large-scale randomized controlled studies based on intensity-modulated proton radiotherapy technology will be hot topics for further research.
3.Progress in individualized, precise and comprehensive treatment of esophageal cancer
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(5):257-261
The comprehensive treatment of esophageal cancer has undergone tremendous changes with the advent of the era of targeted and immunotherapy. The optimization of comprehensive treatment strategies will become increasingly precise with the deep research on biomarkers related to the therapeutic effect of esophageal cancer. With the precise implementation of various treatment methods, the therapeutic effect of esophageal cancer is bound to be significantly improved.
4.Pathological Mechanism of Diabetes Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Menglu WANG ; Lu SHI ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Yinglan LYU ; Chen WANG ; Huimin LI ; Huilin ZHANG ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Ziyi SHAN ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):246-255
As people's living standards improve, the development trend of diabetes has gradually become severe. Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with abnormal expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in patients. NF-κB exists in various tissue cells and participates in the regulation of a variety of genes related to immune function and inflammation. Varieties of factors can activate NF-κB when the body is stimulated by external factors, so as to produce inflammation and other reactions. Previous studies on NF-κB mainly focus on cancer, and the pathological mechanism of the treatment of diabetes by related signaling pathways and the progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment have not been systematically elaborated on. By referring to the relevant literature in China and abroad, it was found that NF-κB is not isolated in the development and progression of diabetes but is associated with signal molecules related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism, and it is involved in mediating inflammation, pancreatic β cell apoptosis, insulin signal transduction, and other physiological functions. Therefore, blocking the transmission of NF-κB signaling pathway is beneficial to the treatment of diabetes. At present, Western medicine for the treatment of diabetes mainly includes oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections, but the adverse reactions are obvious. TCM has been characterized by multi-target, extensive action, and excellent curative effects in the treatment of diabetes. TCM and its compounds with functions of tonifying Qi and promoting blood circulation, regulating qi and eliminating phlegm, clearing heat and detoxifying, and nourishing Yin and moistening dryness can effectively intervene in the abnormal expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo through anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, the association between NF-κB signaling pathway and diabetes was summarized, and the modern research progress of TCM intervention of NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetes in the past five years was reviewed, so as to lay a laboratory foundation for the study of a new pathological mechanism of diabetes based on NF-κB signaling pathway and provide new targets and research direction for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and development of related TCM.
5.Imaging diagnosis, pathological upgrade, and imaging technology progress of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast
Lili ZHANG ; Ru TAN ; Xueli FANG ; Yu YANG ; Zheng SANG ; Baosheng LI
Journal of International Oncology 2024;51(3):166-169
Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) most commonly manifests as asymptomatic calcifications at mammography. The most common manifestation of MRI is nonmass enhancement. The ultrasound mainly presents as a hypoechoic irregular hypervascular mass without posterior features. Core-needle biopsy is a commonly used method for preoperative diagnosis of DCIS. Due to differences in needle type and sample size, there is a certain degree of pathological upgrading of the lesion. In recent years, there has been controversy over the diagnosis and treatment of DCIS. With the development of breast disease diagnostic technology, advances in digital breast tomography, artificial intelligence, and radiomics are expected to help DCIS management and address issues such as overdiagnosis.
6.Pharmacodynamic Effect and Mechanism of Xiaoke Drink in Ameliorating Insulin Resistance in ob/ob Mice
Baoying LI ; Baosheng ZHAO ; Yuling ZHA ; Mi DENG ; Luna NIU ; Xuefei LI ; Ruowei ZHU ; Yu DONG ; Lu JING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):254-260
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Xiaoke drink on insulin resistance in ob/ob mice and explore the mechanism. MethodEighteen ob/ob mice were randomly assigned into model, Xiaoke drink (17.68 g·kg-1), and atorvastatin (0.01 g·kg-1) groups (n=6), and six C57BL/6 mice were selected as the normal group. Mice in the normal and model groups were administrated with the same amount of distilled water. Fasting body weight, weekly food intake, and weekly water intake were measured at a fixed time. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour post-load plasma glucose (2 hPG) were measured before and after 8-week intervention. After intervention, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting insulin (FINS), Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), blood routine, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) in the liver. The pancreas was stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation. ResultCompared with the model group, the Xiaoke drink group showed decreased body weight of ob/ob mice (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined growth trend of body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced weekly average water intake, lowered levels of FPG, 2 hPG, TC, and HOMA-IR (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated expression level of USP20 in the liver (P<0.05). HMGCR content was positively correlated with USP20 expression. In addition, Xiaoke drink promoted the recovery of islet tissue morphology and function in ob/ob mice. ConclusionXiaoke drink can ameliorate insulin resistance in ob/ob mice by inhibiting USP20/HMGCR expression, reversing cholesterol biosynthesis process, and reducing cholesterol level.
7.Relationship between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and homocysteine in women in early pregnancy in Ordos region
Ruibing NIU ; Liping GUO ; Baosheng DUAN ; Hua ZHENG ; Jianping WEI ; Li QIN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(13):1575-1579
Objective To analyze the MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and homocysteine in women in early pregnancy in Ordos region,to clarify the distribution characteristics of MTHFR C677T gene polymor-phism and the correlation between the two,and to provide genetic basis for scientific guidance on folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and prevention of birth defects.Methods A total of 602 Han women in early pregnancy who were registered and underwent early pregnancy examinations in the gynecology clinic of Ordos Central Hospital from September 2022 to September 2023 were selected as the research subjects.Blood samples were collected from all research objects.MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism was detected by using PCR chip hybridization,and homocysteine level was detected by biochemical enzyme circulation method.Sta-tistical analysis of MTHFR C677T locus genotype and allele frequency,as well as their correlation with homo-cysteine was conducted.Results The detection frequencies of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism CC,CT,and TT types were 23.6%,47.5%,and 28.9%,respectively.The detection frequencies of alleles C and T were 47.3%and 52.7%,respectively.There were statistically significant differences compared to Han women in Shanghai,Wenzhou,Meishan,Nanning,and other regions(P<0.05),but there was no statistically significant difference compared to Han women in Xi'an(P>0.05).The serum homocysteine level of pregnant women with TT genotype was higher than that of pregnant women with CC and CT genotypes,while the serum ho-mocysteine level of pregnant women with CT genotype was higher than that of pregnant women with CC gen-otype(P<0.05).The CT and TT genotypes of MTHFR C677T were both risk factors for hyperhomocys-teinemia in women in early pregnancy in this region,the risk was 2.80 and 8.07 times higher than that of the CC genotype,respectively,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The distri-bution of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism Han women in early pregnancy in Ordos region has regional characteristics and is correlated with homocysteine level.Developing personalized folic acid supplementation plans based on different genotypes during pregnancy is of great significance for preventing birth defects.
8.Exploration on mechanism of Shenghui Yizhi Decoction in improving learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice based on NLRP3/ Caspase-1/ IL-1β signaling pathway
Peng WANG ; Yuanli DONG ; Weiliang SUN ; Yi JIN ; Rong MEI ; Baosheng ZHAO ; Qiubing LI
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):594-599
Objective:To investigate the effects of Shenghui Yizhi Decoction on learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice; To explore its mechanism.Methods:Totally 24 male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (1 mg/kg) and Shenghui Yizhi Decoction group (15.6 g/kg), with 8 mice in each group, and eight anti rapid aging mice (SAMR1) of the same age and strain were set as the control group. The mice in each group were given corresponding medication or the same volume of distilled water for 90 days. After administration, Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory ability and space exploration ability of mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of β Amyloid protein 1-42 (Aβ 1-42) in hippocampal. ELISA was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Real time PCR was used to detect expressions of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine protease-1 (Caspase-1), and IL-1β mRNA. Western Blot was used to detect expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1and IL-1β protein. Results:Compared with model group, the spatial exploration ability and memory ability of mice in Shenghui Yizhi Decoction group and donepezil hydrochloride group were improved ( P<0.05, P<0.01), the expression of Aβ 1-42 in hippocampus decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01), the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-1β decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion:Shenghui Yizhi Decoction can effectively improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of inflammasome and neuroinflammatory response by regulating the NLRP3/ Caspase-1/ IL-1β signaling pathway.
9.Chinese expert consensus on targeted and immunotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer
Ping JIANG ; Zi LIU ; Lichun WEI ; Yunyan ZHANG ; Fengju ZHAO ; Xiangkun YUAN ; Yipeng SONG ; Jing BAI ; Xiaofan LI ; Baosheng SUN ; Lijuan ZOU ; Sha LI ; Yuhua GAO ; Yanhong ZHUO ; Song GAO ; Qin XU ; Xiaohong ZHOU ; Hong ZHU ; Junjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(10):893-901
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) refers to the simultaneous treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the effect of radiotherapy is enhanced with low-dose chemotherapy, which can reduce tumor recurrence and metastasis and improve clinical prognosis of patients. At present, the main factors for the increase of radiosensitivity of concurrent chemotherapy is that concurrent chemotherapy prevents the repair of tumor cells, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy act on different cell cycles and have synergistic effects. However, even for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who have undergone CCRT, the 5-year survival rate is only 60%, which is still not ideal. In order to improve the efficacy, researchers have conducted a series of exploratory studies, which consist of the combination of targeted drugs and immunodrugs, and neoadjuvant regimens before CCRT, etc. Although targeted or immunologic drugs are effective treatment of LACC, in view of the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical evidence, multi-center prospective and randomized phase III clinical trials and high-level articles are needed to improve the level of evidence-based medicine. This consensus summarizes several key evidence-based medical studies published recently, especially the clinical research progress in targeted and immunological therapies, providing reference for domestic peers.
10.Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on the authentic experience of moral dilemmas of ICU nurses
Baosheng ZHAO ; Juan WANG ; Manli WANG ; Junjie SHI ; Jun DU ; Fengxia LI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(10):1263-1269
Objective To systematically evaluate the psychological feelings and real experience of ICU nurses'moral dilemma,and the aim is to provide references for the formulation of targeted psychological intervention programs.Methods Pubmed,CINAHL,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PsycNET,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database,and China Biomedical Literature Database were searched by computer to retrieve qualitative studies on psychological perceptions and real experiences of moral dilemmas of ICU nurses,and the search time was from the establishment of databases to March 2023.The quality of literature was evaluated using the 2016 version of the Australian JBI Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care Quality Evaluation Criteria for qualitative studies,and the results were integrated and analyzed by the Meta integration method.Results A total of 10 pieces of literature were included,including 3 phenomenological studies and 7 descriptive studies.The results of 27 studies were summarized into 8 new categories,and 3 integrated results were obtained:①The internal and external causes of moral dilemmas,including conflicting concepts of life and death,differences of the idea of the superior death,conflict of clinical decision-making,and insufficient organizational support;②The progressive effects of moral dilemmas,including aggravating negative emotional burden and breeding professional identity bias;③ Coping strategies for moral dilemmas,including active self-debugging and seeking support from colleagues.Conclusion It is urgent to popularize the scientific concept of life and death of patients and families,deepen the concept of superior death of ICU nurses,and alleviate the conflict of nursing and patient decision-making.It is important to pay attention to the negative emotional state of ICU nurses,improve their professional identity,improve the self-adjustment ways of ICU nurses,and to provide multi-organization support for ICU nurses.

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