1.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.
2.Exploration of the effects of quercetin on intervertebral disc degeneration in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation rats based on the FOXO3/Sirt1 pathway
Bowen XIAO ; Cong PENG ; Senwei ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):49-54
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of quercetin (QUE) on intervertebral disc degeneration in rats with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) and explore its mechanism based on the forkhead box protein O3/silent information regulator 1 (FOXO3/Sirt1) pathway. METHODS A rat model of LDH was established. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into LDH group (gavaged with and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline), QUE-L group (gavaged with 50 mg/kg QUE+intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline), QUE-H group (gavaged with 100 mg/kg QUE+ intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline), and QUE-H+EX-527 (a Sirt1 inhibitor) group (gavaged with 100 mg/kg QUE+intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg EX-527), with 12 rats in each group. Additionally, 12 healthy normal rats were selected as the control group (gavaged with and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of normal saline). All rats were administered the corresponding agents once daily for consecutive 8 weeks. After the final administration, the pain threshold and serum levels of inflammatory factors in rats were measured; pathological damage of lumbar intervertebral disc tissue was observed, the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in lumbar intervertebral disc tissue was assessed, and the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), as well as apoptosis-related proteins and FOXO3/Sirt1 pathway- related proteins in intervertebral disc tissue were determined. RESULTS Compared with LDH group, pathological damage of intervertebral disc tissue were improved significantly in QUE-L group and QUE-H group; paw withdrawal mechanical threshold, paw withdrawal thermal latency, the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as well as the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), FOXO3 and Sirt1 were significantly increased or prolonged (P<0.05). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β, histopathological score of intervertebral disc tissue, apoptotic rate of nucleus pulposus cells, positive expressions of MMP-3 and PLA2 in intervertebral disc tissue and expression levels of Bcl-2 associated X protein were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the QUE-H group, the QUE-H+EX-527 group presented aggravated pathological damage of intervertebral disc tissue, and the trends of all the above indicators were significantly reversed(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS QUE can ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration in LDH rats, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the FOXO3/Sirt1 pathway.
3.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine interventions in colorectal cancer metastasis based on tumor microenvironment
Yu WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Siyu WU ; Bowen SUI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1648-1653
Colorectal cancer has an insidious onset, and some patients have already developed local invasion or metastasis at the time of diagnosis, which affects treatment strategy selection and survival prognosis. The tumor microenvironment is not only the basic condition for tumor cell survival but also the core regulatory factor driving their local invasion and distant metastasis. This article reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine regulates the tumor microenvironment to inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis. It was found that traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients such as astragalus polysaccharides, leonurine, kaempferol, etc., as well as traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Jianpi jiedu formula, can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating key links of the tumor microenvironment, including immunosuppression, inflammatory response, intestinal microecological disorder, abnormal angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix homeostasis imbalance. However, current related research was still mainly based on cell and animal experiments, with limited clinical evidence-based data, and mechanistic studies mostly focued on single signaling pathways. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies and systems biology methods to systematically elucidate the key targets and action networks through which traditional Chinese medicine regulates the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment to combat metastasis.
4.Investigation of Mechanism of Simiaowan in Promoting Intestinal Uric Acid Excretion in Hyperuricemic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhongyou ZHANG ; Huilin FENG ; Lian DUAN ; Xuping FAN ; Shaoang DONG ; Lingchun WANG ; Bowen YE ; Hao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):151-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Simiao Wan improve intestinal uric acid excretion in hyperuricemic (HUA) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SLC7A11/GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, a low-dose Simiao Wan group (282.6 mg·kg-1), a high-dose Simiao Wan group (565.2 mg·kg-1), an etoricoxib group (5.4 mg·kg-1), and a ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) group (2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate (100 mg·kg-1) combined with intragastric administration of hypoxanthine (500 mg·kg-1) to establish the HUA rat model. After 21 days, rats in each administration group received the corresponding dose of drug by gavage, rats in the Fer-1 group received intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, and rats in the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After sampling, serum levels of uric acid (SUA), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using biochemical assays. The content of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ileal tissues were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial alterations in the ileal tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of GPX4, ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), SLC7A11, and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) in ileal tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 in the ileal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels (P<0.01), significantly increased content of MDA and Fe2+ in ileal tissue, and significantly decreased GSH content and SOD activity (P<0.01). HE staining showed extensive shedding of the ileal villous epithelium, disrupted and disorganized villous structure, and incomplete local tissue architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial volume, decreased or even vanished cristae, indicating ultrastructural features characteristic of ferroptosis. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 were significantly downregulated, whereas those of ACSL4 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with Simiao Wan, the serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels significantly decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05,P<0.01), the MDA and Fe2+ content in ileal tissues were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the GSH content and SOD activity significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that the shedding of ileal villous epithelium was markedly alleviated, the villous structure became relatively intact and regularly arranged, and local tissue damage was obviously improved. Transmission electron microscopy showed attenuated mitochondrial damage, improvement in mitochondrial shrinkage, and partial restoration of mitochondrial cristae. Molecular and immunohistochemical results showed that Simiao Wan upregulated GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2, and downregulated ACSL4 in a dose-dependent manner. In the high‑dose group, all indices improved significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01), whereas in the low‑dose group, only improving trends were observed for FTH1, SLC7A11 mRNA, and ABCG2 protein. ConclusionSimiao Wan may inhibit ferroptosis of ileal epithelial cells by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, and upregulate the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2, thereby promoting intestinal uric acid excretion and improving HUA.
5.Research advances in the association of adipokines with metabolic associated fatty liver disease and its associated liver cancer
Yixiao ZHANG ; Jianguang SUN ; Bowen JIANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):151-158
With the emergence of unhealthy dietary structures in people’s life, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has gradually become the most important chronic liver disease in China, and there is also a gradual increase in the cases of MAFLD-associated liver cancer. Adipose tissue not only has the function of energy storage, but also secretes adipokines that play an important role in the development and progression of MAFLD and its associated liver cancer. Studies on the mechanism of adipokines have provided important help for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD, and a large number of studies have shown that the abnormal secretion of adipokines is associated with MAFLD and plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of liver cancer. Adipokines are not only regulated at the gene level, but they can also interact with genes through specific pathways to co-regulate pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, metabolism, immunity, and cell proliferation in MAFLD and its associated liver cancer. This article reviews the latest studies on the association of adipokines with MAFLD and its associated liver cancer, in order to provide new directions for further research on the pathogenesis of liver cancer.
6.Applications and Advances of Metabolomics in Lung Cancer Research.
Daoyun WANG ; Zhicheng HUANG ; Bowen LI ; Yadong WANG ; Zhina WANG ; Nan ZHANG ; Zewen WEI ; Naixin LIANG ; Shanqing LI
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(7):533-541
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, metabolomics has emerged as a key systems biology approach for analyzing small-molecule metabolites in cells, tissues and organisms. It provides new strategies for early diagnosis and metabolic profiling. Additionally, metabolomics plays a crucial role in studying resistance mechanisms in lung cancer. Tumor cell metabolic reprogramming is a key driving factor in the initiation and progression of lung cancer. Metabolomics studies have revealed how lung cancer cells regulate critical pathways such as energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism to adapt to the demands of rapid proliferation and invasive metastasis. This review summarizes the latest advances in metabolomics research in lung cancer, focusing on the characteristics of metabolic reprogramming, the identification of potential metabolic biomarkers, and the prospects of metabolomics in early diagnosis and the elucidation of resistance mechanisms in lung cancer.
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Humans
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Metabolomics/methods*
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Lung Neoplasms/pathology*
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Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
7.Clinical efficacy of TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis
Mingming MENG ; Zhibin WANG ; Yifan LYU ; Bing ZHU ; Bowen LIU ; Hua TIAN ; Dongze LI ; Fuchuan WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Li JIANG ; Huiguo DING ; Yuening ZHANG ; Ying HAN ; Fuquan LIU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(7):487-491
Objective:To analyze the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial. In the first phase, 81 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, including 57 males and 24 females, with the age of (51.3±10.4) years. During TIPS surgery, the pressure of the portal vein before and after the balloon blocking the splenic artery was measured to clarify the contribution of the splenic artery to portal hypertension. In the second stage, from January 2019 to December 2022, 104 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT were re-enrolled, including 71 males and 33 females, with the age of (50.9±12.5) years. TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization was performed, and portal vein pressure was measured before and after embolization. Follow up on the postoperative esophageal and gastric varices of the patients in the second stage.Results:The portal vein pressures before and after the first stage of balloon occlusion of the splenic artery were (35.2±8.4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (24.2±6.3) mmHg, respectively. The pressure after occlusion was lower than that before occlusion, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.54, P<0.001). The portal vein pressures before and after the second stage embolization were (36.1±9.5) mmHg and (21.1±4.7) mmHg respectively. The pressure after embolization was lower than that before embolization, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.47, P<0.001). In the second stage, among the 104 patients, the proportion of those whose varicose veins disappeared or improved 6 months after the operation was 43.3%(45/104) and 51.0%(53/104), respectively. There were no patients with aggravation or rebleeding due to rupture. One year later, 8 patients (7.7%) had aggravated or ruptured esophageal and gastric varices with bleeding. Two years later, 12 patients (11.5%) had aggravated or bleeding. Conclusion:TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization can effectively reduce the portal vein pressure in patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT, improve the degree of esophageal and gastric varices, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
8.Real-world adverse event profile of trabectedin:A signal mining and spatiotemporal analysis based on FAERS database
Bowen ZHANG ; Ludan ZHANG ; Hongrui CHEN ; Chunxiao LYU ; Yunlong LIU ; Yang LUO ; Aruhan DONG ; Zhuting LI ; Yuhong HUANG ; Ruihua WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(19):2425-2436
Objective To analyze the characteristics of real-world adverse drug events(ADEs)of trabectedin based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database in order to provide references for clinical drug safety management.Methods A total of 1 349 trabectedin-related reports were extracted from the FAERS database from Q1 2007 to Q4 2024.Using the MedDRA coding classification system for system organ class(SOC)and preferred term(PT),signal detection was performed through 4 proportional imbalance methods,including reporting odds ratio(ROR)and proportional reporting ratio(PRR).Subgroup analyses by gender,age,and temporal trends were also conducted.Results Hematological and lymphatic system disorders and hepatobiliary system disorders were the primary SOCs involved.High-frequency PTs included neutropenia(123 cases)and anemia(117 cases).Eight potential ADEs that have not been listed in the drug product instruction were identified.The median onset time of ADEs was 21 d,showing an early failure pattern,with differences observed by gender(females more prone to hematological toxicity)and age(elderly more susceptible to febrile neutropenia).Conclusion Trabectedin requires close attention to hematological toxicity,hepatotoxicity,and newly identified multi-system potential risks.Clinically,monitoring should be strengthened based on time windows and population characteristics to optimize drug regimens.Countermeasure It is recommended to strengthen the full cycle monitoring of anti-tumor drugs,standardize the reporting of adverse reactions,and establish a multi-departmental collaborative research platform.
9.Predicting BRCA-mutated breast cancer based on a combined clinicopathological and multiparametric MRI features model
Xiaohong CHEN ; Zhiqi YANG ; Bowen YUE ; Yi CHEN ; Jianhui LI ; Xinwei ZHONG ; Hao ZHANG ; Xinhong LIANG ; Weixiong FAN ; Xiaofeng CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1139-1143
Objective To explore the efficacy of a model combining clinicopathological characteristics and multiparametric MRI features for predicting BRCA-mutated breast cancer(BC).Methods A total of 256 BC patients were retrospectively selected and divided into BRCA mutation group(116 cases)and BRCA wild group(140 cases)based on the BRCA results.Chi-square tests or independ-ent sample t-tests were used to compare the differences in clinicopathological characteristics and multiparametric MRI features between the BRCA mutation group and the wild group.Risk factors for BRCA-mutated BC were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression ananlyses,and a combined predictive model was constructed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to ana-lyze the diagnostic efficacy of the model.Results There were statistically significant differences in T stage,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2),Ki-67,non-mass enhancement,enhancement pattern,time-signal intensity curve(TIC)type,and apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)values between the BRCA mutation group and the wild group.Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that T stage,HER-2,Ki-67,non-mass enhancement,enhancement pattern,TIC type,and ADC values were risk factors for BRCA-mutated BC(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that T stage,HER-2,Ki-67,enhancement pattern,and TIC type were independent risk factors for BRCA-mutated BC(P<0.05).The combined model incorporating T stage,HER-2,Ki-67,enhancement pattern,and TIC type had the best diagnostic efficacy in predicting BRCA-mutated BC,with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.751.Conclusion The combined model integrating T stage,HER-2,Ki-67,enhancement pattern,and TIC type has good efficacy in predicting BRCA-mutated BC.
10.Digital screw path transfer of preoperative mandibular models using CBCT and its preliminary application in mandibular fractures
Youjun WAN ; Tianyu ZHANG ; Bowen ZHU ; Liuning ZHU ; Shoushan BU ; Hai ZHUANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(2):105-111,117
Objective To scan and accurately reconstruct mandible models printed via fused deposition modeling(FDM)that contain screw path information,using cone-beam CT(CBCT),to achieve the digital transfer of preoperative model screw paths.Methods CBCT scans were conducted on 12 FDM-printed mandibular models(Model1 group)intended for prebending reconstruction plates.Mim-ics software was employed to reconstruct scanned data into mandibular models(Model2 group)and extract digital screw path informa-tion.Model2 was then compared with original models(Model0 group)in three dimensions,evaluating reconstruction accuracy through root mean square(RMS).Reconstruction parameters were optimized to enable automatic matching of Model2 with Model0,facilitating precise digital transfer of screw paths.In clinical application,this method was utilized to produce digital short-segment drilling guides,assisting in the reduction surgery of three mandibular fracture patients.Results Model2 demonstrated automatic matching with Model0,exhibiting detailed surface characteristics and clear screw path position and orientation information.The RMS was measured at(0.32±0.09)mm.Utilization of digital segmented screw path transfer guides assisted in the satisfactory reduction surgery of three pa-tients with comminuted mandibular fractures.Conclusion CBCT scanning of FDM-printed preoperative models accurately captures screw path position and orientation information,enabling digital transfer of screw paths and providing a novel method for precise design of digital surgical guides.

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