BACKGROUND:Psoralen has a strong anti-osteoporotic activity and may have a restorative effect on chemotherapy-induced osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To explore the restorative effect of psoralen on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice inhibited by cyclophosphamide and its mechanism. METHODS:C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured.Effect of psoralen on viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was detected by MTT assay.Osteogenic induction combined with alkaline phosphatase staining was used to determine the optimal dose of psoralen to restore the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibited by cyclophosphamide.The mRNA expression levels of Runx2,alkaline phosphatase,Osteocalcin,osteoprotegerin,and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related genes Wnt1,Wnt4,Wnt10b,β-catenin,and c-MYC were measured by RT-qPCR at different time points under the intervention with psoralen.The protein expression of osteogenic specific transcription factor Runx2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes Active β-catenin,DKK1,c-MYC,and Cyclin D1 was determined by western blot assay at different time points under the intervention with psoralen. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant effect of different concentrations of psoralen on the viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.The best recovery of the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide was under the intervention of psoralen at a concentration of 200 μmol/L.(2)Psoralen reversed the reduction in osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runx2,alkaline phosphatase,Osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression and Runx2 protein expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide conditioned medium.(3)Psoralen reversed the decrease in Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes Wnt4,β-catenin,c-MYC mRNA and Active β-catenin,c-MYC,and Cyclin D1 protein expression and the increase in DKK1 protein expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide conditioned medium.(4)The results showed that cyclophosphamide inhibited osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice,and psoralen had a restorative effect on it.The best intervention effect was achieved at a concentration of 200 μmol/L psoralen,and this protective effect might be related to the activation of Wnt4/β-catenin signaling pathway by psoralen.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide, accounting for more than 90% of all oral cancers, and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia are the main precancerous lesions lesions, with oral leukoplakia being the most common. Both OSCC and premalignant lesions are closely associated with aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways. Post-translational modifications (such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination) play key roles in regulating these pathways by controlling protein stability and activity. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulated ubiquitination/deubiquitination can mediate OSCC initiation and progression via aberrant activation of signaling pathways. The ubiquitination/deubiquitination process mainly involves E3 ligases (E3s) that catalyze substrate ubiquitination, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that remove ubiquitin chains, and the 26S proteasome complex that degrades ubiquitinated substrates. Abnormal expression or mutation of E3s and DUBs can lead to altered stability of critical tumor-related proteins, thereby driving OSCC initiation and progression. Therefore, understanding the aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC and the ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms within these pathways will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms and improve OSCC treatment by targeting relevant components. Here, we summarize four aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC―the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Hippo pathway, and canonical NF-κB pathway―and systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination/deubiquitination within these pathways, along with potential drug targets. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly activated in approximately 70% of OSCC cases. It is modulated by E3s (e.g., FBXW7 and NEDD4) and DUBs (e.g., USP7 and USP10): FBXW7 and USP10 inhibit signaling, while NEDD4 and USP7 potentiate it. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway leads to β‑catenin nuclear translocation and induction of cell proliferation. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., c-Cbl and RNF43) and DUBs (e.g., USP9X and USP20): c-Cbl and RNF43 inhibit signaling, while USP9X and USP20 potentiate it. Hippo pathway inactivation permits YAP/TAZ to enter the nucleus and promotes cancer cell metastasis. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., CRL4^DCAF1 and SIAH2) and DUBs (e.g., USP1 and USP21): CRL4^DCAF1 and SIAH2 inhibit signaling, while USP1 and USP21 potentiate it. Persistent activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., TRAF6 and LUBAC) and DUBs (e.g., A20 and CYLD): A20 and CYLD inhibit signaling, while TRAF6 and LUBAC potentiate it. Targeting these E3s and DUBs provides directions for OSCC drug research. Small-molecule inhibitors such as YCH2823 (a USP7 inhibitor), GSK2643943A (a USP20 inhibitor), and HOIPIN-8 (a LUBAC inhibitor) have shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical models; PROTAC molecules, by binding to surface sites of target proteins and recruiting E3s, achieve targeted ubiquitination and degradation of proteins insensitive to small-molecule inhibitors, for example, PU7-1-mediated USP7 degradation, offering new strategies to overcome traditional drug limitations. Currently, NX-1607 (a Cbl-b inhibitor) has entered phase I clinical trials, with preliminary results confirming its safety and antitumor activity. Future research on aberrant E3s and DUBs in OSCC and the development of highly specific inhibitors will be of great significance for OSCC precision therapy.

Objective To establish radioresistant human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460R model cells and evaluate the sensitivity of these radioresistant cells to a ferroptosis inducer. Methods Radioresistant cell lines, designated as NCI-H460 R20Gy and NCI-H460 R116Gy, were generated by subjecting parental NCI-H460 cells to fractionated irradiation with varying cumulative doses. Both parental cells and the established radioresistant cell lines were each randomly divided into four groups and exposed to irradiation at 0, 2, 4, and 6 Gy, respectively. Successful establishment of the radioresistant cell lines was confirmed by colony formation assay. Subsequently, cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the ferroptosis inducer RSL-3 to assess differential sensitivity between parental and radioresistant cells to ferroptosis. Results In comparison to the parental NCI-H460 cells (D_0WT=1.2), both NCI-H460 R116Gy and NCI-H460 R20Gy cells exhibited radioresistance, with NCI-H460 R116Gy demonstrating a stronger radioresistance (D_0R116Gy=1.5) than NCI-H460 R20Gy (D_0R20Gy=1.4). Furthermore, NCI-H460 R116Gy cells exhibited increased sensitivity to RSL-3 relative to the parental cells (P < 0.001), while NCI-H460 R20Gy cells did not display a significant difference in sensitivity to RSL-3. Conclusion Human non-small cell lung cancer cells with radioresistance induced by a high cumulative irradiation dose exhibit increased sensitivity to the glutathione peroxidase 4-specific ferroptosis inducer RSL-3. This finding provides an experimental basis for optimizing combined treatment regimens involving radiotherapy and RSL-3 for non-small cell lung cancer patients with radiotherapy resistance.

Since the promulgation of the first Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China 40 years ago in 1984, China has undergone four main stages in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) regulation: the initial establishment of TCM regulation rules(1984-1997), the formation of a modern TCM regulatory system(1998-2014), the reform of the review and approval system for new TCM drugs(2015-2018), and the construction of a scientific regulation system for TCM(2019-2024). Over the past five years, a series of milestone achievements of TCM regulation in China have been achieved in the six aspects, including its strategic objectives and the establishment of a science-based regulatory system, the reform of the review and approval system for new TCM drugs, the optimization and improvement of the TCM standard system and its formation mechanism, comprehensive enhancement of regulatory capabilities for TCM safety, international harmonization of TCM regulation and its role in promoting innovation. Looking ahead, centered on advancing TCMRS to establish a sound regulatory framework tailored to the unique characteristics of TCM, TCM regulation will evolve into new reform patterns, advancing and extending across eight critical fronts, including the legal framework and policy architecture, the review and approval system for new TCM drugs, the quality standard and management system of TCM, the comprehensive quality & safety regulation and traceability system, the research and transformation system for TCMRS, AI-driven innovations in TCM regulation, the coordination between high-quality industrial development and high-level regulation, and the leadership in international cooperation and regulatory harmonization. In this way, a unique path for the development of modern TCM regulation with Chinese characteristics will be pioneered.
Humans ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/trends*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

Hypertrophic scar is a fibrous hyperplastic disorder that arises from skin injuries. The current therapeutic modalities are constrained by the dense and rigid scar tissue which impedes effective drug delivery. Additionally, insufficient autophagic activity in fibroblasts hinders their apoptosis, leading to excessive matrix deposition. Here, we developed an active microneedle (MN) system to overcome these challenges by integrating micromotor-driven drug delivery with autophagy regulation to remodel the scar microenvironment. Specifically, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were introduced into the MNs as a built-in engine to generate CO₂ bubbles, thereby enabling enhanced lateral and vertical drug diffusion into dense scar tissue. The system concurrently encapsulated curcumin (Cur), an autophagy activator, and triamcinolone acetonide (TA), synergistically inducing fibroblast apoptosis by upregulating autophagic activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that active MNs achieved efficient drug penetration within isolated scar tissue. The rabbit hypertrophic scar model revealed that TA-Cur MNs significantly reduced the scar elevation index, suppressed collagen I and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression, and elevated LC3 protein levels. These findings highlight the potential of the active MN system as an efficacious platform for autonomous augmented drug delivery and autophagy-targeted therapy in fibrotic disorder treatments.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

Long-term spaceflight,characterized by drastic changes in spatial position,disrupts the Earth's inherent environmental periodic signals,such as the day-night light-dark cycle.This leads to a misalignment between the external environmental cycles and the body's endogenous biological rhythms.The cumulative effect of this persistent"time difference"severely disrupts the core biological pathways that regulate the circadian rhythm.It triggers a series of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses,exemplified by sleep-wake disorders,which have become a core medical problem constraining the success of long-term space missions and astronaut health.Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)posits that aligning with the rhythmic changes of heaven,earth,day,night,and the four seasons,and maintaining the dynamic balance and harmonious functioning of the body's Yin and Yang vital energies,are fundamental principles for safeguarding vitality and resisting external pathogens and internal injuries.However,in the prolonged weightlessness,confinement,and abnormal lighting environment of deep space flight,the bond between the human body and natural rhythms is forcibly severed.Yin and Yang Qi become difficult to sustain,the mechanisms of ascent,descent,exit,and entry are obstructed,the visceral Qi transformation functions are impaired,and the circulation of Qi and Blood becomes disordered,ultimately leading to the onset of various disorders.This paper,grounded in the TCM temporal medicine perspective of"correspondence between heaven and human"(tian ren xiang ying)and the theories of Yin-Yang and Qi-Blood,meticulously reviews the historical classics and modern research on acupoint intervention strategies for addressing rhythm disorders and harmonizing Yin and Yang.Building upon this foundation,it innovatively proposes and argues for an integrated acupoint prescription strategy:the"Bei Xin Wu Xue"combined with the classic paired points Zhaohai(KI6)-Shenmai(BL62)on the lower limbs to regulate the dynamic balance of the Yin and Yang Heel Vessels(Yin/Yang Qiao Mai),and the classic paired points Taichong(LR3)-Yongquan(KI1)to guide Qi downward.This combination aims to work at multiple levels-"Heart-Brain,Yin-Yang,Liver-Kidney"-to calm the Heart Spirit,clear the Brain Mansion,and tonify the Liver and Kidney.The goal is to restore Yin and Yang Qi to an orderly and coordinated state,thereby assisting the disordered biological rhythm system in regaining homeostasis.This provides a novel TCM-inspired approach of"rhythm regulation and equilibrium restoration"(tiao shi fu heng)to safeguard the long-term in-orbit health of astronauts.

Objective To analyze the characteristics of intradepartmental consultation cases in the Department of Ultrasound,identify the technical weaknesses underlying consultation needs,thereby exploring their guiding signifi-cance for optimizing the medical education system.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 325 in-tradepartmental consultation cases from the Department of Ultrasound at Peking University Third Hospital between January 1,2020,and December 31,2024.Data on patient sources,time distribution,disease categories,applicant physicians'seniority,and the positive rate of ultrasound reports were statistically analyzed.Results The majority of consultation cases involved outpatients(74.77%),with the highest proportion originating from General Surgery(98/325,30.15%),Pediatrics(31/325,9.54%),and Urology(21/325,6.46%).Consultations pre-dominantly occurred on weekdays between 10∶00 and 16∶00.Superficial organ diseases constituted the largest disease category(179/325,55.08%),mainly involving subcutaneous soft tissue,breast,and thyroid subcatego-ries,followed by musculoskeletal and neurological diseases(48/325,14.77%)and vascular diseases(44/325,13.54%).Case distribution varied by physician seniority:resident physicians in training primarily requested con-sultations for superficial organ,vascular,and abdominal cases;specialized training physicians showed an increased proportion of musculoskeletal and neurological cases;while attending physicians who completed specialized training and associate chief physicians demonstrated higher proportions of musculoskeletal and neurological,and pediatric cranial cases.The overall positive rate of ultrasound reports was 88.00%,with negative reports mostly prompting consultations due to discrepancies between subjective symptoms and imaging findings.Conclusions The character-istics of intradepartmental consultation cases reflect the technical weaknesses of ultrasound physicians at different seniority levels,providing helpful insights for refining postgraduate and continuing education systems to enhance the core competencies in ultrasound practice.

This study summarizes the holistic nursing management of high-output stomas in three cases of refractory Crohn's disease following double stoma surgery.The nursing highlights encompassed management of high-output stomas(including assessment of high stoma output,use of octreotide ace-tate combined with Bifidobacterium and montmorillonite powder to reduce high stoma output,and dual stoma management),dynamic assessment of nutritional risk,stepped nutritional support,psychological intervention,and continued care at home.After treatment and nursing,the high stoma output in all three patients was effectively controlled,their nutritional status gradually improved,and they were dis-charged in an improved condition.