1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
2.Characterization and Application of Moisture Absorption Kinetics of Traditional Chinese Medicines Based on Double Exponential Model:A Review
Yanting YU ; Lei XIONG ; Yan HE ; Wei LIU ; Jing YANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiali CHEN ; Xiaojian LUO ; Xiaoyong RAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):340-346
Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica(CMM). Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design, process optimization, and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms, with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion, tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years, this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties, offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM, analyzes its advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in this domain, and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies, while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.
3.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
4.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
5.Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Immune Cystitis: A Case Report
Jing YU ; Ling LI ; Wenfang CHEN ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):396-402
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors, and their related immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have attracted increasing attention. This study reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a case of immune cystitis in a patient with hepatobiliary tract malignant tumor after treatment with pembrolizumab. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to frequent urination, urgency of urination and dysuria for 1 month. Previous repeated anti-infection treatments were ineffective. Combined with medical history, laboratory tests, imaging findings, cystoscopy and pathological results, the patient was clinically diagnosed with ICIs-associated immune cystitis (Pembrolizumab) ultimately. The patient's symptoms significantly improved after treatment with glucocorticoids. This case reindicates that clinicians need to improve awareness of ICI-related urinary system irAEs. Early identification and timely intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis.
6.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell nanovesicles fusion neutrophil apoptotic bodies promote skin wound healing in diabetic mice
Zhanpeng SUN ; Sen LIU ; Ling SHI ; Kaiyuan CHEN ; Meichen SONG ; Yan WU ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):34-42
BACKGROUND:Nanocell vesicles possess functions such as re-epithelialization,antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling.Meanwhile,apoptotic bodies have the immunomodulatory effects.Therefore,the combination of the two to form nanofusion vesicles can synergistically promote the healing of diabetic skin wounds.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the impact of nanofusion vesicles on skin wound healing in a diabetic murine model.METHODS:(1)Material preparation and characterization:The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of C57BL/6J neonatal mice and the neutrophil apoptotic bodies of C57BL/6J mice were isolated and extracted.The nanofusion vesicles were prepared by micro-extrusion mechanism.(2)In vitro experiment:MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative effect of different concentrations of nanofusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe was used to detect the antioxidant effect of nano-fusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide(H2O2).The inhibitory effect of nanofusion vesicles on RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolyside was detected by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR.(3)In vivo experiment:36 male C57BL/6J mice were employed to develop a murine model of diabetes mellitus.Following the successful induction of diabetes,two circular full-thickness wounds,each with a diameter of 6 mm,were created on either side of the diabetic mice's spine using a skin punch.The mice were divided into three groups by random number table method.The control group was injected with 0.1 mL of phosphate buffer solution.The nanovesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanovesicles(25 μg/mL).The nanofusion vesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanofusion(25 μg/mL)vesicles.After treatment for three consecutive days,the wound healing and histomorphological changes were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:nanofusion vesicles,when administered at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg/mL,exhibited no toxic effects and promoted the proliferation of NIH-3T3 and HUVEC cell lines.Notably,a concentration of 25 μg/mL nanofusion vesicle significantly enhanced the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells.Furthermore,the survival rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was observed to increase in correlation with escalating concentrations of nanofusion vesicles.Nanofusion vesicles had a good antioxidant effect.In comparison to the H2O2 group,the fluorescence signal indicative of reactive oxygen species was progressively diminished in both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group.Furthermore,nanofusion vesicles possessed anti-inflammatory capabilities,effectively mitigating the inflammatory response in macrophages triggered by lipopolysaccharide stimulation.(2)In vivo experiment:Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed that in comparison to the control group,both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group exhibited a significant increase in granulation tissue formation and collagen fiber deposition within the wounds by day 6.Notably,the nanofusion vesicle group displayed the most pronounced effects.On day 12,the wound of nanofusion vesicle group was significantly reduced,and the healing rate was significantly faster than that of other groups(P<0.01),and the effect of promoting wound healing was the most significant.Our findings demonstrated that nanofusion vesicles exhibited superior pro-cell proliferative,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties,thereby exerting a beneficial effect on the promotion of skin wound healing in diabetic mouse models.
7.Effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on stress urinary incontinence in women
Ya'nan LI ; Miao YE ; Juan WU ; Cong CHEN ; Lingfang WAN ; Lili YU ; Linlin GAO ; Yi QIN ; Huafang JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):690-698
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle function, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethodsFrom February, 2024 to July, 2025, 40 female patients with SUI were recruited from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and advertisements. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). The control group received conventional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, and the experimental group received functional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, for eight weeks. The data of pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG), 1-hour urine pad test and Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I-QOL) were collected before and after training. The compliance rate was counted after training. ResultsOne case dropped down in the control group and three cases dropped down in the experimental group. After treatment, the pelvic floor muscle strength increased in both groups (|Z| > 3.317, P < 0.01), the pre-resting average value, sustained contraction average value and durable contraction average value of sEMG improved in the control group (|t| > 2.731, P < 0.05), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t > 9.215, P < 0.001) and the I-QOL score significantly increased (|t| > 13.229, P < 0.001) in both groups; compared with the control group, the pelvic floor muscle strength significantly increased (Z = -2.281, P = 0.023), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t = 4.215, P < 0.001), the I-QOL score significantly increased (t = -4.501, P < 0.001), and the compliance rate significantly increased (Z = -2.798, P < 0.01) in the experimental group . ConclusionFunctional pelvic floor muscle training can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle strength, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with SUI.
8.Research on the role of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Jing TANG ; Ping QIU ; Renjie CHEN ; Yaqing LIU ; Hui LIU ; Yu LIU ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):819-826
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) in promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying signaling mechanisms. MethodsThe expression level of DHCR7 in lung adenocarcinoma and its prognosis were analyzed by using public databases. DHCR7 protein expression levels in the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines H1299 and A549 were assessed by Western blot, using the normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B as a control. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down DHCR7 expression in H1299 and A549 cells. Assays including colony formation, CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell experiments were conducted to assess the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the knockdown cells. Next, Western blot was employed to assess the phosphorylation levels of key signaling molecules in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3),mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) (p-AKT, p-STAT3, p-ERK). ResultsBioinformatics results indicated that both DHCR7 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma compared with normal tissues adjacent to cancer. Furthermore, higher DHCR7 mRNA level was associated with poor prognosis (P<0.001). The expression levels of DHCR7 were significantly higher in both H1299 and A549 cells than that in BEAS-2B cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with si-control, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of si-DHCR7 H1299 and A549 cells significantly decreased. Among the phosphorylated signaling molecules detected, p-ERK was significantly downregulated (P<0.000 1, P<0.01) whereas p-AKT and p-STAT3 levels were not significantly changed. ConclusionDHCR7 has prominent effects in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and the underlying mechanisms are related to the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
9.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
10.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell nanovesicles fusion neutrophil apoptotic bodies promote skin wound healing in diabetic mice
Zhanpeng SUN ; Sen LIU ; Ling SHI ; Kaiyuan CHEN ; Meichen SONG ; Yan WU ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):34-42
BACKGROUND:Nanocell vesicles possess functions such as re-epithelialization,antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling.Meanwhile,apoptotic bodies have the immunomodulatory effects.Therefore,the combination of the two to form nanofusion vesicles can synergistically promote the healing of diabetic skin wounds.OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the impact of nanofusion vesicles on skin wound healing in a diabetic murine model.METHODS:(1)Material preparation and characterization:The primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of C57BL/6J neonatal mice and the neutrophil apoptotic bodies of C57BL/6J mice were isolated and extracted.The nanofusion vesicles were prepared by micro-extrusion mechanism.(2)In vitro experiment:MTT assay was used to detect the proliferative effect of different concentrations of nanofusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence probe was used to detect the antioxidant effect of nano-fusion vesicles on NIH-3T3 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide(H2O2).The inhibitory effect of nanofusion vesicles on RAW 264.7 macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolyside was detected by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR.(3)In vivo experiment:36 male C57BL/6J mice were employed to develop a murine model of diabetes mellitus.Following the successful induction of diabetes,two circular full-thickness wounds,each with a diameter of 6 mm,were created on either side of the diabetic mice's spine using a skin punch.The mice were divided into three groups by random number table method.The control group was injected with 0.1 mL of phosphate buffer solution.The nanovesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanovesicles(25 μg/mL).The nanofusion vesicle group was injected with 0.1 mL nanofusion(25 μg/mL)vesicles.After treatment for three consecutive days,the wound healing and histomorphological changes were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiment:nanofusion vesicles,when administered at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 μg/mL,exhibited no toxic effects and promoted the proliferation of NIH-3T3 and HUVEC cell lines.Notably,a concentration of 25 μg/mL nanofusion vesicle significantly enhanced the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells.Furthermore,the survival rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was observed to increase in correlation with escalating concentrations of nanofusion vesicles.Nanofusion vesicles had a good antioxidant effect.In comparison to the H2O2 group,the fluorescence signal indicative of reactive oxygen species was progressively diminished in both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group.Furthermore,nanofusion vesicles possessed anti-inflammatory capabilities,effectively mitigating the inflammatory response in macrophages triggered by lipopolysaccharide stimulation.(2)In vivo experiment:Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining revealed that in comparison to the control group,both the nanovesicle group and the nanofusion vesicle group exhibited a significant increase in granulation tissue formation and collagen fiber deposition within the wounds by day 6.Notably,the nanofusion vesicle group displayed the most pronounced effects.On day 12,the wound of nanofusion vesicle group was significantly reduced,and the healing rate was significantly faster than that of other groups(P<0.01),and the effect of promoting wound healing was the most significant.Our findings demonstrated that nanofusion vesicles exhibited superior pro-cell proliferative,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory properties,thereby exerting a beneficial effect on the promotion of skin wound healing in diabetic mouse models.

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