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.

ObjectiveHistorically documented Zhejiang Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma（Baizhu） possesses premium characteristics such as phoenix-like head and crane-like neck， pronounced sweetness， and fragrant aroma. However， its current market circulation is low， and the processed products with Zhejiang-style characteristics are at the risk of being lost. This study aims to preserve the ancient Zhejiang-style processing techniques and evaluate them using modern scientific methods. MethodsMultidimensional intelligent sensory evaluation was used to digitally characterize the "quality-structure" of the external appearance of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu medicinal materials（intermediate processed products） and the "odor-taste" of the internal quality of its decoction pieces（slices）， and the appearance parameters were digitally characterized by colorimeter， texture analyzer， electronic nose and electronic tongue， the chemical composition was analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS）. Then， cluster analysis on the differences in odor between the medicinal materials（intermediate processed products） and decoction pieces（slices） of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu was conducted， as well as the differences in taste between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of the decoction pieces（slices）， and the correlation analysis of chroma value-alcohol-soluble extract content-component response value. ResultsThe nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu had a dark brown to black epidermis， a brownish-yellow to brownish-gray cross-section， a slightly tough texture， a faint odor， and a slightly sweet， bitter and pungent taste. Texture analyzer measurements revealed minimal adhesion and maximum recovery in the middle section of the characteristic processed Baizhu， consistent with the processing endpoint of thorough steaming and cooking. The head section showed the highest internal hardness， elasticity and chewiness， indicating a denser texture in this area. The electronic nose sensor could clearly distinguish the difference between the medicinal materials and its decoction pieces， with a more significant clustering effect at 60 ℃ for 30 minutes compared to ambient temperature headspace for 2 hours， highlighting the significant impact of the baking degree before slicing on the quality. The electronic tongue taste signal map clearly distinguished the differences between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu decoction pieces， and the addition of auxiliary materials during processing could enhance its alcohol-soluble extract content. A total of 82 chemical components were identified in the characteristic processed Baizhu. After processing， the contents of 58 components increased， while 24 components decreased. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations（P<0.01） between ethanol-soluble extract content and colorimetric values of brightness（L^*）， yellow-bule value（b^*）， and total color difference（E^*_ab）. E^*_ab showed marked negative correlations（P<0.05） with the response values of isochlorogenic acid A and C. ConclusionThis study establishes a modern intelligent sensory evaluation model for multidimensional holographic characterization of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu， clarifying the correlation between increased isochlorogenic acid content and the visual color appearance after different steaming cycles， as well as its intrinsic alcohol-soluble extracts. This provides a reference for quality evaluation and processing standards of the Zhejiang-style characteristic processed products.

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.

Pulmonary fibrosis（PF） is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options， highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge， the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation（FIRST）， a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. The strategy integrates three key dimensions， including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds， structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways， and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM， the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics， as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class， formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures， clarified mechanisms， and proven safety， offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.

Pulmonary fibrosis（PF） is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options， highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge， the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation（FIRST）， a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. The strategy integrates three key dimensions， including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds， structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways， and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM， the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics， as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class， formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures， clarified mechanisms， and proven safety， offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B （ELB） on Parkinson’s disease （PD） model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β （IKKβ）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， positive control group （selegiline hydrochloride， 10 mg/kg）， and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups （80， 160 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration， the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1，2，3，6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP） 30 mg/kg， for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h， six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities； detect the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured， and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH）， protein expressions of TH， α -synuclein （ α -syn）， ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Iba-1）， as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group， rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group （except for the ELB low-dose group） were increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）， while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β， TNF-α， α -syn， and Iba-1， as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly （except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group）. Conversely， the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 （except for the ELB low-dose group）， TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes， such as neuronal karyopyknosis， mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization， and endoplasmic reticulum dilation， all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway， alleviating inflammatory responses， reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss， and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11） expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC） and clinical prognosis， and to determine its effects on ESCC cell growth， migration， and other biological activities. MethodsSLC7A11 protein expression was measured in 310 ESCC tissues and 259 adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry to statistically assess the association of SLC7A11 with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis in ESCC patients. The expression of SLC7A11 in ESCC cell lines was suppressed through siRNA-mediated knockdown. The specific effects of SLC7A11 knockdown on proliferation and migration were evaluated using CCK-8， clonogenic assay， and Transwell assays. Adenosine triphosphate （ATP）， lactic acid and pyruvate assays were used to measure ESCC metabolism. ResultsSLC7A11 protein expression was localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of ESCC tissues. Significantly higher SLC7A11 expression levels were observed in ESCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues （P<0.001）. High SLC7A11 expression was associated with poorer differentiation in patients （P<0.01）. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival in patients with high SLC7A11 expression compared to those with low expression （P<0.05）. CCK-8 and colony formation assays demonstrated that the knockdown of SLC7A11 expression significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of tumor cells （P<0.001）. Furthermore， Transwell assays revealed a marked decline in tumor cell migration capacity following SLC7A11 suppression （P<0.001）. Critically， SLC7A11 knockdown also reduced intracellular levels of ATP， lactate， and pyruvate， demonstrating that SLC7A11 modulated metabolic activity in ESCC cells（P<0.001）. ConclusionThe expression level of SLC7A11 is relatively high in ESCC and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Silencing SLC7A11 significantly inhibits esophageal cancer cell growth and migration. SLC7A11 has the ability to regulate glucose， lactic acid and ATP metabolism levels in ESCC， thereby affecting the metabolic microenvironment of ESCC.

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.

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.

ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.