1.Integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) based effectiveness evaluation of a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine formula: Taking Xiaoyao San as an example
Caiping HE ; Ye LUO ; Zhiqi LI ; Haocheng YANG ; Lu LIU ; Yingjie XU ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Siqi HUANG ; Jincai WEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhaofang BAI ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaohe XIAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):96-103
The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate +" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.
2.ZFX promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating Nectin-4 expression through the PI3K/AKT pathway
LONG Yuanfeng1, 2 ; YANG Yan3 ; BIAN Yuhang1 ; DENG Yubin1 ; CHEN Qiaoling1 ; YANG Hang1 ; ZHANG Ruolan1 ; ZHAO Quanneng1 ; YANG Mi1 ; BIE Jun1 ; SONG Guiqin1 ; LIU Kang1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):408-417
[摘 要] 目的:探讨X连锁锌指蛋白(ZFX)通过Nectin-4表达影响食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)进展的分子机制及其对PI3K/AKT信号通路的激活作用。方法:收集2022年8月至2023年7月在南充市中心医院手术切除的30对ESCC组织及癌旁组织标本。采用人食管上皮细胞HET-1A及ESCC细胞KYSE-30、KYSE-150、KYSE-410、KYSE-510和TE-1。基于2018年至2019年收集的6例ESCC配对标本转录组测序数据筛选Nectin-4,通过TIMER2.0数据库、RT-qPCR和WB法、免疫组织化学(IHC)检测ESCC组织及细胞中Nectin-4的表达水平。采用shRNA技术在KYSE-410和KYSE-510细胞中敲低Nectin-4,通过CCK-8、克隆形成、划痕愈合及Transwell实验检测敲低Nectin-4对细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的影响,采用WB法检测敲低Nectin-4对细胞PI3K/AKT通路及EMT相关蛋白表达水平的影响。通过生物信息学预测并结合双萤光素酶报告基因实验,鉴定并验证ZFX作为Nectin-4的上游转录调控因子。结果:综合分析显示,ESCC组织及细胞系中Nectin-4表达显著高于癌旁组织及HET-1A细胞(均P < 0.01)。功能研究表明,敲低Nectin-4显著抑制KYSE-410和KYSE-510细胞的增殖活性、克隆形成能力,以及迁移和侵袭能力(均P < 0.01)。机制方面,敲低Nectin-4时细胞中E-cadherin表达上调、N-cadherin下调(均P < 0.01),并抑制PI3K/AKT通路相关蛋白的磷酸化水平(P < 0.01)。结论: ZFX通过上调Nectin-4表达激活PI3K/AKT信号通路促进ESCC进展,为ESCC的治疗提供了潜在的新靶点。
3.5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery: Clinical outcomes, current challenges, and future perspectives
Wenlong CHEN ; Jiyong YANG ; Yaling LIU ; Zhuang ZUO ; Changhao QUE ; Li DOU ; Yunjiu GOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):698-709
With the integration of 5G communication technology and robotic surgical systems, remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery is overcoming geographical barriers, offering an innovative approach to addressing the uneven distribution of medical resources. This study conducted a systematic literature review—using databases such as PubMed and CNKI, with the search period extending up to 2025—incorporating clinical studies, case reports, and review articles to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery (5G-RRATS). The analysis also examined current technological limitations and potential future development trajectories. Existing evidence indicates that, given adequate technical support, 5G-RRATS can achieve perioperative outcomes comparable to those of conventional local robotic surgeries across procedures including pulmonary wedge resection, lobectomy, and esophagectomy. Furthermore, it demonstrates potential advantages in minimizing surgical incisions and reducing intraoperative blood loss. Nevertheless, challenges related to network stability, latency control, interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and engineering teams, and legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations continue to hinder widespread clinical adoption. Looking ahead, the emergence of a "one-to-many" remote surgical model, combined with the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies, as well as advancements in low-orbit satellite communications, may enable 5G-RRATS to further advance precision and efficiency in thoracic surgery, thereby facilitating equitable access to high-quality care for a broader patient population.
4.Efficacy of MitraClip in functional versus degenerative mitral regurgitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Xuhua LI ; Qiyuan BAI ; Zhili WEI ; Shidong LIU ; Hao CHEN ; Yang CHEN ; Bing SONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):807-814
Objective To systematically evaluate the differences in outcomes between functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) in patients treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using the MitraClip device. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and the CBM from their inception to January 2024. Two researchers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The quality of cohort studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software. Results A total of 13 cohort studies involving 6 402 patients were included, comprising 4 161 patients in the FMR group and 2 241 in the DMR group. All included studies had NOS scores of ≥6 points. The meta-analysis revealed that compared to the DMR group, the FMR group had a higher 1-year all-cause mortality rate [OR=1.53, 95%CI (1.30, 1.81), P<0.01] and a higher 1-year rehospitalization rate for heart failure [OR=1.90, 95%CI (1.60, 2.26), P<0.01]. Conversely, the FMR group had a lower post-procedural mean transmitral gradient [SMD=–0.47, 95%CI (–0.65, –0.30), P<0.01] and a lower rate of subsequent mitral valve surgery [OR=0.41, 95%CI (0.20, 0.83), P=0.01]. Conclusion Following MitraClip therapy, patients with FMR exhibit favorable short-term outcomes, but their mid- to long-term outcomes are inferior to those of patients with DMR. When determining the treatment strategy with MitraClip, the specific etiology of mitral regurgitation should be considered for a more accurate prediction of therapeutic efficacy and prognosis.
5.Sipeimine inhibits the proliferation of human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells by modulating the cyclin D1-mediated CDK4/6-Rb-E2F1 signaling axis
LIU Xue1 ; LI Zhihan1 ; YANG Xia2, ; ZHANG Zhaopeng2 ; CHEN Huidan2 ; LI Yiquan2 ; HAN Jicheng2 ; ZHU Yilong2 ; ZHU Guangze2,3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(5):528-536
[摘 要] 目的:探究西贝素通过调控Cyclin D1介导的CDK4/6-Rb-E2F1信号轴对人胃腺癌细胞(AGS)的增殖抑制效果及其分子机制。方法:利用不同浓度的西贝素处理AGS和人正常胃黏膜上皮细胞(GES-1),通过CCK-8检测和结晶紫染色实验确定西贝素的最适抑制剂量和作用时间;采用划痕实验和Transwell迁移实验与侵袭实验检测西贝素对AGS细胞迁移与侵袭能力的影响;利用流式细胞术和WB检测西贝素对AGS细胞周期及细胞周期相关蛋白表达的影响;利用质粒过表达Cyclin D1,并通过WB检测、结晶紫染色实验、划痕实验和Transwell迁移实验与侵袭实验进一步明确西贝素的抑制机制;构建AGS移植瘤裸鼠模型,采用免疫荧光染色法和免疫组化检测Cyclin D1、CDK4、CDK6、Rb、p-Rb、E2F1的表达水平。结果:与对照组相比,西贝素药物浓度为100 μg/mL时,对GES-1细胞的增殖无影响(P > 0.05),但能够显著性抑制AGS细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力(P < 0.01),并诱导AGS细胞周期G0/G1期阻滞,显著抑制周期相关蛋白Cyclin D1、CDK4、CDK6、p-Rb、E2F1的表达水平(P < 0.05或P < 0.01);Cyclin D1过表达能够显著降低西贝素对AGS细胞的抑制效果(P < 0.05或P < 0.01);荷瘤裸鼠实验结果显示,西贝素能够抑制AGS移植瘤的增殖,影响肿瘤组织中Cyclin D1、CDK4、CDK6、p-Rb、E2F1的表达(P < 0.01)。结论:西贝素可能通过下调Cyclin D1介导的CDK4/6-Rb-E2F1信号轴活化抑制AGS增殖。
6.Construction and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model for Inflammatory Remission Outcome of Bushen Zhiwang Decoction(补肾治尪汤)in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Liver and Kidney Deficiency Syndrome
Zihan WANG ; Xiaojing LIU ; Yanyu CHEN ; Tianyi LAN ; Huilan YANG ; Hongwei YU ; Qingwen TAO ; Yuan XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):523-533
ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome treated with Bushen Zhiwang Decoction (补肾治尪汤, BZD) based on metabolomics. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted, enrol-ling 60 RA patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. All patients were treated with BZD and conventional-dose oral conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) for 12 months. Clinical data were collected, and the change in disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) after treatment compared with baseline (△DAS28) was used as the primary outcome and grouping criterion. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment to analyze plasma metabolites. Differential analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to preliminarily screen differential metabolites, followed by machine learning algorithms to further identify a core metabolite combination. Based on the expression levels of the core metabolite combination, a novel metabolite index, namely the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score (Met-IRS), was calculated using standar-dized metabolite values, and its clinical applicability was evaluated. A clinical prediction model was constructed by integrating clinical characteristics and Met-IRS, and the model performance was assessed. ResultsAmong the 60 patients, those with △DAS28 ≥ 0.27 were assigned to the high inflammatory remission group, while those with △DAS28 < 0.27 were assigned to the low inflammatory remission group, with 30 cases in each group. Compared to the low inflammatory remission group, the high inflammatory remission group showed a higher frequency of methotrexate use and a lower positive rate of rheumatoid factor (RF) (P<0.05). Seven core metabolites were identified as the optimal combination, including mangiferic acid, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 40∶6, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 18∶0, fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 36∶1, glucosylceramide, lysophosphatidylcholine 22∶5, and pregnanetriol ketone. The calculated Met-IRS comprehensively reflected the characteristics of differential metabolites and demonstrated clinical applicability. Met-IRS was significantly higher in the high inflammatory remission group than in the low inflammatory remission group, and was positively correlated with high inflammatory remission outcomes (P<0.05). Based on the variables Met-IRS, methotrexate use, leflunomide use, and RF positivity, a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission in RA treatment (Cj-RTRM) was constructed. Model performance evaluation demonstrated that the model had good clinical predictive ability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.880, sensitivity 0.967, specificity 0.700 and Youden's index 0.667. ConclusionThe clinical prediction model Cj-RTRM constructed based on the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score Met-IRS can effectively predict clinical inflammatory remission outcomes in RA patients treated with BZD and accurately identify the advantageous population for this treatment. This model provides guiding evidence for dynamic inflammation monitoring, targeted management, and identification of populations with advantages in traditional Chinese medicine.
7.Discussion on "Five Views" Treatment Principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Mingxing SU ; Junning LIU ; Ruifang YANG ; Zhuoming ZHENG ; Yan XIAO ; Peng CHEN ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1125-1129
The key to the onset and progression of the functional impairments of orthopedic diseases is imba-lance of deficiency and excess, disharmony of movement and stillness, dislocation of sinews and bones, imbalance of rigidity and flexibility, and disharmony of body and spirit. Based on this, the "five views" treatment principle has been proposed for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) orthopedic rehabilitation, which include the view of balancing deficiency and excess, combining movement and stillness, focusing on both sinews and bones, integrating rigidity and flexibility, and harmonizing body and spirit. Correspondingly, the "five views" collaborative rehabilitation clinical model is established, providing a reference for enhancing the systematization and targeting of TCM orthopedic rehabilitation.
8.Research advances and challenges in antimicrobial resistance surveillance technologies
Feng LIU ; Caixia DANG ; Ziqian ZHAO ; Yang WANG ; Yuanyong XU ; Hui CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):128-132
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat. This review systematically examines AMR surveillance technology advances, from conventional culture methods to modern molecular diagnostics (e.g., whole-genome sequencing) and artificial intelligence-assisted approaches. It focuses on the current application of mass spectrometry, machine learning predictive models, and real-time surveillance networks. To address challenges including inadequate technical standardization, clinical translation barriers, and data-sharing limitations, we propose integrated "genotype-phenotype" strategies and global standardization framework, while exploring future applications of CRISPR-based portable detection, single-cell sequencing, and blockchain technologies.
9.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
10.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.


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