1.Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Intervention of Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Quanyou ZHAO ; Conghui ZHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Xiaoran WANG ; Zhanzhan LI ; Mingsan MIAO ; Li BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):280-289
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system with extremely poor treatment prognosis. Although its incidence rate is low, its mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases worldwide has continued to rise, making pancreatic cancer the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Currently, clinical treatment primarily relies on operation and chemotherapy to suppress tumors. However, these approaches face challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, high postoperative recurrence rates, and severe adverse reactions. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment modalities remains a pressing challenge for the medical community. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for pancreatic cancer has increased significantly. Multiple studies have shown that single-herb TCM, TCM formulas, and their derived single compounds can regulate the levels of tumor cell signaling pathways through multiple action targets. They inhibit the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing cancer cell invasion and migration capabilities, regulating the cell cycle, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, TCM has the advantages of significantly enhancing the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and causing fewer adverse reactions. However, the specific action mechanisms by which TCM intervenes in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Further extensive research is still needed to validate the role of regulating classical signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), notch, and hedgehog in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this paper reviewed Chinese and international studies on TCM intervention in pancreatic cancer through relevant signaling pathways in recent years, summarized the potential action mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and provided references for related research in the future.
2.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of Chaiqi yigan granules improving hepatocellular carcinoma
Guiping MA ; Yuanjie ZHANG ; Yichi ZHOU ; Jinzhen LYU ; Conghui WANG ; Fenping LU ; Bowen LIU ; Yun RAN ; Shiping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):620-625
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules (CQYG) improving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), sorafenib group (positive control, 50 mg/kg), and CQYG low-, medium- and high-dose groups (24.83, 49.66, 99.32 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After last administration, pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7)] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway [p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK, extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments, the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group, CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover, the expression levels of Ki-67, N-cadherin, MMP7 and Vimentin proteins, along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins, were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased ( P <0.05), the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased, the difference was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.
3.Erratum: Author correction to "The novel ER stress inducer Sec C triggers apoptosis by sulfating ER cysteine residues and degrading YAP via ER stress in pancreatic cancer cells" Acta Pharm Sin B 12 (2022) 210-227.
Junxia WANG ; Minghua CHEN ; Mengyan WANG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Conghui ZHANG ; Xiujun LIU ; Meilian CAI ; Yuhan QIU ; Tianshu ZHANG ; Huimin ZHOU ; Wuli ZHAO ; Shuyi SI ; Rongguang SHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1208-1209
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.004.].
4.Impact of smoking cessation on phenotype of high-resolution computed tomography and frequency of acute exacerbation in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Dongfang ZHAO ; Yafang ZHU ; Man XING ; Conghui PANG ; Junxia LIU ; Shuting ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(3):64-69
Objective To investigate the impact of smoking cessation on high-resolution compu-ted tomography(HRCT)phenotypes in smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and its relationship with the frequency of acute exacerbations.Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 237 smokers with COPD who could cooperate with a 1-year follow-up.Among them,160 patients underwent a comprehensive 1-year smoking cessation intervention,and were divided into smoking cessation failure group(87 patients)and smoking cessation success group(73 patients)based on whether they successfully quited smoking.The remaining 77 smokers with COPD who did not receive smoking cessation intervention were designated as smoking group.HRCT phenotypes,total lung volume(TLV),total emphysema volume(TEV),emphysema index(EI)and the number of acute exacerbation at different time points were compared among the three groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between smoking cessation and the number of acute exac-erbations.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of A phenotype patients among the three groups before intervention and at 3 and 6 months of intervention(P>0.05).At the 9th and 12th months of intervention,the proportion of patients with A phenotype in the smoking group was lower than that in the smoking cessation failure group and smoking cessation success group(P<0.05).Before the intervention and at the 3rd,6th and 9th months of interven-tion,there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients with E phenotype among the three groups(P>0.05).Before intervention and at the 3rd and 6th months of interven-tion,there were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients with M phenotype among the three groups(P>0.05).At the 9th and 12th months of intervention,the proportion of patients with M phenotype in the smoking group was higher than that in the smoking cessation failure group and smoking cessation success group(P<0.05).Before intervention,there were no statisti-cally significant differences in TLV,TEV and EI among the three groups(P>0.05).One year af-ter the intervention,TLV,TEV and El in the smoking cessation failure group and smoking cessation success group were lower than those in the smoking group(P<0.05).At the 3rd,6th,9th and 12th months of intervention,the number of acute exacerbations in the the smoking cessation failure group and smoking cessation success group was less than that in the smoking group(P<0.05).At the 9th and 12th months of intervention,the number of acute exacerbation in the smoking cessation success group was less than that in the smoking cessation failure group(P<0.05).The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that smoking cessation was negatively correlated with the number of acute exacerbation in smokers with COPD(P<0.05),and this negative correlation gradually in-creased with the extension of smoking cessation duration.Conclusion Smoking cessation can im-prove HRCT phenotypes and effectively reduce the number of acute exacerbation in smokers with COPD.
5.In vitro oral simulation evaluation of palatability and chewability of chewable tablets
Aonan ZHONG ; Conghui LI ; Zengming WANG ; Xiaolu HAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Nan LIU ; He ZHANG ; Jintao LIN ; Chunyan LIU ; Aiping ZHENG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(14):1708-1714
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the palatability and chewability of chewable tablets, and provide reference for the quality evaluation of various types of chewable tablets. METHODS Using self-made Glucosamine hydrochloride chewable tablets as the model drug, the quality test was conducted. The in vitro simulation system for chewable tablets was established by using a texture analyzer and rheometer, and an oral simulation experiment was conducted on chewable tablets. The texture analyzer was used to measure the force required for chewing and simulate the static disintegration process of chewable tablets; the rheometer was adopted to measure the viscoelasticity, thixotropy, and deformability of chewable tablets during the chewing process. RESULTS The disintegration time limit, principal component content, and dissolution of self-made Glucosamine hydrochloride chewable tablets all met the limit requirements. The in vitro simulation results of the texture analyzer showed that self-made chewable tablets were easy to chew in both axial and radial directions, and the force required for chewing was within the range of the chewing force of the teeth; chewable tablets could disintegrate at an appropriate time without being chewed and only taken in the oral cavity. The in vitro simulation results of the rheometer showed that the chewable tablets in the oral cavity exhibited a behavior of elasticity as the main factor and viscosity as the secondary factor through the continuous stirring of the tongue, and the viscosity of the chewable tablets gradually decreased with tongue stirring or tooth chewing; when chewing with teeth, the internal force of the chewing tablets decreased, causing plastic deformation and crushing. After being crushed, the shape couldn’t be restored, making it easy to chew and swallow. CONCLUSIONS The combination of texture analyzer and rheometer can be used to simulate the oral chewing process and evaluate the palatability and chewability of self-made Glucosamine hydrochloride chewable tablets. This model can provide reference for the evaluation of various chewable tablets.
6.Comparative Analysis of "Same Disease, Same Price" Policy in Diagnosis Related Group Payment Under the Goal of Tiered Healthcare Delivery
Chaofan LI ; Conghui LIU ; Mingyang SUN ; Lin WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1045-1051
To compare and analyze the "same disease, same price" policy in the regionsimplementing diagnosis related group(DRG) payment reform, and to provide recommendations for further policy optimization and extension. DRG policies published on official website of healthcare security bureaus from all provinces and 190 cities between 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2024 were collected. Microsoft excel was applied to collect the information, and the comparative analysis method was used to summarize and analyze the DRG polices from three dimensions: region, healthcare facility, and disease groups coverage. The regions where the "same disease, same price" policy in DRG payment was implemented were limited and unevenly distributed. The policy has been implemented in 76 cities across 16 provinces, 2 municipalities, and 3 autonomous regions, accounting for 40% of the cities implementing DRG payment. The pilot cities were mainly concentrated in eastern China. Coverage of healthcare facilities varied across regions. This policy covered all levels of healthcare institutions in most of the pilot cities, while it was primarily implemented in secondary and tertiary hospitals in some regions. The selection criteria for primary disease groups were generally consistent: the common diseases with mature diagnostic, treatment techniques and stable medical costs. However, the number, relative weight, and distribution of primary disease groups varied across regions, with the number ranging from 3 to 117 and relative weight ranging from 0.16 to 1.57. The primary diseases were mainly concentrated in internal diseases, with asthma and hypertension being the most common disease groups. It is recommended to expand the scope of region coverage, determine the scope of hospital coverage according to local capacities, expand the scope of disease groups by stages, and evaluate the effect of policy implementation.
7.Expression of TRIP4 and DDIT4 in Glioma Tissue and Their Relationship with Clinical Pathological Parameters and Prognosis
Shanquan JING ; Liping LIANG ; Linlin LIU ; Hui LI ; Conghui LI ; Lifeng XU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(2):18-22,128
Objective To study the expression of thyroid hormone receptor binding protein 4(TRIP4)and DNA damage inducing transcription factor 4(DDIT4)in glioma tissue and their relationship with clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis.Methods 94 glioma patients admitted to the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2018 to February 2019 were selected as the research subjects.The expression of TRIP4,DDIT4 proteins in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry.The relationship between the expression of TRIP4,DDIT4 proteins in glioma tissues and clinical pathological characteristics were compared.The differences in survival prognosis of glioma patients with different levels of TRIP4,DDIT4 protein expression were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve.Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors affecting the survival prognosis of glioma patients.Results The positive rates of TRIP4(68.09%),DDIT4(65.96%)proteins in glioma tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues(13.83%,10.64%),with statistically significant differences(χ2=57.212,60.866,all P<0.05).There was a significant positive correlation between TRIP4 and DDIT4 protein expression in glioma tissues(r=0.722,P<0.05).The positive rates of TRIP4(83.64%vs 46.15%,80.00%vs 51.28%)and DDIT4(80.00%vs 46.15%,76.36%vs 51.28%)proteins in glioma tissues with tumor diameter≥3cm,WHO grade Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in tissues with tumor diameter<3cm,WHO grade Ⅰ~Ⅱ(χ2=6.393~14.754,P<0.05).The 3-year overall survival rates of the TRIP4 positive and negative expression groups were 37.50%(24/64)and 66.67%(20/30),respectively.The 3-year cumulative survival of the TRIP4 positive expression group was significantly lower than that in the TRIP4 negative expression group(Log-rank χ2=5.949,P=0.015).The 3-year overall survival rate of DDIT4 positive and negative expression group was 37.10%(23/62)and 70.00%(21/30),respectively.The 3-year cumulative survival of the DDIT4 positive expression group was significantly lower than that in the DDIT4 negative expression group(Log-rank χ2=7.642,P=0.006).Tumor diameter≥3cm(HR=1.614,P=0.000),WHO grade Ⅲ(HR=1.790,P=0.000),positive TRIP4(HR=1.665,P=0.000)and positive DDIT4(HR=1.476,P=0.000)were independent risk factors affecting the survival prognosis of glioma patients.Conclusion The expression of TRIP4 and DDIT4 protein in glioma tissue was increased.Both of them were related to tumor diameter and WHO grade,and are potential tumor markers for survival prognosis of glioma.
8.Methylation epigenetic analysis of a pedigree affected with Fragile X syndrome based on Nanopore long-read sequencing
Conghui WANG ; Panlai SHI ; Li′na LIU ; Xuechao ZHAO ; Xiangdong KONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(11):1290-1295
Objective:To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) through Nanopore long-read sequencing.Methods:A FXS pedigree who had undergone genetic counseling at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in April 2023 was selected as the study subject. Nanopore long-read sequencing, triplet-repeat primed PCR (TP-PCR), methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) and trinucleotide polymorphism genotyping of androgen receptor (AR) gene were used to analyze the FMR1 CGG repeat number, methylation, and X chromosome inactivation of the pedigree members. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No. KS-2018-KY-36). Results:Full mutation and CpG island hypermethylation were detected in the proband. The elder sister of the proband had full mutation of the FMR1 gene on one X chromosome and hypermethylation of CpG island, while the FMR1 gene on the other X chromosome was normal. FMR1 premutation was detected in the proband′s mother. Conclusion:Nanopore long-read sequencing can simultaneously detect the dynamic mutation and methylation status of the FMR1 gene on the two X chromosomes of females, which has important value for the diagnosis of FXS in different genders.
9.Efficacy and safety of ab externo and ab interno transluminal trabeculotomy in patients with secondary glaucoma following pars plana vitrectomy
Xiaoyuan YANG ; Huaizhou WANG ; Xin JIN ; Conghui MA ; Hongpei CUI ; Qian LIU ; Haijun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2024;42(6):520-526
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of ab externo or ab interno transluminal trabeculotomy in the treatment of secondary glaucoma following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods:An observational case series method was performed.Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with glaucoma following PPV were enrolled in Henan Eye Hospital and Beijing Tongren Hospital from May 2016 to Feburary 2022.Primary conditions of patients receiving PPV included retinal detachment in 13 eyes, vitreous hemorrhage in 3 eyes, and entophthalmia in 1 eye.All the subjects underwent ab externo (11 eyes) or ab interno (6 eyes) transluminal trabeculotomy.The scope of all cases accepted trabeculotomy was ≥300°(11 cases of 360°, 4 cases of 330° and 2 cases of 300°).Before and at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was evaluated by Goldmann Tonometer and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using a standard visual acuity chart and converted to logrithm of minimal angle of resolution (LogMAR).The number of anti-glaucoma drug applications and surgery-related complications were recorded.The primary outcomes evaluated were IOP and surgical success rate.Secondary outcomes were medication quantity, BCVA (LogMAR) changes, and complications.Surgical success was defined as IOP reduction to <21 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) with or without the use of IOP-lowering medication.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECKY-2021[41]).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:Preoperative, 1-week, 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month postoperative mean IOP was (34.41±5.11), (21.88±11.72), (20.77±7.67), (19.50±7.01), and (16.32±4.68)mmHg, respectively, with an statistically significant overall difference ( F=20.779, P<0.001).IOP at difference time points after surgery were lower than that before surgery, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.01).Compared with before surgery, IOP was reduced more than 40% at 12 months after surgery in 14 eyes.Surgical success rates at 6 and 12 months after surgery were both 76.5%.The number of IOP-lowing drugs decreased significantly after operation ( Z=-4.580, P<0.001).The difference in BCVA between before and 6 months after surgery was not statistically significant ( Z=-1.311, P=0.190).No serious complications were seen in any of the operated eyes postoperatively. Conclusions:Ab externo or ab interno transluminal trabeculotomy is safe and effective in the treatment of secondary glaucoma after PPV.
10.Bibliometric and visualization analysis of pyrroloquinoline quinone research from 1985 to 2022
Hanjing LIU ; Conghui LI ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Bikun WANG ; Aiping ZHENG
China Pharmacist 2024;27(8):1392-1398
Objective To explore the research hotspots and development trends of pyrroloquinoline quinone(PQQ),and explore the research and application value of PQQ.Methods In this study,Web of Science was used as the retrieval database to search for literature related to PQQ published from 1985 to 2022,and VOSviewer software was used to include the keywords,countries and regions,journals,etc.Bibliometric analysis was performed on these literatures.Results A total of 1 512 articles were included,with an overall upward trend in the number of annual publications.The journal category with the highest number of publications was Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.Journal of Biological Chemistry had the highest total link strength.The high-frequency keywords mainly included dietary nutrition supplement,mitochondria,antioxidant,etc.The visualization results of countries and regions showed that although China started its research relatively late,and it had a strong connection intensity with other countries.Conclusion In recent years,the research heat of PQQ has gradually increased,and its antioxidant effects,improvement of mitochondrial function and action targets may be the hotpots of future research.PQQ still has broad development prospects,and will inject new vitality into the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail