1.Advances in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and its inhibitors in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Chuanyang LU ; Qiuni CHEN ; Yuye SHI ; Yuan DENG ; Tingting JI ; Zhengyuan LIU ; Chunling WANG ; Liang YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):682-688
Abnormal activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In recent years, inhibitors targeting JAK2 and STAT3 have emerged as promising therapeutic candidates in DLBCL. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety profiles of JAK2 inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib) and STAT3 inhibitors (direct small-molecule inhibitors, the antisense oligonucleotide, and proteolysis targeting chimeras, etc.) in preclinical models and clinical trials. Accumulating evidence indicates that JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors exhibit antitumor activity and are generally well tolerated in a subset of DLBCL patients. Meanwhile, the development of novel drug delivery systems has significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability of the compounds. Furthermore, JAK2 and STAT3 inhibitors may exhibit synergistic effects when combined with other therapy strategies (such as combinations with B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitors, immunomodulators, or other targeted drugs). However, current clinical applications are still in their early stages. Future research should concentrate on precision treatment strategies based on the genetic subtyping of DLBCL, and further refine the delivery systems for inhibitors as well as combination drug regimens to improve clinical outcomes.
2.Study on the mechanism of Juanxiao decoction in improving bronchial asthma
Bangqing CAO ; Qiangqiang YU ; Meinian LIU ; Zhixi WU ; Lizhen ZENG ; Mengyao TONG ; Yunhua DENG ; Hanrong XUE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):155-160
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism by which Juanxiao decoction improves bronchial asthma (hereinafter referred to as “asthma”) based on the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway. METHODS Female SD rats were randomly assigned to normal group, model group and Juanxiao decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups (0.36, 0.72 and 1.44 g/kg, calculated based on crude drug weight), as well as positive control group (Dexamethasone acetate tablets, 0.2 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, asthma models were established in the remaining groups via intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide, followed by nebulized inhalation of ovalbumin. On day 14 of the experiment, rats in each group received intragastric administration of the corresponding solution or normal saline, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Following the final administration, the following parameters were measured in each group: lung function indexes (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 0.3 second, peak expiratory flow), serum levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin-1β, interleukin- 18), and the percentages of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathological changes in lung tissue were observed, and the protein and mRNA expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κB), NLRP3 and caspase-1 in lung tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, pathological changes such as alveolar wall thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in rats in the model group. All pulmonary function indicators were significantly reduced in rats in the model group and the administration groups. The levels of inflammatory markers, the percentages of inflammatory cells, and the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB, NLRP3 and caspase-1 were significantly elevated or up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, pathological changes in rats in each dosage group of Juanxiao decoction were significantly alleviated, and all quantitative indicators showed dose-dependent improvements (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Juanxiao decoction can reduce airway inflammatory responses in asthmatic rats, alleviate lung function impairment, and improve pathological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration. Those effects may be related to the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
3.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
4.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
5.Exploration of the Intervention Mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏) on Psoriasis Model Mice Based on Caspase-1/GSDMD Protein Pathway
Yatong LI ; Yuanwen LI ; Yutong DENG ; Xuewen REN ; Xuewan WANG ; Xinhui YU ; Tangyunni LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):170-177
ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏, QAO) in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups, blank group, model group, calcipotriol group and QAO group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily, the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO, respectively, applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was assessed every other day. After 7 days, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of Caspase-1,Pro-Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin-D-N (GSDMD-N) were detected by Western Blot (WB). The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group mice showed redness, erythema, and white scales on their skin, with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening, elongated spines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were elevated; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased; the protein levels of Caspase-1, Pro-Caspase-1,GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions; the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group, and on day 3, 5, and 7 in the calcipotriol group, were reduced; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein, and the protein level of Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups; in the calcipotriol group, Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the calcipotriol group, the QAO group showed slightly redder skin, more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum, and less capillary dilation; the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased, while the score on day 5 was reduced; the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway, down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels, and alleviation of pyroptosis.
6.Insights on Peripheral Blood Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease
Yu-Meng LI ; Jing-Kai LIU ; Zi-Xuan CHEN ; Yu-Lin DENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):72-87
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with profound impact on patients’ quality of life and long-term health, and early detection and intervention are particularly critical. In recent years, the search for precise and reliable biomarkers has become one of the key strategies to effectively address the clinical challenges of PD. In this paper, we systematically evaluated potential biomarkers, including proteins, metabolites, epigenetic markers, and exosomes, in the peripheral blood of PD patients. Protein markers are one of the main directions of biomarker research in PD. In particular, α‑synuclein and its phosphorylated form play a key role in the pathological process of PD. It has been shown that aggregation of α-synuclein may be associated with pathologic protein deposition in PD and may be a potential marker for early diagnosis of PD. In terms of metabolites, uric acid, as a metabolite, plays an important role in oxidative stress and neuroprotection in PD. It has been found that changes in uric acid levels may be associated with the onset and progression of PD, showing its potential as an early diagnostic marker. Epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation modifications and miRNAs, have also attracted much attention in Parkinson’s disease research. Changes in these markers may affect the expression of PD-related genes and have an important impact on the onset and progression of the disease, providing new research perspectives for the early diagnosis of PD. In addition, exosomes, as a potential biomarker carrier for PD, are able to carry a variety of biomolecules involved in intercellular communication and pathological regulation. Studies have shown that exosomes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, and their detection in blood may provide a new breakthrough for early diagnosis. It has been shown that exosomes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, and their detection in blood may provide new breakthroughs in early diagnosis. In summary, through in-depth evaluation of biomarkers in the peripheral blood of PD patients, this paper demonstrates the important potential of these markers in the early diagnosis of PD and in the study of pathological mechanisms. Future studies will continue to explore the clinical application value of these biomarkers to promote the early detection of PD and individualized treatment strategies.
7.Exploration of combined teaching evaluation based on characteristic analysis of raw scores and standard scores
Yuxuan DENG ; Jingfei YU ; Lu CHEN ; Panwei MU ; Ying LIU ; Shangrong LI ; Yao YAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(9):1205-1211
Objective:To focus on clinical mini-lectures characterized by flexible teaching formats and significant challenges in scoring during supervision, systematically explore the roles and characteristics of raw scores (directly assigned by supervisory experts) and standard scores (revealing the relative position of instructors withing the group through Z-score conversion) in evaluating the teaching level and development trends of residency training teachers, investigate the feasibility of flexibly combining these two scoring methods, and provide new ideas for comprehensive, scientific, and objective teaching evaluations. Methods:In May 2024, 24 teachers who were supervised by three or more experts at a standardized training base for residents from 2019 to 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The study analyzed differences in mean rankings and development trends between raw and standard scores. Excel and SPSS were used for score transformation and statistical analysis of differences.Results:The mean rankings of standard scores differed from those of raw scores for 17 (70.83%) teaching staff members, among which 8 (33.33%) had a lower mean ranking of standard scores than raw scores, and 9 (37.50%) had an improved mean ranking of standard scores. For 10 (41.67%) teaching staff members, the differences in raw scores given among different supervisors were reversed after standardization conversion. The changes in the trends of scores for 17 (70.83%) teaching staff members throughout the years were inconsistent before and after score conversion.Conclusions:There were significant differences between the statistical results of standard scores and raw scores, and the two types of results evaluated the teaching level of teachers in terms of absolute situation and their relative positions in the entire teaching staff group, respectively. Therefore, combining the two types of scores with distinct characteristics for teaching evaluation can help teaching management departments comprehensively and objectively reveal the teaching level of teachers, while enhancing the confidence of faculty in teaching.
8.Teaching and practice exploration on the integration of multi-disciplines in teaching of operative dentistry
Chunyan WAN ; Keqing PAN ; Jing DENG ; Shuai WANG ; Lingshuang LIU ; Haiping XU ; Xiaofei YU ; Lei MA ; Jing FU ; Mengdong LIU ; Wen SU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):529-534
Objective:In order to effectively educate students on tooth defect diseases and restoration techniques, the teaching and research team at the School of Stomatology of Qingdao University developed an integrated course operative dentistry. This course is specifically designed to align with the undergraduate curriculum reform requirements of "Three Early, Two Multiple and One Integration".Methods:The teaching practice of operative dentistry was conducted with the stomatology undergraduates of grade 2020 and 2021. The course group redesigned the curriculum by reorganizing teaching content, rebuilding teaching resources, reconstructing teaching mode, and reshaping the evaluation system. Evaluation of the curriculum design included test scores, satisfaction questionnaires, and teacher self-evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software, including independent sample t-tests for numerical variables and Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for categorical variables. Results:Through the integrated course learning, 92.68% (38/41) of the students of grade 2020 and 97.44% (38/39) of the students of grade 2021 can basically or completely master various dental defect repair schemes and understand the importance of preserving natural tooth. 82.93% (34/41) of the students of grade 2020 and 100.00% (39/39) of the students of grade 2021 could basically or completely master the key points of various dental defect restorations.Conclusions:Through the practice of teaching, it has been confirmed that the integrated course of operative dentistry is beneficial to students' mastering the knowledge and skills of dental defect diseases and their restoration in a more comprehensive way, and is conducive to the cultivation of clinical thinking, hands-on ability and the patient-centered, comprehensive problem-solving thinking, which is in line with the guidance on the innovation and development of medical education.
9.Preliminary efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma
Yu SI ; Yan HUANG ; Dian LIU ; Maojin LIANG ; Wenting DENG ; Yuexin CAI ; Yuebo CHEN ; Yanfang YE ; Li LING ; Zhigang ZHANG ; Suijun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(11):1399-1406
Objective:To evaluate the safety of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in patients with advanced temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC), and its impact on tumor response rate and disease-free survival (DFS).Methods:This prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study enrolled patients with advanced (Stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ) TBSCC from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. Patients received 2-3 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with pembrolizumab, 5-FU, and cisplatin, followed by definitive surgery. Postoperatively, patients received 6 cycles of pembrolizumab combined with radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and safety indicators. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AE) were assessed using the National Cancer Institute′s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 5.0. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, version 22.0.Results:From August 2021 to April 2024, 16 patients with advanced TBSCC were enrolled (13 males and 3 females), with a median age of 54 years and a median follow-up time of 2.32 years. Following neoadjuvant therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) was 64.3% (9/14), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 92.9% (13/14). The 2-year DFS rate was 86.6%. Common treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) included leukopenia (56.3%, 9/16), nausea and vomiting (50.0%, 8/16), diarrhea, oral mucositis, and elevated liver function tests (25.0%, 4/16). One patient (6.25%) experienced a grade 3 adverse event.Conclusion:Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab-chemotherapy significantly enhances objective response rate and disease-free survival in advanced TBSCC.
10.Exploring the correlation between motor function and cognitive function, emotion and sleep in the Chinese community older adults
Yueying LIU ; Xinxin MA ; Yu DU ; Jingjing DUAN ; Jianhong XIAO ; Jian LIN ; Xiongang HUANG ; Chao LIU ; Binbin WANG ; Wujun CHEN ; Ting DENG ; Tao CHEN ; Wen SU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(1):60-67
Objective:To apply the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)to investigate the correlation between motor function, emotional state, cognitive function, and sleep quality among elderly individuals in the Chinese community.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 739 subjects aged 60 to 90 years, who were randomly recruited from December 2021 to August 2023 across Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces in China.Basic demographic information was collected, and the TUGT was utilized to assess motor function.Based on the TUGT time(t), the subjects were divided into three groups: normal motor function group, mild motor abnormality group, and significant motor abnormality group.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Revised Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), while the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)was employed to measure the degree of depression.Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)was used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness.The correlation between subjects' motor function and their cognitive abilities, mood, and sleep was subsequently analyzed.Results:Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, PHQ-9, MMSE, and ESS scores were identified as significant factors influencing TUGT time.Specifically, TUGT time was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and ESS scores, while exhibiting negative correlations with systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and MMSE scores.Additionally, TUGT time was negatively correlated with the MMSE subcomponents of orientation, immediate memory, and verbal ability.All observed differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increase in the PHQ-9 score was associated with an odds ratio( OR)of 1.099(95% CI: 1.045-1.155, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.150(95% CI: 1.066-1.242, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Additionally, a reduction in the MMSE score was observed, with an OR of 0.939(95% CI: 0.886-0.995, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 0.793(95% CI: 0.729-0.862, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Furthermore, an increase in the ESS score was noted, with ORs of 1.139(95% CI: 1.094-1.186, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.203(95% CI: 1.132-1.279, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).These findings suggest that these variables are independently related to decreased motor function. Conclusions:Depression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness are independent risk factors for motor dysfunction among elderly individuals in community settings.The Timed Up and Go Test TUGT can be utilized for the early screening of motor function decline in this population.

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