1.Huangqi Jianzhongtang Regulates Polarization of Macrophages M1/M2 and Improves Fat Consumption in Cancer Cachexia Mice
Zhiyan FANG ; Haiyan ZHU ; Wenying HUAI ; Cong HUANG ; Ruocong YANG ; Haiyan YU ; Tiane ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):61-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhongtang (HQJZ) on macrophage polarization and fat consumption in cancer cachexia (CC) mice. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to control the quality of HQJZ. (1) In vitro experiment: HQJZ-containing serum was prepared, and the optimal concentration was determined by cytotoxicity assay. Mouse monocyte-derived macrophages (RAW264.7) were cultured and randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a classically activated macrophages (M1) group, an alternatively activated macrophages (M2) group, a HQJZ + blank group, a HQJZ+M1 group, and a HQJZ + M2 group. The relative expression of macrophage marker genes CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg1) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR ). (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) group, and a HQJZ group. Except for the control group, the other mice were injected with CT-26 colon cancer cells to establish a CC model. Mice in the MPA and HQJZ groups were given MPA (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1) or HQJZ (13.13 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, respectively, while mice in the control and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage, with interventions continued for 10 d. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of macrophage markers (iNOS, Arg1, CD86, CD206) and fat browning-related genes uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in epididymal adipose tissue. Western blot (WB) was used to detect protein expression levels of UCP1 and PPARγ. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to measure residual fat volume, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess fat browning and calculate pathological scores. ResultsIn vitro, the dominant effective concentration of HQJZ-containing serum was 12.5%. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, Arg1 expression decreased in the HQJZ+blank group (P<0.05), CD206 showed a downward trend without statistical significance, while iNOS and CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the M1 group, Arg1 and CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 group, CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M2 group (P<0.05), CD86 expression increased significantly (P<0.01). In vivo, Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the control group, CD86 and CD206 expression levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CD206 expression in the MPA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the HQJZ group, CD206 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the model group, protein expression of UCP1 and PPARγ was significantly reduced in the HQJZ group (P<0.05, P<0.01). micro-CT results showed that the total white fat volume in the HQJZ group was greater than that in the model group (P<0.05). HE staining results showed that pathological scores in the HQJZ group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ may inhibit white adipose tissue browning by promoting macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing M2 polarization, thereby delaying fat consumption in CC mice.
2.Surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: challenges and innovations
Pei ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yunfei FANG ; Hui YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Yanqiong MA ; Yu MENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):512-518
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
3.Qiangjing Tablets Regulate CDK4-E2F Signaling Pathway to Delay Aging of Leydig Cells and Testicular Tissue in Rats
Xiucheng LAN ; Meijing WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Junjun LI ; Liang DONG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):328-336
ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-early 2 factor (E2F) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the cell experiment, 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group (administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection) and a Qiangjing tablets group (20 rats in each group) according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L-1 H2O2, and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC (1 mmol·L-1) was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low (2.5%), medium (5%), and high (10%) concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment, 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group, and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg-1·d-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low, medium, and high doses of 0.72, 1.44, 2.88 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed, and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn the cell experiment, compared with the blank control group, the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 (P<0.05) and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05), slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group, and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05). The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 (P<0.05) and E2F2, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 (P<0.05). Compared with that in the NAC group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose (P<0.05) groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups, with statistically significance in the high dose group (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, compared with the young control group, the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 (P<0.05) and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05) but increased in the medium-dose (P<0.05) and high-dose groups. In addition, the expression of E2F1 decreased (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group, CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Similarly, the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium-dose group (P<0.05). The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups. ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.
4.Qiangjing Tablets Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Varicocele by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Liang DONG ; Fang YANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Yulin LI ; Xujun YU ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):347-359
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress. MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
5.Mechanism of Quercetin-loaded Exosomes in Improving Testosterone Synthesis in Leydig Cells from Correlation Perspective of "Disease, Syndrome, Formula, and Medicine"
Meijing WANG ; Xiucheng LAN ; Fangyue WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Guangsen LI ; Degui CHANG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):360-370
ObjectiveBased on the multidimensional correlation analysis framework of "disease, syndrome, formula, and medicine", this study aims to systematically elucidate the regulatory effects of effective components in Qiangjing tablet on testosterone synthesis pathways in testicular Leydig cells under oxidative stress, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of male infertility with traditional Chinese medicine and modern research on compounds. MethodsDisease targets for male infertility were obtained from The Human Gene Database (GeneCards, score ≥20), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD, score ≥150), DrugBank (score ≥0.2), and DisGeNET (score ≥0.2). Targets related to the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were acquired from the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome association database SymMap. Components of Qiangjing tablet were retrieved based on The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP), and they were screened according to a quantitative estimate of drug-likeness (QED ≥ 0.49) and a target confidence index>0.8. Intersecting targets were taken to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. The network was visualized with Cytoscape software and subjected to the functional annotation of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Quality markers (Q-markers) were predicted via the ADMETlab 2.0 platform based on Lipinski's rule, Pfizer's rule, GSK's rule, and the Golden Triangle. For experimental validation, rats' testicular Leydig cells were used. Exosomes were extracted and loaded with active components via the ultrasonic method. Exosome concentration was determined using a BCA protein quantification kit. Morphology was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The particle size was analyzed with a particle size analyzer. The surface marker proteins such as cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), cluster of differentiation 63 (CD63), and cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) were identified by Western blot, and drug loading capacity was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An oxidative stress model was induced by alpha, alpha'-azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH), and Leydig cells were divided into the following groups: A control group, an AAPH group, a quercetin group (Que group), an exosome group (Exo group), and a QUE-loaded Exo group (Que-Exo group). The cell viability was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) thiazolyl blue assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of oxidative indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and testosterone (T), were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of steroidogenic enzymes such as cytochrome p450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1), and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3), regulatory factors such as steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and miR-145-5p content, were detected by Western blot and real-time polymerse chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis reveals that the main active components of Qiangjing tablet for intervening in male infertility with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were Que, luteolin, etc., with the core mechanism involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis. Experimental results show that compared with the control group, the AAPH group exhibits significantly reduced cell viability (P<0.01), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), significantly elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and miR-145-5p (P<0.01), significantly reduced activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, as well as reduced testosterone content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of steroidogenic enzymes, SF-1, and StAR (P<0.01). The above indicators were reversed in the Que and Que-Exo groups (P<0.05). Compared with the Que group, the Que-Exo group showed more significant effects in enhancing cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, testosterone level, antioxidant enzyme activities, and expressions of key molecules in the steroidogenic pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Que, an active component of Qiangjing tablet, inhibits oxidative stress reaction, improves mitochondrial function in Leydig cells, upregulates steroidogenic enzyme expression, and restores testosterone production. As a carrier for Que, Exo enhance its stability, delivery efficiency, and biological effect. Additionally, miR-145-5p may be closely associated with testosterone synthesis, though its precise molecular mechanism requires further exploration. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine compounds with modern scientific technology, this research expands the paths for the modernized research of traditional Chinese medicine and opens a novel therapeutic direction with translational potential for clinical intervention of male infertility.
6.Comparative analysis of the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Nanning City in 2024 and the same period of the previous year
Shu-lin WEI ; Zhi-qiang QU ; Yuan-yuan LUO ; Yan-cui HUANG ; Shu-qin DIAO ; Xue LI ; Sheng-long YANG ; Xiao-yu HUANG ; Mi-fang LUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):81-84
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1,2023, to December 31,2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution;however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas(χ2= 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.
7.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
8.Clinical Application and Mechanism Insights of Xiaoyao San in Treating Ophthalmic Disorders From Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Method
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):227-236
Xiaoyao San, first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang, has the traditional functions of soothing the liver, relieving constraint, strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood, and regulating Qi movement. Although its applications in gynecological and emotional disorders have been extensively studied, its clinical use, pattern differentiation, and mechanisms in ophthalmology have not been systematically reviewed. Despite the diversity of ophthalmic diseases and their clinical manifestations, the frequent use of Xiaoyao San reflects the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "treating different diseases with the same method" by targeting shared pathogenesis and core syndromes. Modern studies suggest that its mechanisms may involve modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, attenuation of oxidative stress, protection of retinal ganglion cells and the blood-retinal barrier, improvement of ocular microcirculation, inhibition of pathological neovascularization, and regulation of neuroendocrine function, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. Guided by the theory of "treating different diseases with the same method", this review systematically examines the historical origin, formula modifications, and classical records of Xiaoyao San, and integrates modern literature and representative medical cases to summarize its clinical applications and mechanisms in ocular surface diseases, central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, optic neuropathies, retinal vascular occlusive diseases, dry eye, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, and glaucoma. This review aims to clarify the theoretical basis for its differentiated use in ophthalmology and to provide a foundation for its standardized clinical application.
9.Regulatory effect of Shugan Yunpi Decoction on depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder based on the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway
Jing MENG ; Jingman ZHAO ; Fang TIAN ; Dong WEI ; Hairu YU ; Chaonan FENG ; Yanan LI ; Ying YANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):324-330
BackgroundPatients with colorectal cancer are frequently comorbid with depression, which severely affects the quality of life and treatment compliance, while compromising the efficacy of anticancer treament and prognosis. Current therapeutic strategies still have notable limitations, particularly the lack of systematic and targeted synergistic regimens that integrate oncological management and anti-depressive intervention. It is of great clinical significance to explore a safe and effective new comprehensive intervention protocol and clarify its underlying mechanism of action. ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Shugan Yunpi Decoction in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, in order to provide references for the comprehensive treatment of colorectal cancer and depressive disorder. MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 106 patients admitted to the Baoding No.1 Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine from November 2023 to July 2025 were enrolled, who met the diagnostic criteria for the Chinese protocol of diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (2023 edition) and the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder as specified in the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disease, third edition (CCMD-3). Patients were divided into the study group and the control group using a random number table, with 53 cases in each group. The control group received conventional chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-element music therapy, while the study group received conventional chemotherapy combined with Shugan Yunpi Decoction therapy. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item(HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), respectively. Western blot protein immunoblotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and pAKT. Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA. Adverse reactions were recorded using a self-designed adverse reaction record form. ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance showed that the time effects (F=139.336, 234.747), group effects (F=43.900, 101.266), and time-group interaction effects (F=13.409, 43.216) for HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in both groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The time effects (F=571.356, 309.266, 414.492), group effects (F=6.901, 26.361, 39.362), and time-group interaction effects (F=18.592, 19.266, 33.484) for the protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and pAKT in both groups were all statistically significant (P<0.01). After 8 weeks of treatment, the protein expression levels of PI3K and pAKT in the study group were lower than those in the control group, while the AKT protein expression level was higher than that in the control group(P<0.01). The time effects (F=338.555, 225.059), group effects (F=5.429, 9.726), and time-group interaction effects (F=12.953, 21.214) for PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA expression levels in two groups were all statistically significant (P<0.01). After 8 weeks of treatment, the expression levels of PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than that in the control group (χ2=4.810, P<0.05). ConclusionShugan Yunpi Decoction may help to ameliorate depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, decreasing the levels of PI3K, pAKT, PI3K mRNA, and AKT mRNA, with a favorable safety profile. [Funded by Baoding City Science and Technology Planning Project (number, 2341ZF291)]
10.Visualization Analysis of Research Hotspots and Trends in Field of Tumor Therapy Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer
Yuhang FANG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Bailu SUI ; Yan WANG ; Runxi WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Xinhe YUAN ; Hongjun YANG ; Ying ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):297-304
Objective To explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of cancer treatment in the past decade. Methods The CNKI and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched for Chinese and English articles related to cancer treatment published over the last 10 years. Bibliometric research methods were employed, including keyword cluster analysis of published literature. Results A total of 45 455 Chinese articles and 866 958 English articles were retrieved. Combining the visualization analysis results and the current research dilemma of tumor treatment revealed that the current research hotspots of tumor treatment domestically and internationally can primarily focus on four key areas. In the realm of targeted therapy, efforts are directed towards the discovery of new drug targets, overcoming resistance to targeted therapy, and the development of monoclonal antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates. In the field of immunotherapy, the emphasis lies in enhancing the response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors, determining the mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy, and improving the safety of treatment. The research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) covers evidence-based evaluation studies on TCM treatment, the identification of populations that can gain the most benefit from TCM, and strategies for improving the quality of life. In the area of novel drug development, cutting-edge technologies, such as organoid-based screening for anticancer drugs, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, are under investigation. Conclusion New targeted drugs, immune efficacy improvement, multidisciplinary integration, nano-delivery, and TCM innovation are the key research directions in the field of tumor therapy in the future.


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