1.Jianpi Xiao'ai Prescription Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression by Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Modulation of iNOS-ARG1 Axis
Xing LUO ; Bo PAN ; Jianfeng FU ; Jia HUANG ; Wei PENG ; Fang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):99-111
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Jianpi Xiao'ai prescription (JPXAP) inhibits colorectal cancer progression by regulating the inducible nitric oxide synthase-arginase 1 (iNOS-ARG1) metabolic axis and inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mito-ROS)-mediated mitochondrial structural and functional impairment. MethodsAn arginine metabolism disorder model of human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells was established by combined treatment with recombinant human interferon-γ (IFN-γ, 10 μg·L-1) and N(ω)-hydroxy-L-arginine (Nor-NOHA, 200 μmol·L-1) for 24 h, followed by intervention with 5%, 10%, or 20% JPXAP-containing serum. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and colony formation assays. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell chamber and wound healing assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ROS levels were assessed by JC-1 and MitoSOX staining, respectively. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of iNOS, ARG1, and mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including mitofusin 2 (MFN2) and dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), was analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The levels of L-arginine, citrulline, and urea were determined by colorimetric methods and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly upregulated iNOS expression, downregulated ARG1 expression, a decreased ARG1/iNOS ratio, reduced L-arginine and urea levels, and increased citrulline levels (P<0.05). Meanwhile, mito-ROS accumulation was significantly increased, the JC-1 red/green fluorescence ratio was decreased, and mitochondria showed swelling and cristae disruption, indicating that metabolic disorder induced mitochondrial injury. Compared with the model group, all JPXAP-treated groups further decreased the ARG1/iNOS ratio, enhanced nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species accumulation, further reduced L-arginine and urea levels, and increased citrulline levels (P<0.01). EdU-positive rate, colony formation rate, wound healing rate, and Transwell invasion number all decreased significantly with increasing serum concentration (P<0.01). Mito-ROS levels were further elevated, and the JC-1 red/green ratio further decreased. TEM revealed aggravated mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization. MFN2 expression was downregulated and DRP1 expression was upregulated (P<0.01),in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionJPXAP further activates NO-mediated oxidative/nitrosative stress under arginine metabolism imbalance, inducing mito-ROS accumulation, MMP collapse, and mitochondrial dynamics imbalance, thereby inhibiting colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration. These findings reveal an antitumor mechanism of JPXAP based on coordinated targeting of the "metabolism-mitochondria" axis.
2.Multidimensional analysis of concurrent proximal bronchiolar adenoma and lung carcinoma
Lu-Yao LI ; Gong-Ming DONG ; Yun-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Ting WANG ; Fu-Quan JIA ; Guan-Jun ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):356-363
Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a rare type of lung tumor characterized by bilayered epithelial cells having a continuous basal layer and a luminal layer. It resembles mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) on frozen section, with difficulty in distinguishing the basal layer. Immunohistochemistry is the best choice for verifying the diagnosis. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize three cases of BA-combined carcinoma using clinical, histopathological, and genetic features. BA and carcinoma sections were subjected to next-generation sequencing, respectively. It was hypothesized that while different mutation forms matched different regions, BA and lung adenocarcinoma shared the same gene mutation when they co-occurred in the same location. BA with extensive carcinoma is extremely rare and presents diagnostic challenges due to its overlap with conditions such as MA. Because of its distinctive morphological characteristics, BA may be regarded as a low-grade malignancy, particularly during a confusing evaluation. A multifaceted examination of clinical, radiological, immunohistochemical, and genetic data is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
3.Neoadjuvant Sintilimab Combined with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Followed by Selective Bladder Sparing Surgery: A Phase 2 Trial
Zhou TONG ; Guanghou FU ; Feng ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LIU ; Xing XUE ; Hangyu ZHANG ; Yimin WANG ; Xudong ZHU ; Yang GAO ; Lulu LIU ; Xuanwen BAO ; Yi ZHENG ; Weijia FANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Baiye JIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):581-590
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) regimen in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab as neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients and the feasibility of the following selective bladder sparing surgery.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with histopathologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma without distant metastases (T2-4a, N ≤ 1, M0, American Joint Committee of Cancer 8th) and with adequate organ function will be enrolled. The therapeutic regimen was sintilimab 200 mg once on day 8, gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 once on days 1 and 8, every 21 days for four cycles. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR, pT0N0) rate. The secondary end points were ypT < 2 rate, R0 resection rate, event-free survival, and safety.
Results:
From May 4, 2020, to May 20, 2023, 55 patients were enrolled. Forty-six patients were evaluated for efficacy. Among the 42 patients who underwent surgery, 16 patients (38.0%) achieved pCR. Thirty-three patients (78.6%) achieved pT < 2. With a median follow-up of 15.7 months, the 1-year event-free survival was 91.3%. Notwithstanding the poor pathological baseline characteristic of a high T3-T4a proportion (39.1%), a promising bladder preservation (including 22 patients transurethral resection of bladder tumor, 5 patients partial cystectomy, and 4 surveillances) rate was achieved (67.4%). The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events was neutropenia (n=15, 27.3%), which was related to chemotherapy. There were no grade 3 immune-related adverse events.
Conclusion
Neoadjuvant GP plus sintilimab is a promising regimen for MIBC patients, with relatively high pT < 2 rate and triggering the emerging roles for the multi-disciplinary team decision-making for bladder sparing surgery.
4.Consistent Detection of Aquaporin-4 Antibodies:A Comparative Analysis Between Fixed and Live Cell-Based Assays
Jing WANG ; Linge WANG ; Xiaolin YANG ; Zhizhong LI ; Jinyu JIANG ; Qiao XU ; Siyuan HUANG ; Qing FU ; Yang YANG ; Rongrong ZHANG ; Lin YANG ; Ai CHEN ; Xiaopeng ZENG ; Ke XU ; Peng ZHENG ; Xinyue QIN ; Jinzhou FENG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2026;22(2):212-220
Background:
and Purpose Live cell-based assays (LCBA) are increasingly used for serological antibody detection due to their ability to preserve antigen conformation, offering moderately higher sensitivity than fixed cell-based assays. However, the clinical necessity of prioritizing LCBA for the detection of aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unclear, especially when compared to its established role in diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.
Methods:
We compared the performance of live cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (LCBA-IF) and fixed cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (FCBA-IF) in detecting AQP4-IgG in 90 cases of NMOSD meeting 2015 International Panel for Neuromyelitis Optica Diagnosis criteria, alongside 40 controls. Additionally, we further investigated the relationship between AQP4-IgG titers as measured by LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF and clinical parameters in NMOSD patients.
Results:
Results showed 96.9% agreement between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF (Cohen’s κ=0.935), with a strong Spearman correlation (0.977, p<0.001). Both methods demonstrated 100% specificity, with LCBA-IF showing slightly higher sensitivity compared to FCBA-IF. Within LCBAIF-tested groups, statistically significant differences in annualized relapse rates were observed across all pairwise comparisons (low-titer vs. moderate-titer, low-titer vs. high-titer, and moderate-titer vs. high-titer; all p<0.050). However, this association reached statistical significance in some FCBA-IF-tested groups.
Conclusions
Overall, there is a strong concordance between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF in detecting AQP4-IgG, where LCBA-IF shows slightly higher sensitivity. Furthermore, there is a potential link between elevated AQP4-IgG titers and an increased risk of relapse, and this correlation may appear more pronounced when using LCBA-IF.
5.Differentiation and Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease from the Perspective of "Guarding the Channel Passages" Based on Circadian Rhythm
Jingjing ZHAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Lanlan LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Ran ZHAO ; Shujuan XU ; Han PENG ; Lingmei LI ; Hao GUO ; Jianhua FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1977-1981
Coronary heart disease (CHD) has a distinct circadian rhythmicity in its onset, which is closely related to the waxing and waning of qi and blood in the channel passages of the human body. Grounded in the circadian rhythm theory of "correspondence between heaven and humankind", this paper explores the pathogenic evolution rules of qi-blood disharmony, channel obstruction, interacting as cause and effect with circadian rhythm disorders in CHD. Clinically, CHD can be observed to attack in the early morning, at night, in the afternoon, and at fixed or unfixed circadian intervals. The pathogenesis rhythms at different time nodes can correspondingly reflect the susceptibility tendencies and pathological stress responses of the human body to core pathogeneses such as yang deficiency with cold congelation, yin deficiency with yang floating, qi and yin deficiency, and liver constraint with qi stagnation under specific temporal states. Treatment should be adapted to the season and time, regulating yin and yang in accordance with biological rhythms. It is recommended to regulate qi during the daytime by promoting ascending and dispersing to unblock the channel passages, and select the appropriate timing for administration to harness natural timing. At the Mao (卯) hour, yang ascends while yin descends, and taking medication at this time conforms to the ascending of yang qi. At the Wu (午) hour, the heart meridian is active, and taking medication at this time warms the channel passages and assists heart yang, which can be treated with modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) or Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤). At night, blood should be harmonized, when the channel passages are unblocked through nourishing, restraining, and searching, with Lianmei Decoction (连梅汤) combined with Dahuang Zhechong Pill (大黄䗪虫丸). Following the temporal rhythm, the focus is put on the transitional time of day and night and the four seasons to treat disease before it arises, resonating and corresponding with the natural rhythm.
6.Study of adsorption of coated aldehyde oxy-starch on the indexes of renal failure
Qian WU ; Cai-fen WANG ; Ning-ning PENG ; Qin NIE ; Tian-fu LI ; Jian-yu LIU ; Xiang-yi SONG ; Jian LIU ; Su-ping WU ; Ji-wen ZHANG ; Li-xin SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):498-505
The accumulation of uremic toxins such as urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and uric acid of patients with renal failure
7.Pharmacokinetic study of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland
Yu ZHANG ; Jiaming LI ; Dan PENG ; Ruoqiu FU ; Yue MING ; Zhengbi LIU ; Jingjing WANG ; Shiqi CHENG ; Hongjun XIE ; Yao LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):680-685
OBJECTIVE To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG). METHODS Female SD rats were divided into control group and HMG group according to body weight, with 6 rats in each group. The HMG group was given estrogen+progesterone to construct HMG model. After modeling, two groups were given 1.485 g/kg of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid (calculated by crude drug) intragastrically, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before the first administration (0 h), and at 5, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after the last administration, respectively. Using chlorzoxazone as the internal standard, the plasma concentrations of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in rats were detected by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters [area under the drug time curve (AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞), mean residence time (MRT0-∞), half-life (t1/2), peak time (tmax), peak concentration (cmax)] were calculated by the non-atrioventricular model using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ and cmax of ferulic acid in the HMG group were significantly increased (P<0.05); the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ , MRT0-∞ , t1/2 and cmax of paeoniflorin increased, but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05); the AUC0-24 h and MRT0-∞ of rosmarinic acid were significantly increased or prolonged (P<0.05). C ONCLUSIONS In HMG model rats, the exposure of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid all increase, and the retention time of rosmarinic acid is significantly prolonged.
8.Impact of initial screening strategies on compliance with colonoscopy for colorectal carcinoma in residents aged 50 years and above
Fang XIANG ; Zhihao HU ; Yawei WANG ; Yiying ZHANG ; Fang HUANG ; Qian PENG ; Hongjie YU ; Chaowei FU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):140-144
ObjectiveTo compare colonoscopy compliance rates under different screening strategies, to explore ways to enhance colonoscopy compliance among residents with colorectal carcinoma. MethodsResidents aged between 50‒80 years were recruited through extensive community outreach and voluntary participation. A total of 210 630 residents who participated in the colorectal carcinoma screening program in Jiading District, Shanghai, between 2013 and 2019 were selected as the research subjects. All subjects underwent a colorectal carcinoma risk assessment questionnaire survey and two fecal occult blood tests (FOBT). Positive results in the initial screening were defined as a positive questionnaire survey or a positive result in at least one FOBT. Participants with positive initial screening results were advised to undergo colonoscopy screening in a hospital. Colonoscopy results were collected from hospital reports and physician follow-ups. Compliance with colonoscopy was analyzed under different screening strategies to identify possible factors influencing residents’ willingness to undergo the procedure. ResultsA total of 21 403 individuals (10.16%) were identified as positive with the questionnaire survey, 31 595 individuals (15.00%) tested positive with at least one FOBT. Combined questionnaire and FOBT positivity was observed in 3 501 individuals (1.66%). Among the 48 453 individuals with positive initial screening results, 17 230 (35.56%) underwent colonoscopy, and a total of 315 cases of colorectal cancer were detected. The sensitivity, specificity value of FOBT initial screening were 83.81% and 84.66%, respectively. According to the combined risk assessment and FOBT initial screening preliminary screening, the lowest colonoscopy compliance rate (25.63%) was observed among individuals with only a positive questionnaire, and the highest compliance rate (52.55%) was among those with both positive questionnaire survey and two positive FOBT results. Multivariate analysis revealed that FOBT positivity had the greatest impact on colonoscopy compliance. Those with one positive FOBT test result were 2.64 times more likely to undergo colonoscopy screening than those with negative FOBT results, while individuals with two positive FOBT results were 3.18 times more likely to do so. After adjusting for FOBT results, individuals with positive questionnaire survey results were 1.43 times more likely to undergo colonoscopy screening than those with negative results (95%CI: 1.34‒1.52). Compared to questionnaire-based risk assessment, FOBT results were more influential in determining compliance with colonoscopy. ConclusionThe choice of initial screening method significantly impacts residents’ compliance with colonoscopy. While implementing colorectal carcinoma screening programs, it is necessary to strictly adhere to screening protocols, including risk assessment and FOBT. Additionally, efforts should be made to raise public awareness, encouraging residents to actively participate in risk assessments and FOBT, thereby improving their compliance with colonoscopy.
9.Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study on Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shexiang Baoxinwan in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris Complicated with Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Artery Disease
Jie WANG ; Linzi LONG ; Zhiru ZHAO ; Feifei LIAO ; Jieming LU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Yuxuan PENG ; Hua QU ; Changgeng FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):159-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shexiang Baoxinwan in treating stable angina pectoris with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with anxiety and depression and explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial design. Patients admitted to the hospital were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group, with 52 patients in each group. Patients in the observation and control groups received Shexiang Baoxinwan and placebo, respectively, both in combination with conventional Western medication. The dose was 45.0 mg, three times daily, for a total duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), inflammatory markers [interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40, etc.], monoamine neurotransmitters [e.g., dopamine (DA)], vascular endothelial function markers [e.g., endothelin-1(ET-1)], adipokines, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Adverse reactions were also recorded. ResultsA total of 92 patients completed the study, with 44 in the observation group and 48 in the control group. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decreases in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and TCM syndrome scores following treatment (P<0.05), along with a significant increase in SAQ scores (P<0.05). In the observation group, DA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while levels of IL-18, TNF-α, CD40, ET-1, and IMA were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly increased CD40 levels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant improvements in the SAQ dimensions of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception, as well as in TCM syndrome score, PHQ-9 score, IL-18, CD40, ET-1, and IMA (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionShexiang Baoxinwan can improve anxiety and depression, alleviate angina symptoms, and reduce TCM symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis in CAD patients. The mechanism may involve anti-inflammation, improvement of vascular endothelial function, reduction of IMA, and increase of monoamine neurotransmitter levels.
10.Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Study on Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shexiang Baoxinwan in Treating Stable Angina Pectoris Complicated with Anxiety and Depression in Coronary Artery Disease
Jie WANG ; Linzi LONG ; Zhiru ZHAO ; Feifei LIAO ; Jieming LU ; Tianjiao LIU ; Yuxuan PENG ; Hua QU ; Changgeng FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):159-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shexiang Baoxinwan in treating stable angina pectoris with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with anxiety and depression and explore its underlying mechanisms. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial design. Patients admitted to the hospital were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group, with 52 patients in each group. Patients in the observation and control groups received Shexiang Baoxinwan and placebo, respectively, both in combination with conventional Western medication. The dose was 45.0 mg, three times daily, for a total duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), inflammatory markers [interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40, etc.], monoamine neurotransmitters [e.g., dopamine (DA)], vascular endothelial function markers [e.g., endothelin-1(ET-1)], adipokines, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). Adverse reactions were also recorded. ResultsA total of 92 patients completed the study, with 44 in the observation group and 48 in the control group. Compared with baseline, both groups showed significant decreases in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and TCM syndrome scores following treatment (P<0.05), along with a significant increase in SAQ scores (P<0.05). In the observation group, DA levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while levels of IL-18, TNF-α, CD40, ET-1, and IMA were decreased (P<0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited significantly increased CD40 levels (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant improvements in the SAQ dimensions of physical limitation, angina stability, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception, as well as in TCM syndrome score, PHQ-9 score, IL-18, CD40, ET-1, and IMA (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group during treatment. ConclusionShexiang Baoxinwan can improve anxiety and depression, alleviate angina symptoms, and reduce TCM symptoms of Qi stagnation and blood stasis in CAD patients. The mechanism may involve anti-inflammation, improvement of vascular endothelial function, reduction of IMA, and increase of monoamine neurotransmitter levels.

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