1.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
2.Elevated SLC3A2 Expression Promotes the Progression of Gliomas and Enhances Ferroptosis Resistance through the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 Axis
Yuqian ZHENG ; Shaolong ZHOU ; Yiran TAO ; Zimin SHI ; Xiang LI ; Xudong FU ; Jian MA ; Weihua HU ; Wulong LIANG ; Xinjun WANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):71-94
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to determine the impact of solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) on the malignant phenotype of gliomas and its role in regulating ferroptosis sensitivity.
Materials and Methods:
The malignant phenotype of glioma was assessed by cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay, wound healing, and Transwell experiments. We further validated the impact of reduced SLC3A2 expression on the sensitivity to ferroptosis in glioma cells through Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was used to explore how SLC3A2 affects glioma sensitivity to ferroptosis through the AKT/NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis. By establishing a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in BALB/c-nude mice, we investigated the growth of tumors following the knockout of SLC3A2 in glioma cells.
Results:
Downregulation of SLC3A2 suppressed the malignant phenotype of glioma by blocking the cell cycle and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. On the other hand, loss of SLC3A2 not only downregulated SLC7A11 but also prevented the activation of the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 axis. These lead to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides, ultimately enhancing the susceptibility of glioma to ferroptosis.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that SLC3A2 is an oncogene in gliomas, promoting their occurrence and development. It plays a critical role in ferroptosis resistance through the AKT/NRF2/GPX4 axis.
3.Study on the influential factors of blood concentration for duloxetine based on therapeutic drug monitoring
Yang LUN ; Liguang DUAN ; Feiyue AN ; Ran FU ; Jing YU ; Chaoli CHEN ; Mengqiang ZHAO ; Shi SU ; Yang SONG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Yuhang YAN ; Chunhua ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):727-731
OBJECTIVE To explore the main factors influencing the blood concentration of duloxetine, and provide a scientific basis for the individualized use of duloxetine. METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted on 434 inpatients with depressive disorders at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, who were treated with duloxetine and underwent blood concentration monitoring between January 2022 and April 2024. The study examined the impact of various factors, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), gene phenotypes, combined medication, drug type (original/generic), and genotyping results of gene single nucleotide polymorphism loci, on blood concentration and the concentration-to-dose (C/D) after dose adjustment. RESULTS The blood concentration of duloxetine was 76.65 (45.57, 130.31) ng/mL, and C/D was 0.96 (0.63, 1.60) ng·d/(mL·mg). The blood concentration of duloxetine was positively correlated with the daily dose of administration (R2=0.253 7, P<0.001). Blood concentration of duloxetine in 38.94% of patients exceeded the recommended range specified in the guidelines. Gender, age, BMI, combined use of CYP2D6 enzyme inhibitors, and CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 phenotypes had significant effects on C/D of duloxetine (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The patient’s age, gender, BMI, combined medication, and genetic phenotypes are closely related to the blood concentration of duloxetine.
4.Analysis of Differences in Secondary Metabolites Between Dendrobium nobile Bionic Wild Cultivated on Epiphytic Stones and Trees Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics
Yifan SHI ; Changqing ZHOU ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Fu WANG ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):218-224
ObjectiveTo explore the differences in the accumulation of secondary metabolites of Dendrobium nobile cultivated on epiphytic stones and trees, so as to elucidate the scientific connotation of "only those that grow on stones has superior quality", and provide a direction for the cultivation and quality evaluation of D. nobile. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomics was used to detect the metabolites of D. nobile cultivated on epiphytic stones and trees. And the combination of principal component analysis(PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was performed for multivariate statistical analysis of metabolites. Differential metabolites were screened by variable importance in the projection(VIP) value≥1 and log2fold change(FC)≥1 or ≤-1, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis was conducted. ResultsA total of 1 267 metabolites were identified in the stems of D. nobile from the two cultivation modes, dominated by flavonoids(292), phenolic acids(284), and alkaloids(189). Through OPLS-DA screening, 473 differential metabolites were obtained. Compared to epiphytic tree-cultivated D. nobile, epiphytic stone-cultivated D. nobile exhibited upregulation of flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, lignans and coumarins, while quinones and terpenoids were down-regulated. The differential metabolites mainly included flavonoid glycosides and alkaloids, and these differential metabolites significantly contributed to characterizing the two cultivation patterns. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in pathways of flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism in epiphytic stone-cultivated D. nobile. ConclusionEpiphytic stone cultivation is beneficial for the accumulation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids in D. nobile, indicating that the "only those that grow on stones has superior quality" documented in the materia medica has certain scientific basis, and the findings also provide a reference for quality evaluation and discrimination research between epiphytic stone and tree cultivated D. nobile.
5.Impact of peripheral blood inflammatory markers on neovascular glaucoma secondary to diabetic retinopathy
Mingfang WANG ; Wenwen ZHU ; Deyu XIA ; Dengrui XU ; Yawen SHI ; Hongchen FU ; Qian ZHAO ; Xiuyun LI
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):1005-1008
AIM: To investigate the influence of relevant inflammatory markers in peripheral blood on the progression of neovascular glaucoma(NVG)secondary to diabetic retinopathy(DR)patients.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence or absence of NVG: those with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)alone(PDR group, n=148)and those with NVG secondary to PDR(NVG secondary to PDR group, n=142). Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were evaluated, including white blood cell-related indices, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio(MLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII). The distinctions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers between the two groups of patients and their relationships with NVG secondary to PDR were analyzed.RESULTS:No statistically significant differences were observed in basic characteristics between the two groups, confirming their comparability. However, significant differences were found in eosinophil percentage and MLR between the PDR group and the NVG secondary to PDR group(all P<0.05), with both values being significantly higher in the NVG secondary to PDR group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the eosinophil percentage and the MLR were factors influencing the development of patients with NVG secondary to PDR.CONCLUSION: Eosinophil percentage and MLR may be associated with the progression of PDR to NVG, and could serve as potential predictive markers for NVG development in PDR patients.
6.Role of Macrophage Activation and Polarization in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Related Complications and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Zhichao CHEN ; Qiaoni LIN ; Liya SUN ; Jinxi WANG ; Zishan FU ; Yufeng YANG ; Yan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):311-320
The occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely related to insulin resistance and islet β cell dysfunction. Modern studies have found that macrophages are widely present in the liver,fat,skeletal muscle,islets, and other tissues and organs. Macrophage M1/M2 polarization plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus and its related complications by intervening in inflammatory response,improving insulin resistance,and promoting tissue repair. Most of the traditional Chinese medicines that regulate the activation and polarization of macrophages are Qi-replenishing and Yin-nourishing,heat-clearing, and detoxicating medicinal,which are consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes and its related complications. Therefore,by summarizing the mechanisms between macrophage activation,polarization, and insulin resistance in various tissues,this paper reviewed traditional Chinese medicine and its effective components and compounds in improving diabetes mellitus and its related complications through multi-channel regulation of macrophage polarization and regulation of M1/M2 ratio,providing references for the future treatment of DM and its related complications with traditional Chinese medicine.
7.The influence of proximal projection on the efficacy of minimally invasive osteotomy for mild to moderate hallux valgus
Jieyuan ZHANG ; Shaoling FU ; Cheng WANG ; Fan YANG ; Jiazheng WANG ; Chenglin WU ; Zhongmin SHI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(3):172-179
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive Chevron-Akin osteotomy (MICA) in the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus without addressing the proximal projection.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 31 patients with unilateral mild to moderate hallux valgus who underwent third-generation MICA surgery at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from January 2019 to June 2020. Among these patients, 2 were male and 29 were female, with an average age of 41.13±7.8 years (range: 21-64 years). A total of 12 patients had mild hallux valgus, while 19 patients had moderate hallux valgus. The average body mass index (BMI) was 24.37±1.28 kg/m 2 (range: 22.06-26.13 kg/m 2). Preoperative and postoperative foot X-rays were taken at multiple time points, including 1 day, 1.5 months, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery. These X-rays were used to assess the medial eminence width (MEW) of the first metatarsal head, the proximal medial projection width (PMRW) of the first metatarsal, the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). Functional improvements and pain relief were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results:All 31 patients completed an average follow-up period of 25.67±2.35 months (range: 24-31 months). The average operation time was 39.55±7.31 minutes (range: 32-46 minutes). The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy exposures averaged 16.23±2.38 times (range: 13-21 times). At the two-year follow-up, significant improvements were observed in all measured parameters when compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05). The HVA decreased from 35.18°±3.59° before surgery to 10.93°±0.90° after surgery. The IMA was reduced from 11.47°±0.85° to 6.94°±0.65°, and the DMAA decreased from 15.24°±1.13° to 4.31°±0.56°. The MEW decreased from 4.07±0.70 mm to 0.13±0.11 mm. The PMRW, which was measured at one day postoperatively and at the two-year follow-up, decreased from 3.44±0.66 mm to 0.19±0.11 mm. Functional assessments also showed significant improvements ( P<0.05). The AOFAS forefoot score increased from 57.42±3.93 before surgery to 89.52±3.46 at the two-year follow-up. Pain levels, as assessed by the VAS, decreased from 5.68±1.11 preoperatively to 0.77±0.50 postoperatively. At the two-year follow-up, 97% of patients reported excellent satisfaction with the surgical outcome. During the follow-up period, complications included mild numbness around the wound in two cases, metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness in one case, and hallux valgus recurrence in one case, accounting for 3% of the cohort. Conclusion:Third-generation MICA without addressing the proximal projection is an effective procedure for correcting mild to moderate hallux valgus. This technique significantly improves foot function, reduces pain, and leads to high levels of patient satisfaction.
8.Clinical value of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration for esophageal stricture lesions that cannot be diagnosed by endoscopic general biopsy
Ting WANG ; Shiyang MA ; Cui FU ; Lei DONG ; Haitao SHI
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(2):83-88
Objective To investigate the clinical value of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)for esophageal stricture lesions that cannot be diagnosed by endoscopic general biopsy.Methods The clinical data of 6 patients with esophageal stricture lesions with EUS-FNA that cannot be clearly diagnosed by endoscopic general biopsy from January 2021 to Jun 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and the accuracy of EUS-FNA was analyzed for esophageal stricture lesions that cannot be diagnosed by endoscopic general biopsy,while the results of surgery pathology or final follow-up results was taken as the diagnostic criteria.Results All the patients underwent EUS-FNA.The puncture clearly diagnosed 5 cases of malignancy and 1 case of chronic inflammation.Among them,5 patients underwent surgical operations,and the postoperative pathological findings were consistent with the puncture pathology.One patient was followed up for a long time and had repeated gastroscopy.There was no evidence of malignant tumor in the clinical manifestations and routine gastroscopic findings,so it was still considered to be an inflammatory change,which was consistent with the puncture pathological result.All patients had no complications,including abdominal pain,bleeding,perforation,and infection.Conclusion EUS-FNA is an effective and safe method for esophageal stricture lesions that cannot be diagnosed by endoscopic general biopsy and has high clinical application value.
9.Exploring the Path of Ideological and Political Construction in Biology Major Courses Empowered by Digital Intelligence
Wei-Ye SHI ; Xue-Ling GUO ; Yu FU ; Xiao-Lei ZHOU ; Ying-Ze WANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):914-923
The aim of this study is to explore a new path of empowering ideological and political educa-tion in courses with digital intelligence technology,therefore to improve the teaching quality of biology courses in universities,promote the comprehensive implementation of the fundamental task of cultivating morality and talents,and continuously improve the level of"three pronged education".By using the biol-ogy course"Immunology"as a practical carrier,we have constructed a dual-driven framework of"ideo-logical and political guidance+digital intelligence empowerment"utilizing digital tools to further highlight pedagogical feature enhancement,curricular optimization,innovative teaching models,multidimensional assessment,and enhanced teaching refinement.The empowerment of digital intelligence in the ideological and political construction of the course"Immunology"has achieved notable progress.Students' profes-sional abilities and ideological and political literacy have significantly improved,and the proportion of students with excellent grades has been increasing year by year(81.93%of students with good grades or above in 2024),demonstrating outstanding performance in various social practice activities;The course exhibits excellent demonstration and radiation effects on campus,and the teaching results have been sup-ported by the Ministry of Education and provincial-level education reform projects.This study serves as a practical example for the digital transformation of ideological and political education in higher education courses,providing reference and innovative insights for implementing ideological and political elements in other courses of biology majors.
10.High Expression of INF2 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Hai-Biao WANG ; Man LIN ; Fu-Sang YE ; Jia-Xin SHI ; Hong LI ; Meng YE ; Jie WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):194-208
ObjectiveINF2 is a member of the formins family. Abnormal expression and regulation of INF2 have been associated with the progression of various tumors, but the expression and role of INF2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. HCC is a highly lethal malignant tumor. Given the limitations of traditional treatments, this study explored the expression level, clinical value and potential mechanism of INF2 in HCC in order to seek new therapeutic targets. MethodsIn this study, we used public databases to analyze the expression of INF2 in pan-cancer and HCC, as well as the impact of INF2 expression levels on HCC prognosis. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression level of INF2 in liver cancer cells and human HCC tissues. The correlation between INF2 expression and clinical pathological features was analyzed using public databases and clinical data of human HCC samples. Subsequently, the effects of INF2 expression on the biological function and Drp1 phosphorylation of liver cancer cells were elucidated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, the predictive value and potential mechanism of INF2 in HCC were further analyzed through database and immunohistochemical experiments. ResultsINF2 is aberrantly high expression in HCC samples and the high expression of INF2 is correlated with overall survival, liver cirrhosis and pathological differentiation of HCC patients. The expression level of INF2 has certain diagnostic value in predicting the prognosis and pathological differentiation of HCC. In vivo and in vitro HCC models, upregulated expression of INF2 triggers the proliferation and migration of the HCC cell, while knockdown of INF2 could counteract this effect. INF2 in liver cancer cells may affect mitochondrial division by inducing Drp1 phosphorylation and mediate immune escape by up-regulating PD-L1 expression, thus promoting tumor progression. ConclusionINF2 is highly expressed in HCC and is associated with poor prognosis. High expression of INF2 may promote HCC progression by inducing Drp1 phosphorylation and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression, and targeting INF2 may be beneficial for HCC patients with high expression of INF2.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail