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.Preoperative nebulized indocyanine green-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection for congenital pulmonary airway malformations in children: A retrospective cohort study
Hongguang SHI ; Junpeng DU ; Jiaxi WANG ; Peiliang SUN ; Zhenqiu CHEN ; Weibo ZHANG ; Zhe FU ; Mingjun ZHENG ; Yongqian MA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1412-1418
Objective To investigate the efficacy of preoperative nebulized indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical lesion resection (TALR) in treating pediatric congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 45 children with CPAM who underwent thoracoscopic surgery at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2023 and March 2025. The patients were divided into an ICG group (preoperative nebulized ICG 0.5 mg/kg+TALR) and a non-ICG group (TALR under white light), with perioperative and postoperative recovery parameters compared between groups. Results A total of 45 children [22 males, 23 females; median age 7.4 (1.1-75.0) months] were enrolled. The ICG group (n=22) and non-ICG group (n=23) both achieved uneventful recoveries. Compared to the non-ICG group, the ICG group demonstrated significantly shorter surgical duration [91.3 (38.0-144.0) min vs. 100.0 (50.0-175.0) min, P=0.032], reduced intraoperative blood loss [3.0 (2.0-10.0) mL vs. 5.0 (1.0-10.0) mL, P=0.049], shorter postoperative drainage duration [2.7 (1.9-3.9) d vs. 3.4 (1.8-19.9) d, P=0.003], and shortened hospital stay [4.6 (2.9-9.8) d vs. 5.0 (3.9-21.5) d, P=0.013]. Residual lesions occurred in 2 patients from the non-ICG group but none in the ICG group. Intragroup comparisons revealed significant improvements in ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time, ratio of volume to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory volume, and tidal volume per kilogram after surgery in both groups (P<0.05), though intergroup differences showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion Preoperative nebulized ICG administration facilitates lesion identification in CPAM, reduces technical difficulty of TALR, enhances therapeutic outcomes, and provides valuable assistance for performing TALR procedures.
4.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.
5.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.
6.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.
7.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.
8.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.
9.Application of the back-calculation method for estimating new HIV infections in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, 2010-2023
Minyang XIAO ; Yuecheng YANG ; Manhong JIA ; Houlin TANG ; Yuhua SHI ; Liru FU ; Zuyang ZHANG ; Renhai TANG ; Xiaowen WANG ; Fangfang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):669-675
Objective:New HIV infections serve as a crucial indicator for assessing the dynamic changes in the HIV epidemic. This study aims to estimate the number of new HIV infections in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province (Dehong), using a back-calculation method that integrates diagnosis delay approaches and Bayesian theory. Additionally, it compares the differences between these two estimation methods.Methods:Data were obtained from the Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on CD4 + T lymphocytes (CD4) counts depletion model, the first CD4 count prior to antiretroviral therapy of HIV-infected individuals diagnosed in Dehong from 2010 to 2023 was utilized to retroactively determine the infection date of HIV-infected individuals and ascertain the annual number of new HIV infections who had been diagnosed. Subsequently, the diagnosis delay distribution method and Bayesian theory were leveraged to assess the diagnosis probability of newly infected individuals, thereby projecting the number of new HIV infections in the region over the specified period. Results:During 2010-2023, a total of 5 693 individuals aged 15 and above, excluding mother-to-child transmission, were diagnosed with HIV in Dehong. After excluding 364 cases due to missing CD4 count results or abnormal first CD4 counts (≥2 000 cells/μl), 5 329 HIV-infected individuals were included in the final analysis. Through CD4 counts back-calculation from 2010 to 2023, the annual number of new infections diagnosed was 479, 427, 337, 305, 256, 219, 194, 193, 131, 166, 120, 71, 42 and 47. When using the diagnosis delay distribution method and life table analysis, the cumulative diagnosis probability rose from 0.301 within one year to 0.913 within 14 years, leading to a reduction in the number of estimated new infections from 577 in 2010 to 168 in 2023, with a total estimate of 4 412 (95% CI:4 350-4 480). Alternatively, based on Bayesian theory, the diagnosis probability increased from 0.413 within one year to 0.946 within 14 years, leading to a reduction in the number of estimated new infections from 557 in 2010 to 122 in 2023, with a total of 3 814 (95% CI: 3 787-3 837). Conclusions:Both methods yielded consistent results in estimating new HIV infections in Dehong from 2010 to 2023. Given the region's ongoing expansion of HIV testing, the estimates derived from Bayesian theory may more accurately reflect the actual situation. These findings provide a reference basis for formulating and optimizing HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies in Dehong, facilitating progress toward the goal of eliminating AIDS by 2030 in the region.
10.Establishment of a nucleic acid detection method for varicella-zoster virus based on RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a
Ziyi LI ; Ruichen WANG ; Haoze LIU ; Tianzi ZHANG ; Tianxin SHI ; Qianqian CUI ; Qikai YIN ; Fan LI ; Kai NIE ; Shihong FU ; Huanyu WANG ; Canlei SONG ; Qiufang XU ; Songtao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):242-249
Objective:To establish a method for the rapid detection of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) by recombinase-aid amplification (RAA) combined with Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a system.Methods:Clinical samples of suspected herpes zoster in Shandong province and Shanghai from 2023 to 2024 were collected, nucleic acids of positive samples were extracted, RAA-specific primers and crRNA (CRISPR RNA, crRNA) were designed for the conserved region of VZV, and the fluorescence intensity generated by Cas12a non-specific cleavage of single-stranded fluorescent probes was used to screen highly sensitive crRNAs and optimize the concentrations of crRNA, Cas12a and ssDNA probes. The sensitivity and reproducibility of the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection method were evaluated by using synthesized plasmids and clinical samples, and the specificity of the method was evaluated by using other viral nucleic acids. The method was used to detect clinical samples by using the method and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method, and the detection rate and consistency of the two method were compared.Results:The highly sensitive crRNA-4 was screened from the four crRNAs designed, and a VZV detection method for RAA-CRISPR/CAS12a based on fluorescence intensity measurement was established, which could be detected at 37℃ in 45 min, and the sensitivity of the detection could reach 10 copies/μL, a minimum clinical sample with a Ct value of 38.980 can be detected. It has high specificity and no cross-reactivity with Adenovirus 7, Herpes simplex virus type I, Herpes simplex virus type II, Coxsackieviruses A16, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Measles virus, Mumps virus, Enterovirus 71, Japanese encephalitis virus genotype 5. It has good stability, and can be successfully detected in low, medium and high concentrations of viral positive plasmids with good consistency. The detection rate of the clinically positive samples was 100%, which was completely consistent with the qPCR test result.Conclusions:RAA isothermal amplification technology combined with CRISPR-CAS12a technology was used to establish an accurate method for the detection of VZV virus, which was highly sensitive, specific, and had low requirements for experimental conditions, and could be completed within 45 min, which could provide strong technical support for the early detection of VZV.

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