1.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
2.Effect and mechanism of Biejiajian Pill on subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells
Lu LU ; Huanling CHEN ; Jian XU ; Yuanqin DU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yingsheng WU ; Chengting WU ; Wei BAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Hongna HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):125-133
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills (BJJW) on the growth of liver cancer, as well as its potential mechanism in mediating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway through mitochondrial energy metabolism. MethodsHuman hepatoma Huh7 cells were used to establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor. A total of 18 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group, BJJW group (2.2 g/kg), and metformin group (250 mg/kg), and the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Tumor volume and weight were monitored during the experiment; HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes; the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tumor tissue were measured; immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the BJJW group had a tumor inhibition rate of 45.73%, with significant reductions in both tumor volume and weight (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant reduction in the number of tumor cells and the presence of extensive necrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant increase in ROS level (P<0.001) and a significant reduction in ATP level (P<0.001), as well as significant increases in p-AMPK/AMPK ratio (0.81±0.20 vs 0.13±0.04, P<0.01) and p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio (0.69±0.17 vs 0.18±0.13, P<0.01) and a significant reduction in p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (1.34±0.16 vs 3.20±0.62, P<0.01). ConclusionBJJW may inhibit the growth of liver cancer by inducing mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction, increasing the level of ROS, reducing the level of ATP, and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
3.Relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features of middle school students: the moderating effect of emotional regulation strategies
Run ZHONG ; Congwen YANG ; Junhong LIU ; Maoqian SUN ; Yujia WENG ; Jian WEN ; Guoping HUANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):76-82
BackgroundThe middle school stage represents a crucial period for the development of borderline personality features. Negative parenting styles and emotional regulation strategies are associated with the formation of borderline personality features. However, the moderating role of emotional regulation strategies between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the moderating influence of emotional regulation strategies in the relationship between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features among middle school students, and to provide references for the intervention of borderline personality features. MethodsIn October 2023, a total of 5 965 middle school students from three middle schools in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected by cluster sampling, and assessed by the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C), the Egna Minnen Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Chinese Revised Version (ERQ-CRV). Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between the scores of each scale, and the model 1 of the Process macro program was used to conduct the moderating effect test. ResultsA total of 5 572 middle school students (93.41%) completed this study, and 1 388 of them (24.91%) were identified as having high borderline personality features. The BPFS-C score of middle school students was positively correlated with the score of the negative parenting style dimension of EMBU (r=0.367, P<0.01), negatively correlated with the score of the cognitive reappraisal dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=-0.168, P<0.01), and positively correlated with the score of the expression inhibition dimension of ERQ-CRV (r=0.344, P<0.01). Cognitive reappraisal played a negative moderating effect between negative parenting styles and borderline personality features (β=-0.072, 95% CI: -0.104–-0.041, P<0.01), while expressive suppression played a positive moderating effect (β=0.076, 95% CI: 0.055–0.097, P<0.01). ConclusionCognitive reappraisal strategy may help mitigate the negative influence of negative parenting styles on middle school students' borderline personality features, while expressive suppression may exacerbate the harm of negative parenting styles to the borderline personality features of middle school students.
4.Interpretive radiology reports for lung cancer generated by GPT-4 large language model to enhance doctor–patient communication efficiency
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):231-240
Objective To explore the application of the GPT-4 large language model in simplifying lung cancer radiology reports to enhance patient comprehension and doctor–patient communication efficiency. Methods A total of 362 radiology reports of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were collected from two hospitals between September and December 2024. Interpretive radiology reports (IRRs) were generated using GPT-4. Original reports (ORRs) and IRRs were compared through radiologist consistency evaluation and volunteer-based assessments of reading time, comprehension scores, and simulated communication duration. Results The average word count of ORRs was (459.83±55.76) words, compared with (625.42±41.59) words for IRRs (P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in expert consistency scores between ORRs and IRRs across dimensions of image interpretation accuracy, report detail completeness, explanatory depth and insight, and clinical practicality. Compared with reading ORRs, volunteers (simulated patient) read IRRs with shorter time [(346.88±29.15) s versus (409.01 ±102.40) s], with higher comprehension scores [(7.83±1.04) points versus (5.53±0.94) points] and shorter doctor-patient communication times [(317.31±57.81) s versus (714.20±56.67) s]. All differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). Conclusion GPT-4 generated IRRs significantly improve patient comprehension and shorten communication time while maintaining medical accuracy. These findings suggest a new approach to optimizing radiology report management and enhancing healthcare service quality.
5.Applications of Vaterite in Drug Loading and Controlled Release
Xiao-Hui SONG ; Ming-Yu PAN ; Jian-Feng XU ; Zheng-Yu HUANG ; Qing PAN ; Qing-Ning LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):162-181
Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.
6.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
7.Role and Mechanism of Cucurbitacin B in Suppressing Proliferation of Breast Cancer 4T1 Cells via Inducing Ferroptosis
Yidan RUAN ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Huating HUANG ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Aina YAO ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Xiaohan XU ; Shiman LI ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):91-97
ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B (CuB) in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 μmol·L-1)on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay, and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry, and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SCL7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4), transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01). In addition, compared with that in the blank group, the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups (P<0.01). The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled, and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group, the protein expression of p53, ACSL4, and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups (P<0.05), and that of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53, which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe3+ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage, resulting in an elevated free Fe2+ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction, generates excess ROS, imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism, and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.
8.Effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway
Qinwen TAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Ruixi ZHONG ; Yuanqin DU ; Jian XU ; Jinli NONG ; Yujiao PENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):300-306
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the proliferation, migration, and aerobic glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using cell experiments, as well as related mechanisms. MethodsHuman liver cancer cell line Huh7 was selected, and Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank serum group, inhibitor group, and high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups. Rat serum containing the drug was prepared for the incubation of Huh7 cells. CCK8 assay and scratch assay were used to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells; glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes and metabolites were measured to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on aerobic glycolysis of liver cancer cells; RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to explore the effect of Biejia Decoction Pill on the mRNA expression, related proteins, and phosphorylation of the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test or the Dunnett’s T3 test were used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank serum group, the Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in OD value, migration rate during different periods of time, glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase), and glycolytic metabolites (pyruvate, lactic acid, ATP) (all P<0.05). RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the blank serum group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of mTOR, and the high- and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of AKT (all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the blank serum group, the high-, middle-, and low-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of mTOR-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins, and the high- and middle-dose Biejia Decoction Pill groups had significant reductions in the expression levels of AKT-related proteins and phosphorylated proteins (all P<0.05). ConclusionThis study preliminarily verifies that the serum containing Bijia Decoction Pill can inhibit the aerobic glycolysis of human hepatoma Huh7 cells, thereby inhibiting their proliferation and migration, possibly by inhibiting the expression of the proteins related to the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
9.Eucommia ulmoides promotes alveolar bone formation in ovariectomized rats
Lin ZHENG ; Wenjun JIN ; Shanshan LUO ; Rui HUANG ; Jie WANG ; Yuting CHENG ; Zheqing AN ; Yue XIONG ; Zipeng GONG ; Jian LIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1159-1167
BACKGROUND:Eucommia ulmoides has a certain osteogenic effect,which can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.However,it is unclear whether Eucommia ulmoides has effects on alveolar bone formation and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which Eucommia ulmoides promotes alveolar bone formation in ovariectomized rats based on the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into five groups:blank control group,sham-operation group,model group,low-dose group Eucommia ulmoides group,and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group,with twelve rats in each group.Osteoporosis animal models were constructed by bilateral oophorectomy in the model group and the low-dose and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups.The sham-operation group underwent the same method to remove adipose tissue of equal mass around the bilateral ovaries.Three months after surgery,the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups were given 2.1 g/kg/d and 4.2 g/kg/d Eucommia ulmoides by gavage,respectively.The sham-operation group and model group were given the same amount of physiological saline by gavage.After 12 weeks of drug intervention,the changes in alveolar bone mass of rats in each group were observed through Micro-CT;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological structural changes of alveolar bone in rats;enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in the serum of rats;western blot was used to detect the expression levels of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 receptor proteins in the alveolar bone of rats;and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of osteocalcin,Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),alkaline phosphatase,β-catenin,and frizzled9 mRNAs in alveolar bone tissues of rats. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,and bone mineral density were reduced in the model group(P<0.05),and trabecular separation was elevated(P<0.05).Pathological observation showed that the arrangement of trabeculae was disordered and irregular,the trabeculae were thinned or broken,and the marrow cavity was enlarged in the model group,with a significant reduction in bone volume;the level of alkaline phosphatase in the serum was increased(P<0.05),and the level of osteocalcin was decreased(P<0.05);mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,Runx2,β-catenin,and frizzled9 were decreased(P<0.05);protein expression of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups showed an increase in bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,and bone mineral density(P<0.05)and a decrease in trabecular separation(P<0.05).In the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups,bone trabeculae were slightly aligned and thickened,with a significant increase in bone mass.Compared with the model group,the serum level of alkaline phosphatase was reduced(P<0.05)and the serum level of osteocalcin was elevated(P<0.05)in the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups.Compared with the model group,the mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,Runx2,β-catenin,and frizzled9 were increased in the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expression of Frizzled9 was increased in the low-dose Eucommia ulmoides group(P<0.05),while the protein expression of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 was increased in the high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group(P<0.05).Compared with the low-dose Eucommia ulmoides group,the high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group had a more significant improvement in the above indexes.To conclude,Eucommia ulmoides can effectively promote the alveolar bone formation,and its mechanism of action might be related to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
10.Primary Sites and Clinicopathological Features of Corneal Melanoma: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Population-based Study of 29 Cases
Alexander W. SUH ; Sowmya RAVI ; Kenneth TRAN ; Minqi (Maggie) HUANG ; Isabelle LIAN ; Preston TSANG ; Elisa LEDET ; Jian LI ; Andre NGUYEN ; Peyton DANG ; Nguyen Duc Dinh DANG
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(1):23-30
Purpose:
Corneal melanoma (CM) is a rare malignancy that develops from melanocytes within the cornea, constituting a minority of all ocular tumors. In this study, we sought to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics correlated with the prognosis of CM patients.
Methods:
We collected patients with CM between 1983 and 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for univariate analysis to value hazard ratio of malignant CM versus spindle cell melanoma and nodular melanoma subgroups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were also performed to identify additional prognostic markers and confirm the findings of the Cox hazard ratio.
Results:
A total of 29 eligible patients were collected in our study. Age at diagnosis, laterality, primary site, tumor size, the extent of disease, marital status, income, residential area, and treatment showed no significant prognostic factors for CM patients (p > 0.05). However, when concerned with the primary site of malignant melanoma, spindle cell melanoma and nodular melanoma were found to show significantly poorer prognosis in CM patients (both p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Age at diagnosis, laterality, primary site, tumor size, the extent of disease, and treatment were not significant prognostic indicators for CM patients. Spindle cell melanoma and nodular melanoma were notable for showing worse survival outcomes than malignant melanoma. Although the sample size in the SEER database was limited, our findings may provide motivation for tailoring individualized treatments for patients with CM with different primary sites.

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