1.Improvement effects and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ on neuroinflammation
Mimi WANG ; Yonggang FENG ; Yun HAN ; Kaixin SHAN ; Fuyu LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaoyan FANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):30-35
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS- Ⅳ ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. METHODS BV2 cells were divided into control group, LPS group, AS-Ⅳ groups at concentrations of 20 and 40 μmol/L, and dexamethasone group (2 μmol/L). Except for control group, neuroinflammation model was established with LPS (1 μg/mL) in other groups after medication. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO)] in cell supernatant were measured in each group. Mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, positive control group (Aspirin enteric-coated tablet, 20 mg/kg), AS-Ⅳ low- and high-dose groups (10, 20 mg/kg), with 6 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug/normal saline via gavage/intraperitoneal injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Except for normal group, other groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (250 μg/kg) 1 hour after daily administration of the drug/normal saline to establish neuroinflammation model. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured 2 h after the last medication; histopathological morphology of cerebral tissue in mice were observed; the co-localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD206/Iba1 in the cerebral cortex region of mice was observed; the expressions of proteins related to the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in brain tissue of mice were also determined, including NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK). RESULTS In the cell experiments, compared with control group, the levels of IL-6, TNF- α and NO in the cell supernatant of the LPS group were increased significantly (P<0.05); compared with LPS group, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and NO were decreased significantly in the administration groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiments, compared with the normal group, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF- α, the number of iNOS/Iba1 co-localization positive cells in the cerebral cortex, and the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, NF- κB p65 and ERK proteins in brain tissue were all significantly increased/elevated in model group (P<0.05); the number of CD206/ Iba1 co-localization positive cells in the cerebral cortex region significantly decreased (P<0.05). The neurons in the cerebral cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus displayed a disordered arrangement. Compared with model group, above quantitative indexes of mice were all reversed significantly in administration groups (P<0.05); the neuronal cells in the cerebral cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus exhibited a relatively orderly arrangement. CONCLUSIONS AS-Ⅳ may inhibit the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway, promote the M2-type polarization of microglia, and thereby suppress neuroinflammatory responses.
2.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
3.Clear cell renal cell carcinoma with parotid gland metastasis 10 years after radical nephrectomy: a case report and literature review
Hongjun LIU ; Chenxu MA ; Xueping ZHANG ; Feng HAN ; Yuan GAO ; Hongjun ZHAO ; Liang QIAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):42-45
Objective To analyze the diagnosis, treatment and clinical characteristics of a patient with parotid gland metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)following radical nephrectomy. Methods The clinical data and diagnostic/therapeutic course of the patient were reported, and the metastasis time and treatment methods of patients with parotid metastasis of renal cancer were summarized in combination with literature. Results The 63-year-old male patient sought medical help due to a mass behind the right ear persisting for 3 months. He had undergone a right radical nephrectomy for a renal tumor 10 years ago. Preoperative computed tomography(CT)with contrast of the parotid region revealed an approximately 2.5 cm×2.1 cm round soft-tissue density lesion in the right parotid gland with slightly irregular margins. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)showed an enlarged left kidney with an irregular shape and multiple round, slightly hyperdense lesion(SUVmax=7.2), suggestive of malignancy. A round, slightly hyperdense lesion(diameter 2.6 cm, SUVmax=4.2)with well-defined borders and increased radiotracer uptake was noted in the right parotid gland, indicating a hypermetabolic mass where malignancy could not be excluded. The patient subsequently underwent partial parotidectomy, advancement flap transplantation, and facial nerve dissection. Postoperative pathology revealed tumor cells with clear/eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclear atypia, exhibiting ill-defined borders with salivary gland tissue. Immunohistochemistry was positive for PAX-8, CAⅨ, and Ki-67. During the 12-month follow-up, the patient was in good condition with no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion Parotid gland metastasis following radical nephrectomy is exceedingly rare, with no specific imaging features and clinical manifestations, and definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination. Currently, there is no standardized treatment protocol, but complete surgical excision remains the primary therapeutic option.
4.Clinical efficacy of total knee arthroplasty assisted by computed tomography three-dimensional reconstruction
Shuyou DING ; Feng WANG ; Junshui ZUO ; Hengda HUAI ; Baojian XIA ; Lichang LIU ; Rongxiao HAN ; Hao PAN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):258-262
Objective To explore the application value of computed tomography (CT) three-dimensional reconstruction in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A total of 102 patients who underwent TKA in our hospital between April 2022 and April 2025 were enrolled and divided using a random number table into a traditional group (51 cases, routine preoperative evaluation) and a study group (51 cases, CT three-dimensional reconstruction-assisted surgery). The therapeutic efficacy at 3 months postoperatively and perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was measured preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were recorded preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Complications were documented. Results The excellent/good rate in the study group (92.16%) was higher than that in the traditional group (74.51%) (P<0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospital stay in the study group were (69.52 ± 7.11) min, (102.69 ± 8.54) mL, (167.33 ± 12.35) mL, and (10.93 ± 2.37) days, respectively, which were shorter than those in the traditional group [(78.45 ± 5.98) min, (108.36 ± 10.02) mL, (175.96 ± 14.93) mL, and (12.04 ± 1.95) days] (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the HKA angle was 178.02° ± 1.05° in the study group and 177.45° ± 1.34° in the traditional group, both were significantly improved compared with those before operation, with the study group showing better improvement (P<0.05). The HSS knee and WOMAC scores in both groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were improved compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the study group showed higher HSS knee score and lower WOMAC score than the traditional group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the study group (3.92%) was lower than that in the traditional group (17.65%) (P<0.05). Conclusion TKA guided by CT three-dimensional reconstruction improved the excellent/good rate, optimized HKA angle and knee function, shortened operation time and hospital stay, reduced intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume, and decreased the incidence of complications.
5.Clinical efficacy of total knee arthroplasty assisted by computed tomography three-dimensional reconstruction
Shuyou DING ; Feng WANG ; Junshui ZUO ; Hengda HUAI ; Baojian XIA ; Lichang LIU ; Rongxiao HAN ; Hao PAN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):258-262
Objective To explore the application value of computed tomography (CT) three-dimensional reconstruction in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A total of 102 patients who underwent TKA in our hospital between April 2022 and April 2025 were enrolled and divided using a random number table into a traditional group (51 cases, routine preoperative evaluation) and a study group (51 cases, CT three-dimensional reconstruction-assisted surgery). The therapeutic efficacy at 3 months postoperatively and perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was measured preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were recorded preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Complications were documented. Results The excellent/good rate in the study group (92.16%) was higher than that in the traditional group (74.51%) (P<0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospital stay in the study group were (69.52 ± 7.11) min, (102.69 ± 8.54) mL, (167.33 ± 12.35) mL, and (10.93 ± 2.37) days, respectively, which were shorter than those in the traditional group [(78.45 ± 5.98) min, (108.36 ± 10.02) mL, (175.96 ± 14.93) mL, and (12.04 ± 1.95) days] (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the HKA angle was 178.02° ± 1.05° in the study group and 177.45° ± 1.34° in the traditional group, both were significantly improved compared with those before operation, with the study group showing better improvement (P<0.05). The HSS knee and WOMAC scores in both groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were improved compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the study group showed higher HSS knee score and lower WOMAC score than the traditional group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the study group (3.92%) was lower than that in the traditional group (17.65%) (P<0.05). Conclusion TKA guided by CT three-dimensional reconstruction improved the excellent/good rate, optimized HKA angle and knee function, shortened operation time and hospital stay, reduced intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume, and decreased the incidence of complications.
6.Clinical efficacy of total knee arthroplasty assisted by computed tomography three-dimensional reconstruction
Shuyou DING ; Feng WANG ; Junshui ZUO ; Hengda HUAI ; Baojian XIA ; Lichang LIU ; Rongxiao HAN ; Hao PAN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):258-262
Objective To explore the application value of computed tomography (CT) three-dimensional reconstruction in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods A total of 102 patients who underwent TKA in our hospital between April 2022 and April 2025 were enrolled and divided using a random number table into a traditional group (51 cases, routine preoperative evaluation) and a study group (51 cases, CT three-dimensional reconstruction-assisted surgery). The therapeutic efficacy at 3 months postoperatively and perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was measured preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were recorded preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Complications were documented. Results The excellent/good rate in the study group (92.16%) was higher than that in the traditional group (74.51%) (P<0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospital stay in the study group were (69.52 ± 7.11) min, (102.69 ± 8.54) mL, (167.33 ± 12.35) mL, and (10.93 ± 2.37) days, respectively, which were shorter than those in the traditional group [(78.45 ± 5.98) min, (108.36 ± 10.02) mL, (175.96 ± 14.93) mL, and (12.04 ± 1.95) days] (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the HKA angle was 178.02° ± 1.05° in the study group and 177.45° ± 1.34° in the traditional group, both were significantly improved compared with those before operation, with the study group showing better improvement (P<0.05). The HSS knee and WOMAC scores in both groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were improved compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the study group showed higher HSS knee score and lower WOMAC score than the traditional group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the study group (3.92%) was lower than that in the traditional group (17.65%) (P<0.05). Conclusion TKA guided by CT three-dimensional reconstruction improved the excellent/good rate, optimized HKA angle and knee function, shortened operation time and hospital stay, reduced intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume, and decreased the incidence of complications.
7.Hepatitis E virus infection among blood donors in Ningbo
Mingxi PENG ; Yiyu LIU ; Huyan MAO ; Dan LIN ; Lu XIN ; Ning SHU ; Jianfeng HAN ; Feng DING
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):7-12
[Objective] To investigate the infection status and characteristics of HEV among voluntary blood donors in Ningbo, and to provide a basis for improving the blood screening strategy. [Methods] A total of 12 227 blood samples from voluntary blood donors in Ningbo from June 2022 to May 2023 were tested for HEV serology, enzymology, and nucleic acid testing. Furthermore, HEV gene sequencing was performed for genotyping analysis, and donors with reactive nucleic acid testing results were followed up to confirm their infection status. [Results] The reactivity rate of HEV Ag, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG was 0.098%, 0.899% and 29.198%, respectively. There was no difference in the reactivity of anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG between genders, donation frequencies and donation types (P>0.05). The reactivity rate increased significantly with age (P<0.05). The rate of ALT disqualification (ALT>50U/L) was significantly higher than that in non-reactive samples (P<0.05). The HEV Ag reactivity rate (0.098%) was not correlated with gender, donation frequency, donation type or age. One HEV RNA positive case was found, with a positive rate of 0.008%(1/12 227). It was confirmed to be hepatitis E virus genotype 3 by sequencing analysis. Apart from HEV Ag reactivity, all other blood safety screening items were non-reactive, suggesting this case might be in the acute infection phase. The follow-up results showed that all indicators of the donor's previous blood donation were non-reactive. [Conclusion] Pre-donation ALT detection can reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) to a certain extent, and the effective way to prevent TT-HEV is to detect HEV RNA and serology of donor blood.
8.Current status of acupuncture education and reflections on future reforms.
Zhiwei FENG ; Shan HAN ; Yang LI ; Yu XING ; Jingyi LIU ; Peng BAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(7):1003-1007
Education is a crucial element in the development of acupuncture as a discipline, providing essential talent support for its future advancement. A structured interview was conducted with renowned acupuncture expert Professor ZHAO Jiping, focusing on key topics such as the core of acupuncture education, the connotation and development of acupuncture textbooks, and acupuncture teaching models. Through in-depth discussion, the current problems in acupuncture education were analyzed, and possible solutions were explored, aiming to offer ideas for the innovative development of acupuncture education.
Acupuncture/trends*
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Humans
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Acupuncture Therapy
;
China
9.Role of silent mutations in KRAS -mutant tumors.
Jun LU ; Chao ZHOU ; Feng PAN ; Hongyu LIU ; Haohua JIANG ; Hua ZHONG ; Baohui HAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):278-288
Silent mutations within the RAS gene have garnered increasing attention for their potential roles in tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies. Kirsten-RAS ( KRAS ) mutations, predominantly oncogenic, are pivotal drivers in various cancers. While extensive research has elucidated the molecular mechanisms and biological consequences of active KRAS mutations, the functional significance of silent mutations remains relatively understudied. This review synthesizes current knowledge on KRAS silent mutations, highlighting their impact on cancer development. Silent mutations, which do not alter protein sequences but can affect RNA stability and translational efficiency, pose intriguing questions regarding their contribution to tumor biology. Understanding these mutations is crucial for comprehensively unraveling KRAS -driven oncogenesis and exploring novel therapeutic avenues. Moreover, investigations into the clinical implications of silent mutations in KRAS -mutant tumors suggest potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Despite being in early stages, research on KRAS silent mutations holds promise for uncovering novel insights that could inform personalized cancer treatments. In conclusion, this review underscores the evolving landscape of KRAS silent mutations, advocating for further exploration to bridge fundamental biology with clinical applications in oncology.
Humans
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Mutation/genetics*
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Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics*
;
Animals
10.Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla and prediction of its quality markers.
Shi-Han GUAN ; Chang LIU ; Xiao-Tong YAN ; Jin-Wei HAN ; Feng-Ting YIN ; Hui SUN ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):908-921
Abelmoschi Corolla, the dried corolla of Abelmoschus manihot, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrosis activities. Its chemical constituents mainly include flavonoids, organic acids, steroids, and polysaccharides. This study reviewed the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla in recent 20 years. According to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), the Q-markers of Abelmoschi Corolla were predicted from plant phylogeny, chemical constituent specificity, traditional efficacy, chemical constituent measurability, and absorbed constituents. The primary Q-markers for Abelmoschi Corolla were anticipated to include quercetin-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin-8-O-β-D-glucuronide, isoquercetin, myricetin,quercetin, and hyperoside, with the aim of providing reference data for improving the quality evaluation system of Abelmoschi Corolla.
Abelmoschus/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Flowers/chemistry*
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Humans
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Animals
;
Quality Control
;
Flavonoids/chemistry*

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