1.Treatment of Liver Cancer by Intervening TGF-β Signaling Pathway with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Hao CHENG ; Haohao GUO ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE ; Chunyan JI ; Shiyi LI ; Yuxue DING ; Huaqiang YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):318-326
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years, with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer, it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a unique perspective for the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, et al, while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out, including Jianpi Huayu compound, Fuyang Baoyuan compound, Yipi Yanggan compound, Fuzheng Jiedu compound, compound Astragalus and Salvia, Biejia Jianwan, Dahuang Zhechong pill, and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea, Dendrobii Caulis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and other kinds of compounds. At the same time, it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal, thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects, opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer, and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.
2.Treatment of Liver Cancer by Intervening TGF-β Signaling Pathway with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Hao CHENG ; Haohao GUO ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE ; Chunyan JI ; Shiyi LI ; Yuxue DING ; Huaqiang YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):318-326
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years, with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer, it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a unique perspective for the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, et al, while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out, including Jianpi Huayu compound, Fuyang Baoyuan compound, Yipi Yanggan compound, Fuzheng Jiedu compound, compound Astragalus and Salvia, Biejia Jianwan, Dahuang Zhechong pill, and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea, Dendrobii Caulis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and other kinds of compounds. At the same time, it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal, thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects, opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer, and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.
3.Regulatory Mechanisms of miRNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Shiyi LI ; Hao CHENG ; Chunyan JI ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):323-332
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), as one of the common malignant tumours, has seen a continuous rise in incidence and mortality worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. However, traditional treatments have certain limitations, therefore, the exploration of new therapeutic strategies is particularly urgent. In recent years, with in-depth research on the regulatory mechanisms of microRNA(miRNA) in tumour occurrence and development, it has become new targets for HCC diagnosis and treatment. As a traditional treatment method, Chinese medicine, due to its multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target overall regulatory characteristics, shows broad prospects in treating HCC by regulating miRNAs. Accordingly, this paper reviews recent studies on the role of miRNAs in HCC and research advances in traditional Chinese medicine interventions, finding that various miRNAs play key roles in HCC cell cycle regulation, proliferation and apoptosis, invasion and metastasis, immune microenvironment, and drug resistance. It summarises how active ingredients, extracts, medicinal pairs, and formulas of Chinese medicine act on specific miRNAs to regulate their downstream target gene expression, affecting the malignant behaviour of HCC cells and exerting anti-cancer effects. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for miRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC, as well as to offer new ideas for developing miRNA-based targeted Chinese medicine therapies.
4.Hypertension Chronic Disease Management Platform-Assisted Traditional Chinese Medicine Comprehensive Antihypertensive Regimen for the Treatment of Primary Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study
Lin ZHAO ; Shuchen DING ; Mei XUE ; Hao XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1687-1694
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of the hypertension chronic disease management platform-assisted traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprehensive antihypertensive regimen on blood pressure control in the real world, and evaluate patients' satisfaction with this regimen. MethodsA total of 160 patients with primary hypertension were recruited, and the patients were asked to use the hypertension chronic disease management platform for self-management and to decide whether to apply TCM comprehensive antihypertensive regimen (including Baduanjin for lowering blood pressure, acupoint massage, and Chinese medicinal tea). One month later, the changes in patients' blood pressure and the application rate of each treatment regimen were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between each regimen and blood pressure changes. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding some patients with comorbidities that might affect the use of the regimens to verify the reliability of the research results. Interaction analysis was conducted to explore whether there was a synergistic effect between the regimens, and patient satisfaction was also surveyed. ResultsA total of 149 patients were finally included. Compared with patients who did not use TCM comprehensive antihypertensive regimen regularly, those who used it regularly had a more significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05). The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the decrease in systolic blood pressure was associated with the use of TCM decoctions, and the decrease in diastolic blood pressure was associated with the use of TCM decoctions and regular use of TCM comprehensive antihypertensive regimen (P<0.05). Sensitivity analysis suggested that the above research results were stable. The results of interaction analysis showed that there was no interactive effect between antihypertensive Baduanjin and acupoint massage, antihypertensive Baduanjin and Chinese medicinal tea, or acupoint massage and Chinese medicinal tea on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P>0.05). One hundred and thirty patients (130/149, 87.25%) thought the hypertension chronic disease management platform was helpful or very helpful, and 111 patients (111/149, 74.50%) thought TCM comprehensive antihypertensive regimen was helpful or very helpful. ConclusionRegular use of TCM comprehensive antihypertensive regimen helps reduce the diastolic blood pressure level in patients with primary hypertension, and patients have a high degree of satisfaction with the use of the hypertension chronic disease management platform and TCM comprehensive antihypertensive regimen.
5.Observation on the therapeutic effect of a modified Devine procedure with subcutaneous sliding fixation method for concealed penis.
Mohammed Abdulkarem AL-QAISI ; Hai-Fu TIAN ; Jia-Jin FENG ; Ke-Ming CHEN ; Jin ZHANG ; Yun-Shang TUO ; Xue-Hao WANG ; Bin-Cheng HUANG ; Muhammad Arslan Ul HASSAN ; Rui HE ; Guang-Yong LI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):470-474
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a modified Devine procedure with a subcutaneous sliding fixation method for the treatment of congenital concealed penis, we retrospectively selected 45 patients with congenital concealed penises who were admitted to General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (Yinchuan, China) between September 2020 and November 2023. In all cases, the penis was observed to be short, and retracting the skin at the base revealed a normal penile body, which immediately returned to its original position upon release. All patients underwent the modified Devine procedure with subcutaneous sliding fixation and completed a 12-week postoperative follow-up. A statistically significant increase in penile length was observed postoperatively, with the median length increasing from 4.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.9-4.4) cm to 8.0 (IQR: 7.8-8.0; 95% CI: 7.7-7.9) cm, with P < 0.001. The parents were satisfied with the outcomes, including increased penile length, improved hygiene, and enhanced esthetics. Except for mild foreskin edema in all cases, no complications (such as infections, skin necrosis, or penile retraction) were observed. The edema was resolved within 4 weeks after the operation. This study demonstrates that the modified Devine procedure utilizing the subcutaneous sliding fixation method yields excellent outcomes with minimal postoperative complications, reduced penile retraction, and high satisfaction rates among patients and their families.
Humans
;
Male
;
Penis/abnormalities*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Child
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
6.Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified.
Guo-Xiang CHEN ; Jian-Shu HAO ; Xue BAI ; Qing-Qing ZHANG ; Hai-Xia AN ; Xiu-Juan HUANG ; Yan-Qing SUN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):753-759
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS).
METHODS:
Clinical data of 10 patients with PTCL-NOS in Gansu Provincial Hospital from May 2016 to June 2023 were collected. The treatment outcomes were evaluated, and the factors affecting prognosis were analyzed.
RESULTS:
The median age of onset for the 10 patients was 60.7 (47-75) years, with 7 males and 3 females. Nine cases received chemotherapy, while one case died suddenly after diagnosis, and the median course of chemotherapy was 6.9 (1-13) courses. Assessing the efficacy, 3 patients achieved complete remission (CR) while 7 patients showed progression. Age, sex, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, Ki-67 and the presence of hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH) were not statistically correlated with CR rate ( P >0.05). Patients with IPI score 3-5, and Ann Arbor stage III-IV had statistically lower CR rates (both P <0.05). Age, B symptoms, LDH level ,hemoglobin, Ki-67 index and PLR value were not statistically correlated with overall survival (OS) time ( P >0.05). Male, platelet <150×109/L, IPI score 3-5, Ann Arbor stage III-IV, presence of HLH, NLR≥4.05, and LMR <2.81 were statistically correlated with shorter OS (all P <0.05). Among the 10 patients, 3 cases have survived and are still in CR status, while 7 cases have died, with a median survival time of 7.5 (1-85) months.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with IPI score 3-5 and Ann Arbor stage III-IV have low CR rate and poor prognosis. The OS of patients who are male, with platelet <150×109/L, IPI score 3-5, Ann Arbor stage III-IV, complication of HLH, NLR≥4.05, and LMR <2.81 is short, and prognosis is poor.
Humans
;
Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/diagnosis*
;
Male
;
Prognosis
;
Middle Aged
;
Female
;
Aged
7.A Study of Flow Sorting Lymphocyte Subsets to Detect Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.
Hui-Ying LI ; Shen-Hao LIU ; Fang-Tong LIU ; Kai-Wen TAN ; Zi-Hao WANG ; Han-Yu CAO ; Si-Man HUANG ; Chao-Ling WAN ; Hai-Ping DAI ; Sheng-Li XUE ; Lian BAI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1468-1475
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in different lymphocyte subsets, as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing EBV reactivation.
METHODS:
Peripheral blood samples from patients were collected. B, T, and NK cells were isolated sorting with magnetic beads by flow cytometry. The EBV load in each subset was quantitated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical data were colleted from electronic medical records. Survival status was followed up through outpatient visits and telephone calls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0.
RESULTS:
A total of 39 patients with hematologic malignancies were included, among whom 35 patients had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The median time to EBV reactivation was 4.8 months (range: 1.7-57.1 months) after allo-HSCT. EBV was detected in B, T, and NK cells in 20 patients, in B and T cells in 11 patients, and only in B cells in 4 patients. In the 35 patients, the median EBV load in B cells was 2.19×104 copies/ml, significantly higher than that in T cells (4.00×103 copies/ml, P <0.01) and NK cells (2.85×102 copies/ml, P <0.01). Rituximab (RTX) was administered for 32 patients, resulting in EBV negativity in 32 patients with a median time of 8 days (range: 2-39 days). Post-treatment analysis of 13 patients showed EBV were all negative in B, T, and NK cells. In the four non-transplant patients, the median time to EBV reactivation was 35 days (range: 1-328 days) after diagnosis of the primary disease. EBV was detected in one or two subsets of B, T, or NK cells, but not simultaneously in all three subsets. These patients received a combination chemotherapy targeting at the primary disease, with 3 patients achieving EBV negativity, and the median time to be negative was 40 days (range: 13-75 days).
CONCLUSION
In hematologic malignancy patients after allo-HSCT, EBV reactivation commonly involves B, T, and NK cells, with a significantly higher viral load in B cells compared to T and NK cells. Rituximab is effective for EBV clearance. In non-transplant patients, EBV reactivation is restricted to one or two lymphocyte subsets, and clearance is slower, highlighting the need for prompt anti-tumor therapy.
Humans
;
Hematologic Neoplasms/virology*
;
Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology*
;
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Virus Activation
;
Lymphocyte Subsets/virology*
;
Flow Cytometry
;
Killer Cells, Natural/virology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
B-Lymphocytes/virology*
;
Viral Load
;
Adult
;
T-Lymphocytes/virology*
;
Middle Aged
8.Research Progress of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Lung Cancer.
Xu HAO ; Yilin FENG ; Anqi LU ; Ying SUN ; Jinchan XIA ; Xue MEI ; Long FENG ; Min JIANG ; Baiyan WANG ; Huitong YANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(3):201-212
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), intricate reticular structures released by activated neutrophils, play a pivotal regulatory role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates. Recent studies have revealed that NETs dynamically modulate the tumor microenvironment through unique pathological mechanisms, exhibiting complex immunoregulatory characteristics during the progression of lung cancer, and this discovery has increasingly become a focal point in tumor immunology research. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in NETs research related to lung cancer, offering an in-depth analysis of their impact on lung cancer progression, their potential diagnostic value, and the current state of research on targeting NETs for lung cancer prevention and treatment. The aim is to propose novel strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the prognosis for lung cancer patients.
.
Extracellular Traps/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Lung Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Neutrophils/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Tumor Microenvironment
9.Diagnosis and treatment strategies of respiratory viral infection in transplant recipients
Chunrong JU ; Chuangli HAO ; Wujun XUE ; Jianxing HE
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):220-228
Viral infection has always been a significant challenge to human health. Transplant recipients, including those who have undergone solid organ transplantation and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, are at high risk of viral infection due to their weak immune function under immunosuppressive therapy. Unlike the general population, transplant recipients are prone to pneumonia and even severe pneumonia after respiratory viral infection, which requires close attention from clinicians. Therefore, this article reviews the clinical characteristics and special management of viral infection in this population, focusing on the epidemiological features of common respiratory viral infection in transplant recipients, early diagnosis and intervention after infection, severe warning signs and drug treatment strategies, for the reference of clinical colleagues.
10.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.

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