1.Treatment of Colorectal Cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Hippo Signaling Pathway: A Review
Shuo ZENG ; Suqin HU ; Yang HU ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):297-305
Colorectal cancer, a leading malignant gastrointestinal tumor globally in terms of incidence and mortality, has seen a consistent annual rise in newly diagnosed cases. While conventional therapies like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are available, problems such as lack of early diagnosis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance remain significant burdens for patients. Given the complex and diverse pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, there is an urgent clinical need for safe, effective, reliable, and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway, closely linked to mechanisms like tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, migration, and drug resistance, extensively participates in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, so targeting the signaling pathway for cancer prevention and treatment has become a crucial research direction in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-faceted, multi-pathway, and multi-target advantages and becomes an important therapy for colorectal cancer by enhancing patients' immunity, improving the life quality, and prolonging survival. Studies show that the active components of TCM, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, lignans, and saponins, as well as TCM compounds such as modified Sijunzi decoction, Jiedu Sangen decoction, Jianpi Jiedu compound, and Quyu Jiedu decoction, exhibit significant targeting effects on the Hippo signaling pathway. These TCMs can exert an anti-colorectal cancer effect through various mechanisms, such as inducing cancer cell autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance of the tumor, and blocking the cancer cell cycle. This paper reviewed and analyzed Chinese and international research on the action mechanisms of TCM in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer with a comprehensive overview presentation, aiming to provide new references and ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the development of new pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
2.Short-term efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for persistent ocular hypertension in acute angle-closure glaucoma
Qiaoyun LI ; Yong JIA ; Baike ZHANG ; Xiaojing GUO ; Cong LU ; Xinli WEI ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):706-710
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(TSCP)in the management of persistent ocular hypertension after an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension after an acute AACG attack at the No.988 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between September 2023 and September 2024. All patients underwent low-dose TSCP using a semiconductor diode laser. Subsequent cataract surgery combined with goniosynechialysis was performed once intraocular pressure(IOP)was stabilized. Changes in anterior chamber depth(ACD), best-corrected visual acuity(VA), and IOP were compared before and after TSCP, as well as before and after phacoemulsification. Post-TSCP complications were also documented.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients(21 eyes)were enrolled, including 8 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 67.95±7.25 y. Compared with pre-cyclophotocoagulation values, ACD increased significantly at 3 d post-TSCP(1.49±0.18 vs 1.22±0.21 mm; P<0.001). BCVA and IOP decreased significantly at 1 d post-TSCP, pre-phacoemulsification, 1 wk post-phacoemulsification, and 1 mo post-phacoemulsification compared with pre-TSCP IOP(all P<0.01). Regarding postoperative complications, 2 eyes experienced pain on the day of the procedure, 5 eyes developed mild corneal endothelial folds, 2 eyes exhibited moderate anterior chamber inflammatory reaction, and 12 eyes showed shallow ciliary body detachment. No serious complications occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Low-dose TSCP appears to be an effective bridging therapy for patients with persistent ocular hypertension following an AACG attack. It facilitates rapid IOP reduction, alleviates symptoms, and helps preserve visual function with a favorable safety profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with subsequent intraocular surgery.
3.Treatment of Colorectal Cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Hippo Signaling Pathway: A Review
Shuo ZENG ; Suqin HU ; Yang HU ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):297-305
Colorectal cancer, a leading malignant gastrointestinal tumor globally in terms of incidence and mortality, has seen a consistent annual rise in newly diagnosed cases. While conventional therapies like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are available, problems such as lack of early diagnosis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance remain significant burdens for patients. Given the complex and diverse pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, there is an urgent clinical need for safe, effective, reliable, and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway, closely linked to mechanisms like tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, migration, and drug resistance, extensively participates in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, so targeting the signaling pathway for cancer prevention and treatment has become a crucial research direction in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-faceted, multi-pathway, and multi-target advantages and becomes an important therapy for colorectal cancer by enhancing patients' immunity, improving the life quality, and prolonging survival. Studies show that the active components of TCM, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, lignans, and saponins, as well as TCM compounds such as modified Sijunzi decoction, Jiedu Sangen decoction, Jianpi Jiedu compound, and Quyu Jiedu decoction, exhibit significant targeting effects on the Hippo signaling pathway. These TCMs can exert an anti-colorectal cancer effect through various mechanisms, such as inducing cancer cell autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance of the tumor, and blocking the cancer cell cycle. This paper reviewed and analyzed Chinese and international research on the action mechanisms of TCM in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer with a comprehensive overview presentation, aiming to provide new references and ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the development of new pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
4.Analysis of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease among individuals aged≥60 years globally and in China from 1990 to 2021
Jiali LI ; Chunzhen REN ; Fan LIU ; Keyan WANG ; Zhijiang BI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Lixin KE ; Haibo WANG ; Wenxi PENG ; Zhifei WANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Peng XU ; Yingdong LI ; Xiuxiu DENG ; Xinke ZHAO ; Cuncun LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):281-290
Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.
5.Differentiation and treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis based on the"midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory
Lingfei MENG ; Chaolun ZHU ; Zixu ZHAO ; Ranran SONG ; Yifan WANG ; Congling FAN ; Liuyue MI ; Shuangxi zhang
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):16-23
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research indicates that immune dysregulation resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythm is closely associated with its pathogenesis. Both Western chronomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" treatment based on temporal factors" emphasize the temporal relationship between natural rhythms and human physiology and pathology. The " midnight-noon and ebb-flow " theory represents the concrete application and deepening of TCM " treatment based on temporal factors" within the realm of chronomedicine. This article correlates the onset time of ulcerative colitis with specific periods in the " midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory:the Mao period(05:00-07:00),when the yangming large intestine meridian of hand is dominant; the Si period(09:00-11:00),when the taiyin spleen meridian of foot is dominant; and the You period(17:00-19:00),when the shaoyin kidney meridian of foot is dominant. According to this perspective,if the disease manifests during the Mao period,the pathogenesis is attributed to dampnessheat accumulation and disorder of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on clearing heat,resolving dampness,and harmonizing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Shaoyao Decoction or Baitouweng Decoction. If it occurs during the Si period,the pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen,eliminating dampness,and restoring qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Huangya Decoction or Shenling Baizhu Powder. If it presents during the You period,the pathogenesis is characterized by fire failing to warm earth,and consumption resulting in qi and blood leakage. Treatment should focus on warming the kidney and spleen,and securing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Sishen Pill or Tianhun Decoction. In addition to oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine,comprehensive therapies including acupuncture,herbal enemas,and acupoint application can provide novel insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
6.Preparation and activity identification of hepatitis B core protein virus-like particles containing PD-1 B cell epitopes
XIE Nuotong1,2 ; CAO Xinyu1,3 ; ZHOU Li4 ; LI Yulin1 ; ZHANG Nan5 ; ZHANG Xinwei3 ; WANG Yunlong1,3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):140-146
[摘 要] 目的:建立一种以乙型肝炎病毒核心蛋白(HBc)病毒样颗粒(VLP)为骨架,嵌合PD-1 B细胞表位的重组颗粒蛋白,研究其对小鼠结直肠癌(CRC)的抑制效果。方法:设计PD-1 HBc VLP质粒并导入BL21(DE3)获得重组PD-1 HBc VLP表达菌株后,通过优化培养温度,实现蛋白可溶性表达,经硫酸铵沉淀、Sepharose 4 Fast Flow尺寸排阻层析和DEAE阴离子树脂层析纯化获得高纯度的PD-1 HBc VLP。采用电泳、WB、HPLC及电镜手段对其表达水平、蛋白纯度、颗粒形成率、形态特征及抗原结合活性等特征进行系统表征,ELISA测定免疫小鼠后的血清效价,评价其免疫原性,构建CT26细胞CRC小鼠移植瘤模型,通过监测PD-1 HBc VLP治疗后小鼠体质量和肿瘤体积变化,评估PD-1 HBc VLP抗肿瘤活性。结果:在28 ℃条件下,可溶性目的蛋白表达量占总蛋白的10.27%,多步纯化后目的蛋白纯度为(91.77 ± 0.62)%,分子量为23 000,电镜测定粒径为(31.90 ± 1.88) nm,粒径仪测定粒径为(30.66 ± 0.62) nm,多分散指数(PDI)为(0.18 ± 0.05)。WB结果显示,PD-1 HBc VLP重组蛋白可分别与HBc VLP抗血清和PD-1抗体结合。ELISA结果显示,经PD-1 HBc VLP 3次免疫后,第14天小鼠血清中总抗体效价为1∶640 000,其中抗PD-1的效价为1∶40 000。抗肿瘤实验表明,PD-1 HBc VLP组小鼠的肿瘤抑制率为(27.99 ± 2.98)%,对照组在45 d全部死亡,PD-1 HBc VLP组中位生存期延长20 d。结论:成功制备了以HBc VLP为骨架,嵌合PD-1 B细胞表位的PD-1 HBc VLP,且对小鼠结直肠癌有治疗效果。
7.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yang HU ; Suqin HU ; Shuo ZENG ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):266-275
Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. In recent years, its incidence rate and mortality are increasing year by year. Due to the complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis of patients, colorectal cancer poses a serious threat to human physical and mental health. Currently, although Western medicine treatment methods can to some extent inhibit tumor growth and alleviate patient symptoms, postoperative recurrence, metastasis, multiple adverse reactions, and susceptibility to drug resistance are prominent issues, resulting in unsatisfactory overall treatment outcomes. Therefore, exploring more efficient and safe treatment methods has become an urgent task. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway plays a regulatory role in the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of colorectal cancer cells, and is widely involved in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. It is considered an important target for colorectal cancer treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of colorectal cancer, as it can exert its effects through multiple mechanisms and pathways. It can prevent postoperative recurrence and metastasis, reduce adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improve patients' quality of life. It has become a key means of treating colorectal cancer. Research has shown that active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, and esters, as well as traditional Chinese medicine compounds such as Qingjie Fuzheng Granules and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interaction signaling pathways. They exert their anti-colorectal cancer effects by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, promoting ferroptosis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and arresting the cell cycle. This article reviewed and summarized the relevant research on traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of colorectal cancer in recent years, with a focus on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is expected to provide ideas and references for the development of new drugs for clinical anti-colorectal cancer treatment.
9.Clinical observation of everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy for metastatic/recurrent endometrial carcinoma
Dongyan BAI ; Yu WU ; Shu ZHANG ; Yanrong WAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):61-65
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EC). METHODS The clinical and follow-up data of 156 patients with metastatic or recurrent EC admitted to Nanyang Central Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into a control group (77 cases) and an observation group (79 cases) according to different therapeutic regimens. The control group received paclitaxel+carboplatin/cisplatin regimen, and concurrently took Letrozole tablets at a dose of 2.5 mg orally once daily; the observation group took Everolimus tablets 10 mg orally, once a day, in addition to the treatment regimen given to the control group. Each treatment cycle lasted 21 days, and both groups of patients underwent continuous treatment for 6 to 8 cycles. The short-term efficacy indicators (objective response rate and disease control rate), the levels of serum tumor markers [carbohydrate antigen 125, human epididymis protein 4, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9] and medium- to long-term efficacy indicators [progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)] were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the occurrence of toxic and side effects in both groups of patients was recorded. RESULTS The objective response rate (53.16%), disease control rate (89.87%), median PFS (6.47 months) and median OS (10.79 months) of the observation group were significantly higher or longer than those (22.08%, 68.83%, 4.63 months, 8.84 months) of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of serum tumor markers in both groups decreased significantly after 6 cycles of treatment; the above indexes of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of patients with stomatitis in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of patients experiencing other toxic and side effects, such as leukopenia, between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy can effectively improve the short-term efficacy and prolong the survival period in patients with metastatic or recurrent EC, but attention should be paid to the occurrence of toxic and side effects, especially stomatitis.
10.Research progress on the anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma effect of traditional Chinese medicine based on MAPK signaling pathway
Yuanyuan LI ; Yang CAO ; Yuyin JIANG ; Xinyue ZHANG ; Jingbo LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):117-123
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx. In recent years, its incidence and mortality rates have shown a continuous upward trend, and there is still a lack of therapeutic regimens with both favorable efficacy and safety in clinical practice. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a key regulatory role in biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion. It is widely involved in the occurrence and progression of NPC, and serves as an important target in the research field of anti-NPC therapy. This article systematically elaborates on the mechanism of action of the MAPK signaling pathway in NPC, and reviews the research status regarding the anti-NPC effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TCM compound prescriptions by regulating this signaling pathway. The results show that TCM active components, including flavonoids (luteolin, maackiain, baicalein, etc.), alkaloids (picrasidine Ⅰ, tetrandrine, etc.), terpenoids (bakuchiol, cantharidic acid), as well as traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas (such as Biyan jiedu capsules and Yiqi jiedu formula) can exert effects including inducing autophagy and apoptosis of NPC cells, promoting pyroptosis, reversing drug resistance, blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition, weakening cell stemness and arresting cell cycle progression by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of NPC through multiple pathways.


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