1.Traditional Chinese medicine improves synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer's disease: A review of experimental studies
Shan HE ; Xinyu YANG ; Junhe SHI ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Lina MA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):1-9
Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.
2.Risk factors of progression to dementia within 2 years in patients with recent subcortical small infarction complicated with cognitive dysfunction
Lei GUO ; Hui YANG ; Jing YANG ; Yesong LIU ; Nannan ZHANG ; Fengxia ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):113-117
Objective To explore the risk factors of progression to dementia within 2 years in patients with recent subcortical small infarction (RSSI) complicated with cognitive dysfunction. Methods A total of 340 patients with RSSI complicated with cognitive dysfunction who were treated in the hospital and completed 2-year follow-up were selected from February 2021 to February 2025. According to whether the patients progressed to dementia, they were classified into dementia group (n=105) and non-dementia group (n=235). The clinical data were compared between both groups, and the independent risk factors were screened by Logistic regression analysis. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that history of hypertension (OR=1.919), history of diabetes mellitus (OR=1.597), multiple infarctions (OR=1.455), severe white matter lesions (OR=1.595), no cognitive function training (OR=1.923), increased infarct size (OR=1.069), reduced MMSE score (OR=0.945) and increased levels of NfL (OR=1.049) and IL-6 (OR=1.038) were independent risk factors for the progression to dementia (all P<0.05). Conclusion The progression to dementia in patients with recent subcortical small infarction and cognitive dysfunction is affected by multiple factors. In clinical practice, the integration of vascular risk factors, imaging features, cognitive assessment and serum biomarkers (NfL, IL-6) helps to construct an early risk prediction model and implement targeted interventions for high-risk groups.
3.Research advances and challenges in antimicrobial resistance surveillance technologies
Feng LIU ; Caixia DANG ; Ziqian ZHAO ; Yang WANG ; Yuanyong XU ; Hui CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):128-132
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat. This review systematically examines AMR surveillance technology advances, from conventional culture methods to modern molecular diagnostics (e.g., whole-genome sequencing) and artificial intelligence-assisted approaches. It focuses on the current application of mass spectrometry, machine learning predictive models, and real-time surveillance networks. To address challenges including inadequate technical standardization, clinical translation barriers, and data-sharing limitations, we propose integrated "genotype-phenotype" strategies and global standardization framework, while exploring future applications of CRISPR-based portable detection, single-cell sequencing, and blockchain technologies.
4.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
5.Eccentric Cycling Improves Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Respiratory Function, and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yu-Ting HUANG ; Hsin-Yeh LEE ; Hui-Ching CHENG ; Hsin-Lun YANG ; Ching-Hsia HUNG ; Chien-Chou SU ; Yu-Tzu CHANG ; Chien-Yao SUN ; Kun-Ling TSAI
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):105-116
Objective:
To compare the effects of eccentric cycling (ECC), concentric cycling (CON), and standard care (CTL) on cardiopulmonary capacity, respiratory health, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods:
Thirty-one CKD patients were divided into the CTL, CON, and ECC groups. The CON and ECC groups participated in 8-week, 24-session cycling programs. Outcomes were assessed through cardiopulmonary exercise tests, respiratory function tests, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument questionnaire.
Results:
The ECC group achieved significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, while the CTL group showed a decline. For oxygen uptake efficiency slope, significant changes were observed only in the ECC group, with a group-by-time interaction effect compared to CTL. Furthermore, the ECC group demonstrated the most significant increase in diaphragm movement and a significant increase in diaphragm thickness, with comparisons indicating that ECC outperformed both CTL and CON. Regarding QoL, the ECC group exhibited significantly greater improvements in Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, with statistically significant differences compared with the CTL and CON groups.
Conclusion
ECC is a low-effort, high-benefit exercise modality that significantly enhances cardiopulmonary fitness, respiratory function, and QoL in patients with CKD.
6.Choline kinase alpha silencing affects proliferation and apoptosis in glioma cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction
Yang ZHAO ; Jialin LI ; Xiao WU ; Yourui ZOU ; Yang LIU ; Hui MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):130-138
BACKGROUND:Choline kinase alpha is a key enzyme in phospholipid metabolism,involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine,and plays an important role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and signal transduction.Research has shown that choline kinase alpha is highly expressed in various tumors and is closely related to cell proliferation,metabolic reprogramming,and tumor progression.As a potential therapeutic target,the role of choline kinase alpha in tumor metabolism and mitochondrial function still needs further exploration.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of choline kinase alpha on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma U87MG and U251 cells.METHODS:Short hairpin RNA of choline kinase alpha and its empty vector control were transfected into U87MG and U251 glioma cells.Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy.Mitochondrial structure and functional protein levels were assessed by western blot assay.Reactive oxygen species levels in cells were measured using a reactive oxygen species fluorescent probe.Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed with a JC-1 assay.Intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels were measured by chemiluminescence.Cell proliferation was evaluated using a CCK-8 assay.Apoptosis levels were analyzed by flow cytometry.The mitochondrial fission inhibitor Mdivi-1 was used to protect the mitochondrial function of the choline kinase α-silenced lentiviral cells.Finally,U87MG cells were subcutaneously injected to construct a subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice.The tumor growth in nude mice was observed before and after choline kinase alpha silencing and after the use of the mitochondrial fission inhibitor Mdivi-1.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the empty control group,the mitochondria of U87MG and U251 cells in the choline kinase alpha silencing lentivirus group exhibited significant structural abnormalities in mitochondria,such as vacuolization and cristae disruption.The expressions of mitochondrial structure and function-related proteins TOM20,ACO2,and ATP5A were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),the expression of SOD2 was significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.000 1),the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species was significantly increased(P<0.01),the mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate level were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),the cell proliferation ability was reduced(P<0.01),and the apoptosis level was increased(P<0.001).(2)Following Mdivi-1 treatment,the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in U87MG and U251 cells decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly restored(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),cell proliferation ability was improved(P<0.05,P<0.01),and apoptosis level was decreased(P<0.05).(3)In addition,the in vitro subcutaneous tumor formation experiment of nude mice showed that compared with the empty control group,the mass and growth rate of subcutaneous tumors formed by U87MG cells in the choline kinase alpha silencing lentivirus group were significantly reduced(P<0.000 1).After Mdivi-1 treatment,the mass and growth rate of tumors were significantly increased(P<0.000 1).(4)The results show that choline kinase alpha silencing affects the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction.
7.From CROSS to SANO: Evidence-based breakthroughs and clinical practice challenges in organ-preservation strategies for esophageal cancer in the era of neoadjuvant therapy
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):347-352
Organ preservation after neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer has gained significant attention. While the CROSS trial established neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery as standard care, approximately 30% of patients achieve pathological complete response (pCR), prompting exploration of active surveillance (AS). The landmark SANO phase Ⅲ trial (2025) demonstrated non-inferior 2-year overall survival (74% AS vs. 71% surgery), with 31% of patients avoiding surgery. Multimodal assessment (endoscopic deep biopsy+endoscopic ultrasound+PET-CT) reduced residual disease misdiagnosis to 10%. The Asian-led NEEDS trial is evaluating definitive chemoradiotherapy with salvage surgery. Although immunotherapy boosts pCR rates to 40%-55%, challenges persist, including 8%-12% false-negative cCR assessments, limited long-term data, and East-West histological disparities. The 2024 NCCN guidelines conditionally recommend AS (Category 2B, prioritized for squamous cell carcinoma), emphasizing centralized implementation. Future directions involve circulating tumor DNA and radiomics for risk stratification to advance precise organ-preserving strategies.
8.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
9.Temporal trends in the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption among primary and secondary school students in rural central and western China, 2015-2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):332-336
Objective:
To analyze the trends of the frequency of meat, egg, and milk consumption among rural primary and junior high school students in central and western China covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide basis for formulating more targeted nutrition intervention policies and health education strategies.
Methods:
Using data from six rounds of monitoring and evaluation (2015-2021 and 2023), the study included 323 870 students from grade 3 to 9 across 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in central and western China. The consumption frequencies of meat, egg, and milk over the past week were collected via questionnaires. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze temporal trends, and multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption and to test for interaction effects between the year and gender, region, and grade level.
Results:
From 2015 to 2023, the proportion of students consuming meat, egg, and milk ≥1 time/day increased from 23.20 %, 10.71%, and 0.74% to 35.53%, 22.09%, and 26.63%, respectively. Trend tests indicated a significant upward trend for the daily intake of all three food categories for meat, egg and milk over the years ( Z =67.18, 64.90, 93.14, all P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that the daily meat intake was lower in the central region than in the western region ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.76-0.78), whereas the daily intake of eggs ( OR=1.19, 95%CI =1.17-1.22) and milk ( OR= 1.27 , 95%CI =1.24-1.29) was higher in the central region (all P <0.05). Compared with grade 3-4 students, junior high school students had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk≥1 time/day ( OR =0.95, 0.77, 0.77, all P <0.05), with a declining trend as grade increased. Girls also had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk ≥1 time/day than boys ( OR =0.95,0.93,0.91, all P < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed between year and region, as well as between year and grade (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
From 2015 to 2023, the NIPRCES improved the intake level of among rural students, but the situation of relatively insufficient intake of egg and milk among females, junior high school students and those in the western region still exists.
10.Mechanism of Wumeiwan on Inhibiting Fatty Acid Metabolism Reprogramming in Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on Multi-omics Analysis
Gang XIAO ; Shusen YANG ; Mingming SI ; Yanyan YANG ; Hailiang WEI ; Shuguang YAN ; Hui LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):21-30
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Wumeiwan suppresses the development and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC) through the regulation of fatty acid metabolic reprogramming, thereby providing new experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of CRC. MethodsA total of 120 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Wumeiwan high-, medium-, and low-dose groups(54, 27, 13.5 g·kg-1), and the mesalazine group(0.01 g·kg-1), with 20 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all mice were subjected to azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) treatment to establish an inflammation-associated CRC model. One week after AOM injection, mice in the treatment groups received intragastric administration of the designated drugs, while the blank and model groups received an equal volume of purified water, continuing until 20 d after the intervention endpoint. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe colonic histopathological alterations, and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) was performed to evaluate neovascularization and tumor invasion. Metabolomics combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) and metabolite set enrichment analysis(MSEA) was applied to identify key CRC-related metabolic pathways, which were further validated by transcriptomic Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment and gene heatmap analysis. Subsequently, Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of core proteins in these pathways, and immunofluorescence was used to analyze their localization and co-expression patterns in tissues, thereby elucidating the mechanism of Wumeiwan from multiple biological dimensions. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited a significant decrease in body weight and a significant increase in the disease activity index(DAI) score(P<0.05), with pronounced colonic mucosal damage accompanied by aggravated tumor invasion. Compared with the model group, Wumeiwan intervention markedly improved body weight loss and reduced DAI score, attenuated mucosal injury, and significantly decreased VEGF expression level(P<0.05). Multi-omics analysis revealed that differential metabolites and genes across groups were commonly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and other lipid-related pathways. Relative to the blank group, the model group showed significant upregulation levels of fatty acid synthesis-related genes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP1), fatty acid synthase(FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1), as well as saturated fatty acids(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, treatment with Wumeiwan significantly reduced the expression of key genes involved in fatty acid metabolic pathways, including SREBP1, FASN, and SCD1(P<0.05). Western blot results further confirmed that proteins in this pathway were significantly elevated in the model group, whereas they were markedly downregulated following Wumeiwan treatment(P<0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated enhanced co-localization of SREBP1 with the cancer-associated fibroblast(CAF) marker α-smooth muscle actin(SMA) in the model group, whereas this co-localization signal was attenuated after Wumeiwan intervention(P<0.05). ConclusionWumeiwan can improve survival outcomes and alleviate colonic pathological damage in CRC mice, its therapeutic mechanism may be closely associated with the regulation of fatty acid metabolic reprogramming mediated by the SREBP1/FASN/SCD1 signaling pathway.


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