ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke （AIS） patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging （DCE-MRI）. MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method，the patients were assigned into a control group （32 cases） and an observation group （31 cases）. The control group received conventional Western medical treatment，and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals，twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment，the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS） score and modified Rankin Scale （mRS） score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans，rKep，and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest （ROI） of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment，the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups，and the observation group had lower scores than the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment，the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.01）. ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone，conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients，thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.

Tumorigenesis， invasion， and metastasis occur in the context of a persistent inflammatory microenvironment， and a variety of inflammatory factors can lead to the development of various tumors. Guided by the thought of "preventive treatment of disease" in TCM and the concept of tertiary prevention in modern medicine， it is of great significance to effectively intervene in the inflammatory stage of the disease， interrupt disease progression， prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors， and reverse the process of "inflammation-to-cancer transformation". Sinisan， a commonly used prescription in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases， has been widely applied in the treatment of precancerous lesions of the digestive system， demonstrating considerable advantages. This article reviewed literature from the past 20 years， summarizing the application of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system from three aspects： the exploration of its prescription-syndrome relationship， clinical application， and mechanistic study. It is found that basic syndrome indications of Sinisan include harmonizing the Earth element to promote spleen-stomach transportation and transformation， soothing the liver and nourishing the Wood element to restore the smooth flow of Qi， and regulating Yin and Yang to relieve stagnation within the system. In clinical application， Sinisan has shown significant efficacy in atrophic gastritis and precancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia， gastric ulcer， ulcerative colitis， esophagitis， and pancreatitis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that Sinisan can inhibit inflammatory factors and improve the inflammatory microenvironment， inhibit cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis， exhibit anti-angiogenic and antitumorigenic effects， modulate immune function， and exert antioxidant effects. These mechanisms can be achieved by regulating pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 （Nrf2/HO-1）， farnesoid X receptor （FXR）/Nrf2， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt）， Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A （TGR5/cAMP/PKA）， interleukin-4/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 （IL-4/STAT6）， Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT）， RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase （RhoA/ROCK）， and transforming growth factor-β/Smad proteins （TGF-β/Smads）， confirming Sinisan's role in reversing the inflammation-to-cancer transformation. The current research status of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system was thoroughly examined through the above three aspects， along with the identification of limitations and areas for improvement in current research. The aim is to provide a basis and support for future in-depth research on Sinisan， promote the development of new integrated treatment models combining TCM and Western medicine for precancerous lesions， and aid in the research and development of drugs related to precancerous lesions.

Malignant tumor is a serious and difficult disease threatening human health， which has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving the therapeutic effect of malignant tumors and alleviating adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Qi deficiency and blood stasis are important pathogeneses in the development of malignant tumors， and the method of supplementing Qi and activating blood is an effective strategy for treating malignant tumors. Astragali Radix， sweet in taste and warm in nature， has effects of tonifying Qi and rising Yang， strengthening the exterior and reducing sweat， promoting fluid and nourishing blood. Curcumae Rhizoma， acrid and bitter in taste and warm in nature， has the effects of promoting Qi and breaking blood stasis， eliminating mass， and relieving pain. Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma， as the classic herb pair of invigorating Qi and activating blood， has a clear effect on inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma contains astragalus polysaccharide， astragaloside， calycosin， formononetin， curcumin， β-elemene， curcumenol， curcumenone， curcumendione， gemacrone， and other anti-tumor active ingredients. It can significantly inhibit the occurrence and development of liver cancer， colorectal cancer， gastric cancer， lung cancer， ovarian cancer， cervical cancer， breast cancer， and other cancers and has the advantages of superposition effect， synergistic complementarity， and increased dissolution compared with single herb and monomer of Chinese traditional herbs and has been widely valued in the field of TCM anti-cancer. Its anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibition of tumor cell proliferation， promotion of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy， anti-invasion and metastasis， regulation of immune function， and enhancement of anti-tumor drug sensitivity. By combining Chinese and foreign literature， the compatibility effect and anti-tumor mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma were summarized， and then scientific compatibility of these two herbs was expounded， in order to provide a useful reference for clinical application and future research of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma.

Bispecific antibodies （BsAbs）， as an important recent innovation in the field of tumor immunotherapy in recent years， can simultaneously or sequentially target different antigens or two different epitopes of the same antigen. Compared with traditional monoclonal antibodies， they can produce superior therapeutic effects. This article reviews the progress in clinical applications and safety research of BsAbs in cancer therapy， revealing that they （such as blinatumomab， glofitamab， teclistamab， amivantamab， etc.） exhibit significant therapeutic efficacy against hematological malignancies， lung cancer， cervical cancer， melanoma， and other cancers. For cytokine release syndrome （CRS） induced by BsAbs， prophylactic or pre-emptive medication is commonly administered in clinical practice； for neurotoxicity and infections triggered by BsAbs， clinical practice necessitates rigorous monitoring of patients’ vital signs and the provision of essential treatments. In addition， different BsAbs exhibit variations in escalation dose， infusion rate， storage duration， and equipment requirements. Therefore， strict adherence to the instructions in the drug package inserts is essential during clinical operations to ensure safety and therapeutic efficacy. In the future， more multicenter trials need to be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of BsAbs across different tumor types and patient populations， and long-term follow-up data should be accumulated to optimize treatment cycles and dosage regimens.

This article reports a case of multiple cranial nerve injury after gamma knife radiosurgery treated with acupuncture and moxibustion combined with rehabilitation therapy. The patient presented with weakness of facial and tongue muscles, hoarseness, choking on water, and swallowing difficulties. The syndrome was attributed to qi and blood deficiency, and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. The treatment principle focused on replenishing qi and blood, promoting blood circulation and unblocking collaterals. Yintang (GV24⁺), Lianquan (CV23), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), and Cuanzhu (BL2), Yangbai (GB14), Jingming (BL1), Sizhukong (TE23), Yingxiang (LI20), Sibai (ST2), Juliao (ST3), Quanliao (SI18), Dicang (ST4), Jiache (ST6), Xiaguan (ST7), Taiyang (EX-HN5) on the affected side, bilateral Jinjin (EX-HN12), Yuye (EX-HN13), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Tianshu (ST25) were selected. Among these, bilateral Jinjin (EX-HN12) and Yuye (EX-HN13) were treated with pricking, Dicang (ST4) and Jiache (ST6) on the affected side were connected to an electroacupuncture device, and warming acupuncture was applied at Guanyuan (CV4). Rehabilitation therapy and electromyographic biofeedback were also incorporated. The treatments were given 2-3 times a week. After 18 months of intermittent treatment, the patient reported significant improvement, House Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grade was Ⅳ, and Sunnybrook facial nerve rating scale score was 53 points. After 2-month of follow-up, the patient reported normal swallowing ability and restored social engagement.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cranial Nerve Diseases/therapy*

This article reports a case of adult scoliosis with limb tremor treated with electroacupuncture. The patient presented with neck stiffness accompanied with limb tremor as the primary symptoms. The pattern was attributed to yang qi deficiency, and the treatment principle focused on unblocking the governor vessel, warming yang, and regulating qi. Acupuncture was applied to Dazhui (GV14), below the spinous processes of C₄-C₆ and bilateral C₄-C₆ Jiaji (EX-B2) points, Feishu (BL13), Xinshu (BL15), Pishu (BL20), Ganshu (BL18), Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25). After achieving deqi sensation, bilateral C₄ Jiaji (EX-B2) and C₆ Jiaji (EX-B2) points were separately connected to an SDZ-Ⅴ electroacupuncture device, with continuous wave, 2 Hz of frequency, intensity should be within the tolerance of the patient, the needles were retained for 20 min. For the first 5 months, the treatment was 1-2 times a week, then reduced to 1-2 times a month thereafter. After 30 times of treatment, the patient's bilateral lower limb tremor resolved, the clinical rating scale for tremor (CRST) score was 13 points, the scoliosis showed improvement with about 10° reduction in Cobb angle. At 1-month follow-up, the condition remained stable without progression of scoliosis.
Adult ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Electroacupuncture ; Scoliosis/physiopathology* ; Tremor/complications*

This article reports 2 cases of urinary retention in Alzheimer's disease with agitation treated by acupuncture. Based on patients' clinical symptoms, the etiology and pathogenesis were determined, and acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shenting (GV24), and bilateral Ciliao (BL32), Zhongliao (BL33), Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), etc. to regulate the mind and promote water metabolism. The positive and negative electrodes of the SDZ-Ⅴ type electroacupuncture device were attached to ipsilateral Ciliao (BL32), Zhongliao (BL33) respectively, with continuous wave, at the frequency of 15 Hz, and the current of 3 to 10 mA, depending on patients' tolerance. The needles were retained for 20 min. The treatment was delivered once every other day, 3 interventions a week and 12 interventions as 1 course. Both patients reported the micturition desire after 1 intervention with acupuncture and the catheter was removed on the same day. The urination was ameliorated without dysuresia after 1-2 courses of treatment, and the agitated behavior was alleviated. It can be the reference for the clinical treatment of urinary retention in patients with Alzheimer's disease with agitation.
Humans ; Alzheimer Disease/psychology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Urinary Retention/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Psychomotor Agitation/complications*

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Emerging research highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their metabolites, in the pathogenesis of CRC. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial composition, contributes to tumorigenesis through immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and genotoxicity. Specific bacterial species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis , along with fungal agents like Candida species, have been implicated in CRC progression. Moreover, viral factors, including Epstein-Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus, are increasingly recognized for their roles in promoting inflammation and immune evasion. This review synthesizes the latest evidence on host-microbiome interactions in CRC, emphasizing microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which may act as both risk factors and therapeutic agents. We further discuss the latest advances in microbiota-targeted clinical applications, including biomarker-assisted diagnosis, next-generation probiotics, and microbiome-based interventions. A deeper understanding of the role of gut microbiome in CRC pathogenesis could pave the way for diagnostic, preventive, and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Humans ; Dysbiosis/microbiology* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology* ; Animals

Objective To investigate the impact of Qizhi Jiangtang Capsule (QZJT) on renal damage in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice via NOD like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3/caspase-1/ Gasdermin D (NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD) signaling pathway. Methods Mice were randomly allocated into six experimental groups: a normal control group (NC), a diabetic nephropathy model group (DN), a low-dose QZJT treatment group (L-QZJT), a high-dose QZJT treatment group (H-QZJT), a positive control group administered Shenqi Jiangtang Granules (SQJT), and an ML385 group (treated with an inhibitor of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Nrf2). Upon successful model induction, therapeutic interventions were commenced. Renal function impairment in the mice was evaluated through quantification of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary albumin (UAlb), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the kidney-to-body mass ratio (K/B). Renal tissue pathology was evaluated using HE and PAS staining. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified by ELISA. Levels of podocyte markers and proteins involved in relevant pathways were assessed using Western blot analysis. Results Compared with the NC group, FBG, 24 h UAlb, SCr, and BUN were increased in the DN group, and the K/B mass ratio was also increased. In contrast, compared with the DN group, FBG, 24 h UAlb, SCr, and BUN in both the low-dose (L-QZJT) and high-dose Quanzhou Jintang (H-QZJT) groups were decreased, and the K/B mass ratio was decreased as well. The therapeutic efficacy of H-QZJT was comparable to that of Shenqi Jiangtang Granules. QZJT ameliorated renal histopathological injury in DN mouse, increased the protein levels of Nephrin (a podocyte marker), and decreased the protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), pro-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N. After ML385 treatment, renal cells exhibited swelling and morphological changes, the inflammatory infiltrate area was enlarged, the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, and GSDMD-N were up-regulated, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were increased. Conclusion QZJT may inhibit podocyte pyroptosis by acting on the Nrf2 to regulate the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway, thus improving renal damage in DN mouse.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology* ; Podocytes/pathology* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Caspase 1/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Phosphate-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Kidney/pathology* ; Gasdermins

Adjuvants as essential ingredients amplify the magnitude and durability of immune responses in various vaccine strategies. Polysaccharides with potent immunoenhancing effects are widely applied as promising vaccine adjuvants, however, they have rarely been licensed for use in human vaccines due to the limitation of their efficacy and safety. Moreover, nanoparticles not only act as antigen drug delivery vectors but also possess intrinsic adjuvant functions, revealing the dual effects of nanoparticles in augmenting antigen-specific immune responses. Intriguingly, nanoparticle forms can enhance the immunostimulatory potency of polysaccharide adjuvants, since polysaccharide nanoparticles exert more excellent adjuvant effects than polysaccharides in initiating humoral, cellular and mucosal immune responses. Emerging evidence has also suggested that multiple immune-related signaling pathways including cGAS-STING, NLRP3, TLRs, cell death or metabolism signaling probably participate in the immunomodulation of polysaccharide nanoparticles, but systemic investigations into the adjuvant mechanism are still inadequate. This review aims to give an updated summary and discussion on the adjuvant function and mechanism of polysaccharide nanoparticles for understanding their superior adjuvant property and effectively utilizing them as potent immune adjuvants in vaccine development.