1.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
2.Exploring Mechanisms of Erchentang in Repairing Ileal Immune Barrier and Reducing Weights of Diet-induced Obese Mice Based on Single-cell Transcriptomics
Jiawei CHEN ; Maohui LIU ; Jilan CHEN ; Jiushuang ZHU ; Yingxiu MEI ; Yue JIN ; Xiuwen XIA ; Weijun DING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):226-236
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Erchentang (ECD) on the body weight of the mouse model of simple obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and decipher the underlying mechanisms. MethodsFirstly, single-cell transcriptomics (Sc-RNAseq) was employed to analyze the transcriptional changes in the ileum tissue of mice in the normal group and model group. Then, a mouse model of simple obesity was established with a high-fat diet. The successfully modeled mice were randomly allocated into the following four groups (n=8): model, low-dose (7.5 g·kg-1) ECD, medium-dose (15 g·kg-1) ECD, and high-dose (30 g·kg-1) ECD. Additionally, 8 mice of the same age were selected as the normal group. The body weight was measured at fixed time points during the 4-week gavage period. The overall efficacy of ECD in alleviating obesity was evaluated through glucose tolerance testing, behavioral analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and biochemical testing. Protein docking was employed to predict the degree of binding between corresponding proteins. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding degree between key components of ECD and target proteins. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), CD68, CD206, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and Claudin-5 in the ileum. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression and distribution of Claudin-5 and ZO-1. ResultsThe Sc-RNAseq results indicated that the differentially expressed genes of immune cells in the model group in comparison with the normal group were primarily enriched in biological functions related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory metabolism. Additionally, these genes were associated with the janus kinases(JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, an inflammation-related pathway. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increases in body weight (P<0.01) and blood glucose level (P<0.01), a decrease in limb strength (P<0.01), an increase in liver weight (P<0.05), and elevated serum alanine amino-transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the model group exhibited increased hepatic fat vacuoles, notably enlarged adipocytes in the epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, and increased inflammation. Compared with the model group, ECD groups showed reduced body weights (P<0.01) and blood glucose levels (P<0.01), increased limb strength (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased liver weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), and declined serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, ECD reduced hepatic fat vacuoles and the adipocyte volume in the epididymal and inguinal white adipose tissue, and alleviated inflammation. Potential interactions existed between CD68 and ZO-1/Claudin-5, as well as between CD206 and ZO-1/Claudin-5. The key components of ECD, nobiletin, diosmetin, and naringenin, all demonstrated strong binding affinity with the target proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-5. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited up-regulated mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and CD68 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated mRNA levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine CD206 (P<0.01) and the tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the ECD groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α, iNOS, IL-1β, and CD68 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA levels of CD206, Claudin-5, and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited down-regulated expression of tight junction proteins Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ECD groups showed up-regulated expression of Claudin-5 and ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionECD can significantly ameliorate HFD-induced obesity and excessive body weight gain in mice by improving the inflammatory microenvironment in the ileum and further restoring the integrity of the impaired ileal barrier.
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Evaluation of snail control effect in Anqing small environment renovation project
Qiong CHU ; Ping DING ; Jin-fu YAO ; Xing WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):9-18
Objective The aim was to evaluate the effects of efforts directed toward controlling Oncomelania hupensis snails on small environmental modification projects in Anqing City to provide a reference for comprehensively controlling O. hupensis in hilly areas where schistosomiasis is endemic. Methods Field and retrospective surveys were conducted to collect data using questionnaires. The data from 35 questionnaires on small-scale environmental modification projects in Anqing City and the effects of snail obtained from monitoring forms were sorted. The data were descriptively analyzed using basic information on environmental modifications and investment costs. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare snail status before and after environmental interventions. The Friedman test was applied to evaluate the changes in snail populations in the years after environmental intervention. Non-parametric independent sample tests were adopted to compare differences in the effects of different environmental interventions, environmental characteristics, and between project and control areas. Results A total of 35 environments altered from 2017 to 2023, including the creation of 29 ditches,1 dry land, and 5 pond-weirs. The main environmental interventions included hardening of ditches and pond-weirs as well as tilling with intercropping. The average investment costs of mortared rubble masonry hardening and tilling with intercropping were the highest(147.10 yuan/m2)and lowest(4.62 yuan/m2), respectively. The pre-intervention snail-infested area was 78 900 m2, which decreased to 18 100 m2, a decrease of 77.06%. After environmental intervention, the density and rate of living snails significantly decreased on frames with snails(P<0.001). In ditch environments, the smoothness of the ditch walls and the presence of snails in the upper reaches did not significantly decrease the living snail density; however, the presence of cracks on the inner side of the ditches significantly impacted the decline in the rate(P<0.001). No significant difference was found in the rates at which the living snail density or snail frame occurrence decreased among different environmental modification method. The effects of brick masonry, concrete, and mortared rubble masonry on snail control were significantly stronger than those of chemical snail control(P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was found in the decline in these two rates between project areas using other modification method and control areas using chemical snail control. Conclusions Schistosomiasis-prevention-oriented environmental interventions effectively eliminate snails from hilly snail-infested areas. Cost-effective modification method should be selected based on the environmental type, and post-modification monitoring and maintenance must be strengthened to further increase snail control effectiveness.
5.Objective Indicators and Evaluation System for Excellent Shape and High Quality of Gardeniae Fructus
Xiulin YUAN ; Shiwen KANG ; Zhihao LIU ; Ding HUANG ; Sen YE ; Fan LI ; Bocheng WANG ; Yan JIN ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):27-35
ObjectiveTo establish an objective evaluation system based on the quality characteristics of Gardeniae Fructus without relying on the origin label according to the theory of excellent shape, high quality, and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials, thus providing a scientific basis for the standardization of Gardeniae Fructus. MethodsDifferent batches of Gardeniae Fructus samples were collected from different producing areas. Through herbal textual research and a review of modern literature, fruit length, maximum fruit diameter, and chroma were selected as quantitative indicators to characterize the traditional appearance traits of Gardeniae Fructus. The above indicators were measured by a vernier caliper and a spectrophotometer. Through classical famous prescription data and literature analysis, total iridoid glycosides, total crocus glycosides, and total flavonoids were selected as the core component indicators related to efficacy, and their content was determined. Finally, through cluster analysis, the threshold ranges of the quantitative indicators of excellent shape and high quality were determined, and the applicability of the established evaluation system was verified by the determination of the indicators for each batch of medicinal materials. ResultsThe excellent shape indicators of Gardeniae Fructus were the fruit length-to-maximum fruit diameter ratio ≤1.86, 0°≤h≤45°, and L*≥ 37.32. The content of total iridoid glycosides, total crocus glycosides, and total flavonoids should be no less than 2.2%, 0.44%, and 0.028%, respectively. The measurement results of different batches of Gardeniae Fructus showed that the evaluation system could effectively distinguish the Gardeniae Fructus samples in line with the traditional cognition of excellent shape and high quality. ConclusionThis study preliminarily constructs an excellent shape and high quality-based quality evaluation system for Gardeniae Fructus, which links appearance traits with chemical indicators and provides a methodological basis for the quality control and scientific grading of this herbal medicine.
6.HydroMg alleviates doxorubicin-induced chronic cardiotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function
Lu ZHANG ; Xiurui MA ; Yawei JIN ; Yuning ZHANG ; Xiong GAO ; Mohan LI ; Ze YUAN ; Yihua LU ; Wenjiang DING ; Zhiguang DING ; Xiaolei SUN ; Chunxiao ZHANG ; Jian AN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(4):582-591
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of HydroMg, a novel sustained-release hydrogen donor, in a model of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced chronic cardiotoxicity. Methods H9C2 cells were treated with 1 μmol/L DOX and/or 1 μg/mL HydroMg, and mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis were measured. In the animal experiment, mice were divided into control, HydroMg, DOX, and DOX+HydroMg groups. The HydroMg group received intraperitoneal injection of HydroMg (100 mg/kg). Chronic cardiotoxicity was established by intraperitoneal injection of DOX (5 mg/kg every week) for four consecutive weeks; In the DOX+HydroMg group, HydroMg (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 4–5 h prior to each DOX injection. Cardiac function and remodeling were evaluated by echocardiography and heart weight index (HWI). The long-term survival of mice were analyzed. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing was performed on myocardial tissues from the DOX group to identify key molecular alterations compared with controls. Results At the cellular level, HydroMg treatment effectively reversed DOX-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as evidenced by restored membrane potential, reductions in total ROS and mitochondrial superoxide levels by approximately 30% and 9%, respectively, and a decrease in the apoptosis rate from 34.13% to 18.27%. In the animal model, compared with the DOX group, HydroMg intervention increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (LVFS) by 9.62% and 5.82%, respectively, attenuated the reduction in HWI (4.41 mg/mm vs 3.53 mg/mm), and improved the 4-week survival rate (80% vs 60%). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the core molecular features of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, including widespread suppression of oxidative phosphorylation and antioxidant pathways. Conclusions HydroMg protects against DOX-induced chronic cardiotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy against DOX-related cardiotoxicity.
7.Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus Improves Spermatogenesis in Rat Model of Oligoasthenozoospermia by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress-induced Blood-testis Barrier Damage via Regulating SIRT1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Wen DUAN ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Wenjie DING ; Jianning JIN ; Guoqing CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):29-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus on oxidative stress-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction and spermatogenesis in the rat model of oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-five male SD rats were randomized into a blank group (n=7) and a modeling group (n=28). The OAS model was established by gavage of hydrocortisone aqueous solution combined with single factor electrical stimulation. The modeled rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: model, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules (3.2 g·kg-1), Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids (0.34 g·kg-1), and L-carnitine (0.38 g·kg-1), and treated for 4 weeks. The sperm quality of rats was assessed by an automatic sperm analyzer. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MAD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the testicular tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to reveal the pathological changes in the testicular tissue and score the spermatogenic function. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of Sertoli cells. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of SIRT1, Nrf2, Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), connexin 43 (CX43), and β-catenin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total sperm count and motility (P<0.05, P<0.01), obvious damage in the testicular tissue and blood-testis barrier structure, reduced score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01), declined levels of GSH-Px and SOD in the testicular tissue (P<0.05), elevated level of MDA, and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01) and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, and β-catenin in the testicular tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the testicular tissue, blood-testis barrier structure, and score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01) were improved in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids group, and L-carnitine group. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups presented lowered levels of GSH-Px and SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granule group showed a decline in MDA level. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin were up-regulated in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group and total flavonoids group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus can regulate the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and alleviate the blood-testis barrier damage, thereby improving the spermatogenic function in the rat model of OAS. Total flavonoids may be the material basis for the therapeutic effect of Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus.
8.Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus Improves Spermatogenesis in Rat Model of Oligoasthenozoospermia by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress-induced Blood-testis Barrier Damage via Regulating SIRT1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Wen DUAN ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Wenjie DING ; Jianning JIN ; Guoqing CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):29-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus on oxidative stress-induced blood-testis barrier dysfunction and spermatogenesis in the rat model of oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) and decipher the mechanism based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-five male SD rats were randomized into a blank group (n=7) and a modeling group (n=28). The OAS model was established by gavage of hydrocortisone aqueous solution combined with single factor electrical stimulation. The modeled rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: model, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules (3.2 g·kg-1), Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids (0.34 g·kg-1), and L-carnitine (0.38 g·kg-1), and treated for 4 weeks. The sperm quality of rats was assessed by an automatic sperm analyzer. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MAD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the testicular tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to reveal the pathological changes in the testicular tissue and score the spermatogenic function. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of Sertoli cells. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of SIRT1, Nrf2, Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), connexin 43 (CX43), and β-catenin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total sperm count and motility (P<0.05, P<0.01), obvious damage in the testicular tissue and blood-testis barrier structure, reduced score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01), declined levels of GSH-Px and SOD in the testicular tissue (P<0.05), elevated level of MDA, and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01) and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, and β-catenin in the testicular tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the testicular tissue, blood-testis barrier structure, and score of spermatogenic function (P<0.01) were improved in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group, Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus total flavonoids group, and L-carnitine group. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups presented lowered levels of GSH-Px and SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granule group showed a decline in MDA level. The protein and mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, ZO-1, CX43, β-catenin, and occludin were up-regulated in the Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus granules group and total flavonoids group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe herb pair Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus can regulate the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and alleviate the blood-testis barrier damage, thereby improving the spermatogenic function in the rat model of OAS. Total flavonoids may be the material basis for the therapeutic effect of Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus.
9.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Colorectal Cancer by Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yingying SUN ; Pan ZHENG ; Jin DING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):271-281
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract, with a high incidence and high mortality. The majority of patients are diagnosed at the middle or advanced stage, which severely influences and threatens their physical health. Current treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often encounter challenges including metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway serves as a classical regulator that regulates physiological processes such as cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation. Overexpression of this pathway is observed in various tumors. In the context of CRC, the activation of this pathway can facilitate the proliferation, invasion, and migration, inhibit the autophagy and apoptosis, promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC cells, enhance angiogenesis within the tumor, and contribute to chemotherapy resistance and radiation resistance in CRC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment can exert an anti-CRC effect by inhibiting this pathway, thereby improving clinical efficacy and safety. This article retrieves relevant research literature published domestically and internationally regarding the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of CRC and conducts detailed classification and summary. The active components of TCM include glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and naphthoquinones. The volatile oils and extracts of TCM include Angelicae Sinensis Radix volatile oil, Astragali Radix polysaccharides, Caryophylli Flos extract, Forsythiae Fructus extract, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma extract, and Celastrus orbiculatus extract. The compound formulas of TCM include Banxia Xiexin decoction, Jianpi Qingre Huoxue formula, and Chanling Plaster. Through summary and analysis, it is discovered that the abovementioned TCM can produce effects such as blocking the cell cycle, inducing autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, suppressing proliferation and migration, and reversing chemotherapy resistance and radiotherapy resistance by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in CRC cells. TCM holds promise in the research and application of targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for CRC treatment. The summary and conclusion of this article aim to provide references for subsequent research and the development of new drugs.
10.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Colorectal Cancer by Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yingying SUN ; Pan ZHENG ; Jin DING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):271-281
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract, with a high incidence and high mortality. The majority of patients are diagnosed at the middle or advanced stage, which severely influences and threatens their physical health. Current treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often encounter challenges including metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway serves as a classical regulator that regulates physiological processes such as cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation. Overexpression of this pathway is observed in various tumors. In the context of CRC, the activation of this pathway can facilitate the proliferation, invasion, and migration, inhibit the autophagy and apoptosis, promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of CRC cells, enhance angiogenesis within the tumor, and contribute to chemotherapy resistance and radiation resistance in CRC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment can exert an anti-CRC effect by inhibiting this pathway, thereby improving clinical efficacy and safety. This article retrieves relevant research literature published domestically and internationally regarding the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway by TCM in the treatment of CRC and conducts detailed classification and summary. The active components of TCM include glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and naphthoquinones. The volatile oils and extracts of TCM include Angelicae Sinensis Radix volatile oil, Astragali Radix polysaccharides, Caryophylli Flos extract, Forsythiae Fructus extract, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma extract, and Celastrus orbiculatus extract. The compound formulas of TCM include Banxia Xiexin decoction, Jianpi Qingre Huoxue formula, and Chanling Plaster. Through summary and analysis, it is discovered that the abovementioned TCM can produce effects such as blocking the cell cycle, inducing autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, suppressing proliferation and migration, and reversing chemotherapy resistance and radiotherapy resistance by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in CRC cells. TCM holds promise in the research and application of targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for CRC treatment. The summary and conclusion of this article aim to provide references for subsequent research and the development of new drugs.


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