1.Construction of Perimenopausal Depression Animal Models and Mechanism of Action of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xiaoting LI ; Shouzhu XU ; Jun KE ; Zhan ZHANG ; Bao XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):258-267
Perimenopausal depression (PMD) is an affective disorder that occurs in women during the transition from sexual maturity to old age. It can induce various complications, such as insomnia and cognitive decline. The etiology of PMD is complex. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed, there is still no unified theory that fully explains its pathogenesis. Research into its mechanisms relies heavily on animal experiments, and establishing reliable animal models is crucial for experimental studies. Appropriate animal models can better simulate human pathophysiological states, rapidly evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs and intervention methods, grasp the essence of the disease, and uncover its intrinsic connections, thereby exploring more advanced intervention strategies. However, there is a lack of systematic review and summarization of literature related to model construction. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), adhering to the principles of ''syndrome differentiation and treatment'' and ''holistic concept'', has shown significant efficacy in treating PMD. In recent years, research exploring and analyzing its therapeutic mechanisms has been increasing. Therefore, to gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of PMD animal modeling methods and the mechanisms of TCM, this paper reviewed Chinese and English literature on PMD animal models and mechanisms of TCM in PMD treatment. It summarized the construction methods of single-factor and multi-factor PMD models, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each modeling approach. Furthermore, it delved into the mechanisms of TCM intervention in PMD, revealing that TCM formulas primarily exert their effects by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, gut-brain axis, cell signaling pathways, neural circuits, hormone levels, and neurotransmitter levels. This review aims to provide a reference for future research in this field. In summary, by summarizing the progress in the methods for PMD animal model construction and the mechanisms of TCM, the paper seeks to offer new insights into the mechanistic research of TCM intervention in PMD.
2.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
3.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
4.Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Inflammatory-related Signaling Pathways
Long YANG ; Chen-Chen WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Xin-Feng LIU ; Lin-Lin HE ; Tian-Long ZHANG ; Yan-Jun ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1115-1131
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the predominant pathological contributor to chronic low back pain, a pervasive musculoskeletal condition affecting over 630 million people globally and imposing tremendous socioeconomic and public health burdens. The etiopathogenesis of IVDD is remarkably complex and multifactorial, involving intricate crosstalk among chronic inflammatory responses, extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolism, cellular senescence, aberrant programmed cell death (including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis), mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage. Compelling evidence indicates that the inflammatory microenvironment acts as a decisive driving force throughout the entire degenerative course of IVDD. Among the diverse inflammatory mediators, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serve as core pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate and perpetuate the degenerative cascade. These two pivotal cytokines collectively activate an array of canonical intracellular signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) cascade. Such interconnected signaling networks trigger a self-reinforcing positive feedback loop, which exacerbates inflammatory reactions, disrupts the anabolic-catabolic homeostasis of the ECM, promotes oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury, induces multiple forms of disc cell death, and ultimately leads to progressive structural collapse and functional deterioration of the intervertebral disc. Conventional therapeutic strategies, dominated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgical interventions, are limited by systemic adverse reactions, suboptimal long-term efficacy, and the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits prominent advantages in the prevention and treatment of IVDD by virtue of its holistic regulation, syndrome differentiation, and multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway pharmacological properties. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulate disc cell fate and ECM metabolic homeostasis, and comprehensively summarizes the experimental progress over the past five years on TCM monomers and compound formulas for intervening in IVDD. Accumulating studies have confirmed that numerous natural active ingredients isolated from herbal medicines (ferulic acid, mangiferin, paeonol, astragaloside IV) and representative TCM compound prescriptions (Bushen Huoxue Formula, Shensuitongzhi Formula, Fuzi Decoction) exert synergistic protective effects by coordinately targeting core signaling hubs. These TCM agents demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, anti-ferroptotic, ECM-protective, and autophagy-regulating bioactivities, thereby effectively decelerating the pathological progression of IVDD. Despite remarkable progress, current investigations are still confronted by several critical limitations. Most studies are restricted to validating the regulatory effects of single TCM components on individual signaling pathways, leaving the systematic, dynamic, and synergistic mechanisms of TCM compound formulas within multi-pathway regulatory networks largely unexplored. Furthermore, clinical translation of TCM is severely hampered by the lack of efficient targeted drug delivery systems, unclear pharmacokinetic profiles, suboptimal local bioavailability, and incomplete long-term safety assessments. Therefore, future research should adopt an interdisciplinary paradigm integrating multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence, organoid models, and organ-on-chip systems to systematically decipher the scientific basis of TCM against IVDD. Concurrently, the development of intelligent, site-specific delivery systems (hydrogels, nanoparticles, exosome-based carriers) is urgently needed to enhance the local accumulation and sustained release of TCM ingredients. By deepening mechanistic exploration and accelerating translational research, TCM is expected to evolve into safe, effective, and personalized precision therapeutic regimens for IVDD, offering novel and reliable solutions for the clinical management of chronic low back pain.
5.The Potential and Challenges of FGF9 as a Cancer Therapeutic Target
Qing ZHANG ; Hong-yan HE ; Jun-hua HUANG ; Xin-yu LU ; Hai-yan LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(15):2554-2560
Fibroblast growth factor,as a critical protein regulating cell growth and differentiation,exhibits aberrant signaling closely associated with various pathological pathologies,including cancer.Among the members of the fibroblast growth factor family,fibroblast growth factor 9(FGF9)has been identified as a critical player in cancer initiation and progression.While numerous studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of FGF9 individually,comprehensive reviews addressing its impact in cancer remain scarce.This article systematically reviews the functional mechanisms and regulatory networks of FGF9 in cancer,with a focus on its roles in common malignancies such as lung cancer,liver cancer,gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,breast cancer,and ovarian cancer.The aim is to facilitate translational research on FGF9 for targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy.
6.Construction of nursing quality evaluation index system for perianal infection in patients with hematologic neoplasms
Xin DU ; Lu TANG ; Xue WANG ; Xue FENG ; Li ZENG ; Fangfang WU ; Jun TAO ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(14):1041-1049
Objective:To construct a quality evaluation index system for perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms, aiming to establish a standardized approach for care.Methods:A quality evaluation index system for perianal infection management in patients with hematologic neoplasms was developed from January to June 2023 using Donabedian′s "Structure- Process- Outcome" approach, based on evidence- based literature study and expert conference discussions. An index system for evaluating the quality of perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms was established through expert consultation, and the weights for each indicator were derived using the analytic hierarchy process.Results:Two rounds of expert consultations were conducted, involving 27 experts aged 30 to 53 (38.85 ± 6.13) years, in which of them there were 1 male and 26 females. The positive coefficients of the experts in the two rounds of consultations were 100.00% (27/27) and 96.30% (26/27), respectively. The expert authority coefficients were 0.874 and 0.881, respectively, and the Kendall coordination coefficients were 0.234 and 0.219 (both P<0.05). The quality evaluation index system for perianal infection management in patients with hematologic neoplasms consisted of 3 main indicators (structural quality, process quality, outcome quality), 12 secondary indicators, and 48 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The process of developing the quality assessment criteria for perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms is systematic and yields dependable results. The criteria cover a wide range of aspects and are specific, offering a valuable framework for assessing the quality of perianal infection care in patients with hematologic neoplasms.
7.Research progresses in radionuclide therapy based on gold nanoparticle for tumors:Targeted delivery and synergistic antitumor effects
Ying LIU ; Xin ZHANG ; Jun XIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):670-673
Radionuclide is an important method for treating tumors.In recent years,radionuclide therapy based on gold nanoparticle(AuNP)had developed rapidly and shown broad application prospects.The research progresses in radionuclide therapy based on AuNP for tumors,especially its targeted delivery and synergistic antitumor effects were reviewed in this article.
8.Effects of Er Miao Wan on skin lesion inflammation in atopic dermatitis mice and the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage
Sheng-jin YANG ; Yan-jiao LIU ; Cheng LU ; Shi-jun DENG ; Jing LI ; Xin-jia ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Rui-rui WANG ; Li-juan ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3591-3600
AIM To explore the relieving effect of Er Miao Wan on atopic dermatitis in mice.METHODS In vivo experiment:BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group(2 mg/kg)and high,medium and low dose groups of Er Miao Wan(4.68,2.34 and 1.17 g/kg).The mouse model of atopic dermatitis was established by repeatedly smearing DNCB solution,and the model was given orally for 21 days.The skin lesion condition on the back of mice,ear swelling degree,and the weight difference between ear lobes were observed and recorded.HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the skin lesion tissues of mice.Toluidine blue(TB)staining was used to observe the infiltration of mast cells in skin lesions.The expression of macrophage marker F4/80 in skin lesions was detected by IHC.The serum levels of TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE were detected by ELISA.In vitro experiment:RAW264.7 cells in logarithmic growth period were given 400,200 and 100 μg/mL Er Miao Wan for intervention.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method.NO level in cell supernatant was detected by Griess method.TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 levels in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA method.The expressions of proteins related to the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in cells was detected by Western blot.RESULTS In vivo experiment:Compared with the model group,the scores of back skin lesions,the swelling degree of right ear and the weight difference between left and right ear pieces in the high-dose group of Er Miao Wan decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the thickness of skin lesions decreased,the infiltration of mast cells and macrophages decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the inflammatory factors TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE levels in serum decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of F4/80 in the skin lesions decreased(P<0.01).In vitro experiment:Compared with the model group,the levels of NO,TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in Er Miao Wan 400 and 200 μg/mL groups decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the phosphorylation levels of P38,JNK and P65 proteins decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Er Miao Wan can alleviate skin lesion inflammation in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage,reducing macrophage infiltration and reducing Th2 cytokines.
9.Research on expression significance and oncogenic mechanism of UGP2 in breast cancer
Zi-lin ZHENG ; Xiao-jun ZHANG ; Jian-jun HAN ; Xin-yi LIANG ; Xuan-chi GUO ; Xiang-hui MEI ; Jian-chao HE
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(3):196-202
Objective:This study aims to investigate the expression of uridine diphosphate-glucose[]pyrophos-phorylase 2(UGP2)in breast cancer(BC)tissues and its oncogenic mechanism,assessing its potential value as a diag-nostic and prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.Methods:(1)Online database analysis was conducted to assess UGP2 mRNA and protein expression levels in breast cancer and explore their correlation with clinical characteristics.Im-munohistochemistry(IHC)was used to verify UGP2 expression in human breast cancer tumor tissues and evaluate its relationship with clinicopathological features.(2)Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and COX regression models were used to analyze the impact of UGP2 expression on breast cancer patient prognosis.(3)Bioinformatics methods were em-ployed to investigate the correlation between UGP2 and tumor immune cell infiltration,and to predict the biological func-tions and associated signaling pathways of UGP2 in breast cancer.Results:(1)The mRNA and protein expression levels of UGP2 were upregulated in breast cancer tissues(both P<0.05),and were negatively correlated with ER-positive and PR-positive status(OR<1,P<0.05),while positively correlated with Ki-67 levels and the triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)subtype(OR>1,P<0.05).(2)Elevated expression levels of UGP2 were associated with poorer survival rates in breast cancer patients(both P<0.05)and were identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor for breast cancer(HR=1.40,P<0.05).(3)Functional analysis results suggested that UGP2 may promote tumor progression by regulating metabolism,hormone signaling,and the immune microenvironment.Additionally,UGP2 expression was negatively cor-related with NK cell activation status and positively correlated with the inhibitory state.Conclusion:UGP2 expression is elevated in breast cancer tissues and is closely associated with poor patient prognosis.It may promote cancer pro-gression through mechanisms such as metabolic reprogramming and immune suppression.UGP2 shows promise as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer,providing a basis for personalized treatment.
10.Comparison of chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of Wendan Decoction
Tan XUE ; Man-wen XU ; Xue-hua FAN ; Feng-yu DONG ; Yan MIAO ; Jia-ning SUN ; Jun-han SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Jing YAO ; Rui-xin LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):384-394
AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P<0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P<0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P<0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P<0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.

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