1.Scientific connotation of "blood stasis toxin" in hypoxic microenvironment: its "soil" function in tumor progression and micro-level treatment approaches.
Wei FAN ; Yuan-Lin LYU ; Xiao-Chen NI ; Kai-Yuan ZHANG ; Chu-Hang WANG ; Jia-Ning GUO ; Guang-Ji ZHANG ; Jian-Bo HUANG ; Tao JIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3483-3488
The tumor microenvironment is a crucial factor in tumor occurrence and progression. The hypoxic microenvironment is widely present in tumor tissue and is a key endogenous factor accelerating tumor deterioration. The "blood stasis toxin" theory, as an emerging perspective in tumor research, is regarded as the unique "soil" in tumor progression from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) due to its dynamic evolution mechanism, which closely resembles the formation of the hypoxic microenvironment. Scientifically integrating TCM theories with the biological characteristics of tumors and exploring precise syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies are key to achieving comprehensive tumor prevention and control. This article focused on the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor, elucidating its formation mechanisms and evolutionary processes and carefully analyzing the internal relationship between the "blood stasis toxin" theory and the hypoxic microenvironment. Additionally, it explored the interaction among blood stasis, toxic pathogens, and hypoxic environment and proposed micro-level prevention and treatment strategies targeting the hypoxic microenvironment based on the "blood stasis toxin" theory, aiming to provide TCM-based theoretical support and therapeutic approaches for precise regulation of the hypoxic microenvironment.
Humans
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Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects*
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Neoplasms/therapy*
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Animals
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Disease Progression
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
2.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
3.Characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 gene methylation and its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Huajie XIE ; Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Wanlin NA ; Huan CAI ; Xia LIU ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Zonghai HU ; Yuan LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):284-291
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 (MTIF2) gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples, including survival curve analysis, methylation signature analysis, the association of tumor signaling pathways, and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level, and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races, ethnicities, BMI levels, and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation (hazard ratio [HR]=0.492, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels (P>0.05). The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages, sexes, BMI levels, races, ethnicities, and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age, and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population (P<0.05); the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (P<0.05). Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population (P<0.05). ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.
4.Mechanism of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disorder in male infertility.
Kai MENG ; Qian LIU ; Yiding QIN ; Wenjie QIN ; Ziming ZHU ; Longlong SUN ; Mingchao JIANG ; Joseph ADU-AMANKWAAH ; Fei GAO ; Rubin TAN ; Jinxiang YUAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):379-388
Male infertility has become a global concern, accounting for 20-70% of infertility. Dysfunctional spermatogenesis is the most common cause of male infertility; thus, treating abnormal spermatogenesis may improve male infertility and has attracted the attention of the medical community. Mitochondria are essential organelles that maintain cell homeostasis and normal physiological functions in various ways, such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial OXPHOS transmits electrons through the respiratory chain, synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These mechanisms are vital for spermatogenesis, especially to maintain the normal function of testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells. The disruption of mitochondrial OXPHOS caused by external factors can result in inadequate cellular energy supply, oxidative stress, apoptosis, or ferroptosis, all inhibiting spermatogenesis and damaging the male reproductive system, leading to male infertility. This article summarizes the latest pathological mechanism of mitochondrial OXPHOS disorder in testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells, which disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. In addition, we also briefly outline the current treatment of spermatogenic malfunction caused by mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders. However, relevant treatments have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders in Sertoli cells and germ cells is a research direction worthy of attention. We believe this review will provide new and more accurate ideas for treating male infertility.
Male
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Humans
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Infertility, Male/metabolism*
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Oxidative Phosphorylation
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Mitochondria/metabolism*
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Spermatogenesis/physiology*
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Sertoli Cells/metabolism*
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Oxidative Stress/physiology*
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Animals
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
5.Construction of Colchicine Molecularly Imprinted Polymer and Its Application in Blood Sample Analysis
Ying ZHANG ; Yuan-Yuan JIANG ; Zheng SUN ; Kai-Han WU ; Juan-Na WEI ; Hui XU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1741-1750
Molecularly imprinted polymers(MIPs)of colchicine(COL)were prepared by precipitation polymerization with COL as template,methacrylic acid(MAA)as monomer,ethylene glycol dimethacrylate(EGDMA)as crosslinking agent,azobisisobutyronitrile(AIBN)as initiator and chloroform as porogen.The basic structure of the prepared MIPs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectrometry,and the adsorption properties of MIPs were evaluated by kinetic adsorption,isothermal adsorption and selective adsorption experiments.The results indicated that the prepared MIPs had uniform particles size,with a maximum adsorption capacity of 62.61 mg/g for COL and an imprinting factor of 3.74,and was suitable for sample pretreatment in determination of COL blood concentration,enabling the enrichment and separation of trace or even ultra-trace target components,thereby improving analytical capabilities.
6.Effects of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on glycolipid metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Kai-yin ZHANG ; Feng-yun YAO ; Yao-yao HAN ; Jie-lin JIANG ; Lin WANG ; Wen LI ; Hong-fang YANG ; Huan-yuan ZHANG ; Yan-kun CUI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3242-3248
AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5%,10%,and 20%),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P>0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P<0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P<0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
7.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
8.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
9.Effects of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on glycolipid metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Kai-yin ZHANG ; Feng-yun YAO ; Yao-yao HAN ; Jie-lin JIANG ; Lin WANG ; Wen LI ; Hong-fang YANG ; Huan-yuan ZHANG ; Yan-kun CUI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3242-3248
AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5%,10%,and 20%),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P>0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P<0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P<0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
10.Design of anterolateral thigh perforator flap aided by three-dimensional printing technique for repairing irregular extremity wounds
Chengwei GE ; Guodong JIANG ; Kai WANG ; Zhigang CHE ; Junnan CHENG ; Zhicheng TENG ; Song YUAN ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(9):946-953
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of three-dimensional(3D) flap model accurately designed before the operation in repairing irregular wounds of limbs with anterolateral thigh(ALT) perforator flap.Methods:The data of patients with ALT flaps designed with 3D printing technology to repair irregular soft tissue defects of limbs in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital from January to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. After the wound was scanned by 3D scanner before surgery, the wound model was printed. The ALT flap was precisely designed and harvested for covering the wound according to the body surface projection of the perforator vessel in the anterolateral femoral region located by color Doppler ultrasound before surgery. The survival of the flap, the healing of the donor and recipient sites and the occurrence of complications were observed and followed up after the operation. The effect of wound repair was evaluated by the comprehensive efficacy evaluation scale of the skin flap. The total score was 100 points, which was divided into excellent (90-100 points), good (75-89 points), fair (60-74 points) and poor (< 60 points).Results:A total of 34 patients were enrolled, including 26 males and 8 females, aged 18-75 years, with an average age of 45.5 years. Injury sites: wrist in 17 cases, foot in 10 cases, ankle in 7 cases. The operation time was 2.0-4.5 h (mean 3.3 h), and all donor sites were sutured directly. Vascular crisis occurred in 2 cases after skin flap transplantation. After surgical exploration, the transplanted skin flap survived, and the other skin flaps survived successfully. All 34 patients were followed up for 6 to 10 months, with an average of 8 months. All the donor sites of the skin flap healed primarily, and the wound healing time of the recipient site was 10-44 days, with an average of 20 days. At the last follow-up, the skin flap was good in color and texture, and the sensation returned to S1 and S2 grades. There were scars left in the donor site, no cicatricial contracture, pain and other discomfort, and no other serious complications. The results of flap evaluation were 80-91 points, with an average of 86 points. Among them, 25 cases were excellent, 6 cases were good, 3 cases were fair, and the excellent and good rate was 91%(31/34).Conclusion:The application of 3D printing technology assisted the design of ALT perforator flap to repair irregular wounds of limbs can significantly reduce the intraoperative design time of the flap, which is in line with the concept of precise design and incision of the flap, and has good clinical effect, and can effectively reduce the trauma and complications of the donor site.

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