1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.Investigation and analysis of radioactivity detection capacity for food and drinking water in municipal and county-level disease control and prevention institutions in Shandong Province
Xinyun WANG ; Tao ZHOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Ke YANG ; Yi LIU ; Jianwei LIU ; Chundong XIA ; Bo TANG ; Xianpeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):325-330
Objective To investigate the capacity of municipal and county-level Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Shandong Province for γ radionuclides in food as well as gross α and gross β in drinking water, and to provide evidence for strengthening radiological laboratories. Method Data regarding radioactive detection capacity were collected from 16 prefecture-level cities and 136 county-level CDCs. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare capacity differences across regions and between cities with and without nuclear power plants. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the spatial equity of gross α and gross β detection capacity for drinking water. Result The detection capacity of gross α and gross β in drinking water varied significantly among counties (χ2=81.026, P<0.001),no significant difference was found between coastal and inland cities (χ2=2.021,P>0.155); Cities with nuclear power plants showed better detection capacity (χ2=20.253,P<0.01). The detection capacity for γ radionuclides in food was primarily concentrated in the prefecture-level cities that host nuclear power plants. Conclusion The overall detection capacity for radioactivity in drinking water was acceptable but spatially uneven. The capacity for monitoring radioactive contamination in food was generally weak. It is necessary to strengthen capacity building at the grassroots level.
4.Analysis of the early efficacy of anterior cervical zero-profile interbody fusion and traditional titanium plate combined interbody fusion in the treatment of three-segment cervical spondylosis
Tao SHAN ; Fei WANG ; Chun LI ; Zhou DONG ; Zhihao NI ; Ke ZHENG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1657-1665
ObjectiveTo evaluate the comparative clinical outcomes of zero-profile interbody fusion (Zero-P) and traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with titanium plate (ACDF-plate) for three-level cervical spondylosis, providing a reference to optimize surgical strategies for three-level cervical spondylosis. MethodsIn this retrospective comparative study, 113 patients were included and assigned to either the Zero-P group (n=51) or the ACDF-plate group (n=62) according to their surgical approaches. Clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups using operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, cervical range of motion (ROM), neck disability index (NDI), Cervical Disability Index (CDI), Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) scores, and postoperative complication rates. ResultsCompared with the ACDF-plate group, the Zero-P group had a shorter operative time and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05); the neck pain VAS score was lower on the 1st day and 1st week after surgery (P<0.05); the cervical flexion range of motion was higher at 1 month after surgery (P<0.05); the JOA score was higher at 3 months after surgery, while the NDI and CDI scores were lower (P<0.05); the total incidence of complications (11.76%) was significantly lower than that in the plate fixation group (35.48%), and the incidence of neck foreign body sensation/stiffness was lower (P<0.05). ConclusionZero-P not only demonstrates safety and efficacy comparable to the ACDF-plate, but also highlights the significant value of the minimally invasive concept in facilitating early recovery. Both procedures have their respective emphasis on biomechanical maintenance and minimally invasive benefits, providing a clear evidence-based reference for individualized and precise surgical decision-making in three-level cervical spondylosis.
5.Mechanism of Ellagic Acid in Ameliorating Bleomycin-induced Lung Injury
Li SHAO ; Ke TAO ; Li WEI ; Juanli LI ; Zhizhi SHI ; Shugui QIAO ; Shaokang WANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(3):496-508
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of ellagic acid (EA) against bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis and associated pulmonary function impairment in mice, and to elucidate its relationship with the regulation of the interleukin(IL)-17/ nuclear factor (NF)-κB/ matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 signaling axis. MethodsA pulmonary fibrosis model was established in male C57BL/6J mice via intratracheal BLM injection. Interventions included IL-17 neutralizing antibody, Ixekizumab, SB-3CT, PDTC, or EA were used to modulate the IL-17/NF-κB/MMP9 signaling axis. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed via HE, Masson, and Sirius red staining. Pulmonary function was assessed using a pulmonary function test (PFT). Western blot and qRT-PCR were employed to detect related protein and gene expression. Network pharmacology was utilized to predict the potential targets of EA. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed to validate the binding capability of EA to core targets. ResultsBLM successfully induced obvious pulmonary fibrosis and lung dysfunction in mice, significantly elevating the level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17. This was associated with the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB p65, leading to the upregulation of the pro-fibrotic factor MMP9. Inhibition of the IL-17/NF-κB/MMP9 signaling axis markedly alleviated the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. EA intervention significantly suppressed the BLM-induced increase in IL-17, blocked the activation of the NF-κB/MMP9 pathway, and consequently reduced lung fibrotic lesions and improved pulmonary function. ConclusionEA may effectively ameliorate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and lung dysfunction in mice, likely by inhibiting the inflammatory and fibrotic responses mediated through the IL-17/NF-κB/MMP9 signaling pathway.
6.Epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering of hepatitis E in Jinhua City from 2010 to 2025
ZHANG Tao ; BAI Kaizhi ; LONG Zhiping ; LI Ke ; WU Xiaohong ; ZHANG Guangming ; WANG Zuoyi
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(9):923-926,931
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal clustering of hepatitis E in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2025, so as to provide evidence for formulating targeted hepatitis E prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Data of reported hepatitis E cases in Jinhua City from 2010 to 2025, including gender, age and occupation, were collected through the Epidemiological Investigation System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, population and regional distribution characteristics of hepatitis E. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to analyze the changing trend of reported incidence of hepatitis E. Spatial autocorrelation and spatial-temporal scan analysis were used to analyze the spatial-temporal clustering of hepatitis E.
Results:
A total of 2 555 hepatitis E cases were reported in Jinhua City from 2010 to 2025, with an average annual reported incidence of 2.65/105. The overall trend of reported incidence had no statistical significance (AAPC=-1.233%, 95%CI: -6.027%-3.782%, P>0.05). Cases were reported every month, and the number of reported cases was relatively high from January to May, with 1 302 cases (50.96%). The average annual reported incidence of hepatitis E among males was 3.47/105, which was higher than the female counterpart of 1.73/105 (P<0.05). The number of hepatitis E reported cases was relatively high in the groups aged 40-<50 years and 50-<60 years, with 544 cases (21.29%) and 671 cases (26.26%), respectively. The average annual reported incidence of hepatitis E was relatively high in the groups aged 60-<70 years and 70-<80 years, with 5.18/105 and 4.41/105, respectively. The number of hepatitis E reported cases was relatively high among farmers, with 1 512 cases (59.18%). Lanxi City had a relatively high average annual reported incidence of hepatitis E, at 4.53/105. Hepatitis E in Jinhua City showed positive spatial correlation in 2013, 2014, 2022, 2023 and 2025 (all P<0.05), exhibiting a spatially clustered distribution.The high-high clusters were mainly distributed in some townships (subdistricts) of Wucheng District, Lanxi City, Dongyang City, Pan'an County and Wuyi County. Class Ⅰ cluster of hepatitis E in Jinhua City from 2010 to 2025 was Choucheng Subdistrict of Yiwu City, with the clustering period from January 2011 to December 2018.
Conclusions
The reported incidence of hepatitis E in Jinhua City remained at a moderate level, with a gentle overall trend from 2010 to 2025. Hepatitis E peaked in winter and spring. Males, middle-aged and elderly people, and farmers were high-risk populations. Lanxi City and Yiwu City were high-risk areas.
7.A Case Report of Pachydermoperiostosis by Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Jie ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Li HUO ; Ke LYU ; Tao WANG ; Ze'nan XIA ; Xiao LONG ; Kexin XU ; Nan WU ; Bo YANG ; Weibo XIA ; Rongrong HU ; Limeng CHEN ; Ji LI ; Xia HONG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yagang ZUO
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):75-82
A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in
8.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Dominant Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zihan WANG ; Yanyu CHEN ; Yong CUI ; Qingwen TAO ; Mei MO ; Ke XUE ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):263-269
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a refractory autoimmune disease, is among the dominant diseases where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows advantages in the field of rheumatology and immunology. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital hosted the "46th Youth Salon on Dominant Diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)" organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, which led to a consensus on "the advantages, challenges, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational achievements of integrated TCM and Western medical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE." The diagnosis and treatment of SLE currently face several challenges, such as frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in the early stages, difficulty in achieving treatment targets, multiple side effects from pharmacotherapy, and the lack of management strategies for special populations, all of which hinder the fulfillment of the clinical needs of patients. Integrated TCM and Western medical approaches can improve clinical symptoms such as skin erythema, aversion to cold and cold limbs, fatigue, dry mouth, restlessness, and heat sensation in the palms and soles, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The approaches also help consolidate the efficacy of conventional Western medicine, slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, address multi-organ involvement, and prevent or treat complications. Additionally, they enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, prevent the side effects of Western medications, help reduce hormone use, and offer distinct advantages in the individualized intervention of special populations, contributing to the whole-process management of the disease. However, evidence-based medical support for this integrated approach remains limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Common evaluation systems and modern research methodologies should be adopted to clarify the efficacy of TCM in SLE treatment. Efforts should be made to carry out high-quality evidence-based medical research, strengthen the development of fundamental and pharmacological research, and further explain the distinct advantages of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Future efforts should focus on advancing the integration of TCM and modern medicine, incorporating multi-omics technologies, individualized stratification, and other precision medicine concepts, in combination with artificial intelligence. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration should be promoted to utilize modern technology in exploring the essence of TCM theories and screening effective formulae, thereby comprehensively improving the diagnosis and treatment of SLE through integrated TCM and Western medical approaches.
9.Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Dominant Disease in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Zihan WANG ; Yanyu CHEN ; Yong CUI ; Qingwen TAO ; Mei MO ; Ke XUE ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):263-269
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a refractory autoimmune disease, is among the dominant diseases where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows advantages in the field of rheumatology and immunology. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital hosted the "46th Youth Salon on Dominant Diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)" organized by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, which led to a consensus on "the advantages, challenges, interdisciplinary approaches, and translational achievements of integrated TCM and Western medical approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE." The diagnosis and treatment of SLE currently face several challenges, such as frequent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis in the early stages, difficulty in achieving treatment targets, multiple side effects from pharmacotherapy, and the lack of management strategies for special populations, all of which hinder the fulfillment of the clinical needs of patients. Integrated TCM and Western medical approaches can improve clinical symptoms such as skin erythema, aversion to cold and cold limbs, fatigue, dry mouth, restlessness, and heat sensation in the palms and soles, thereby improving patients' quality of life. The approaches also help consolidate the efficacy of conventional Western medicine, slow disease progression, reduce relapse rates, address multi-organ involvement, and prevent or treat complications. Additionally, they enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, prevent the side effects of Western medications, help reduce hormone use, and offer distinct advantages in the individualized intervention of special populations, contributing to the whole-process management of the disease. However, evidence-based medical support for this integrated approach remains limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Common evaluation systems and modern research methodologies should be adopted to clarify the efficacy of TCM in SLE treatment. Efforts should be made to carry out high-quality evidence-based medical research, strengthen the development of fundamental and pharmacological research, and further explain the distinct advantages of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE. Future efforts should focus on advancing the integration of TCM and modern medicine, incorporating multi-omics technologies, individualized stratification, and other precision medicine concepts, in combination with artificial intelligence. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration should be promoted to utilize modern technology in exploring the essence of TCM theories and screening effective formulae, thereby comprehensively improving the diagnosis and treatment of SLE through integrated TCM and Western medical approaches.
10.Anatomical Importance Between Neural Structure and Bony Landmark in Neuroventral Decompression for Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Xin WANG ; Tao HU ; Chaofan QIN ; Bo LEI ; Mingxin CHEN ; Ke MA ; Qingyan LONG ; Qingshuai YU ; Si CHENG ; Zhengjian YAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):286-296
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).
Methods:
Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured.
Results:
The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females.
Conclusion
A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.


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