1.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
3.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
4.Exploration of regular assessment management model for occupational disease diagnosticians in Guangdong Province
Xiaoyi LI ; Li HUANG ; Lin XU ; Lijun YE ; Zhengdu LAI ; Bin LI ; Xijin SHE ; Lihua XIA ; Shijie HU
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):108-112
Occupational disease diagnostician (ODD) is the core technology professional who is responsible for occupational disease diagnosis and identification and the main inspection work for occupational medical examination. The implementation of regular assessment management for ODDs is a key component of standardized workforce management, which facilitates dynamic evaluation of professional competence, regulation of medical practice, and assurance of medical safety. Since January 2025, Guangdong Province has implemented regular assessment management for ODDs within its administrative region. The assessment adopts an integrated model consisting of three components including professional competency evaluation, performance appraisal, and professional ethics evaluation, with each assessment cycle lasting three years. ODDs who passed all three components are classified as qualified ODD, whereas those who failed to pass any one of the three components result in an unqualified assessment outcome. In the implementation of ODD regular assessment management, Guangdong Province has emphasized integrating assessment with quality evaluation, strengthening full-cycle supervision of ODDs′ professional conduct, optimizing assessment strategies for special groups of ODDs, and reinforcing the primary management responsibility of medical institutions. Meanwhile, ODDs′ professional competence, service quality, and professional integrity have been continuously promoted by adopting human-computer interactive assessments, information-based assessment management, and "elimination" mechanism.
5.Qingjie Huagong Formula (清解化攻方) Combined with Conventional Western Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Xialan LAI ; Guozhong CHEN ; Xiaodong ZHU ; Weizhizi LI ; Xiping TANG ; Xiaoyi HUANG ; Dewen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2095-2102
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of oral/ gastric tube/ jejunal tube administration or retention enema of Qingjie Huagong Formula (清解化攻方, QHF) mirabilite abdominal bag external application combined with conventional western medicine in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). MethodsA prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 128 AP patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group and a treatment group, with 64 cases in each group. The control group received placebo and conventional western medicine, while the treatment group additionally received oral/ gastric tube/ jejunal tube administration or retention enema of QHF, and mirabilite abdominal bag external application. Both groups received treatment from admission to discharge as one complete course, with the maximum treatment duration not exceeding 14 days.The primary outcome was the severity grading of AP. Secondary outcomes were clinical efficacy, laboratory indicators including white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (Lac), and D-dimer, gastrointestinal function recovery indicators including time to relief of abdominal pain, time to recovery of bowel sounds, and time to resumption of enteral nutrition, total fluid volume administered within 24 h after admission, intra-abdominal pressure, length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and incidence of complications. ResultsDuring the treatment period, 3 cases dropped out in the control group and 9 cases in the treatment group, leaving 116 cases for final analysis (55 in the treatment group and 61 in the control group). After treatment, the markedly effective rate and overall effective rate in the treatment group were 69.09% (38/55) and 92.73% (51/55), respectively, which was higher than 49.18% (30/61) and 80.33% (49/61) in the control group. The severity of the disease in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed significantly reduced levels of WBC, CRP, PCT, BUN, Lac, and D-dimer; the time to relief of abdominal pain, time to recovery of bowel sounds, and time to resumption of enteral nutrition were significantly shortened; the fluid volume administered within 24 h after admission and intra-abdominal pressure were significantly reduced, as well as the length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The incidences of acute kidney injury, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and infected pancreatic necrosis in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionQHF combined with conventional western medicine can significantly improve the inflammatory status of AP patients, promote gastrointestinal function recovery, reduce intra-abdominal pressure and fluid resuscitation requirements, lower the risk of certain complications, and shorten the length of hospital stay.
6.Qingjie Huagong Formula (清解化攻方) Combined with Conventional Western Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Xialan LAI ; Guozhong CHEN ; Xiaodong ZHU ; Weizhizi LI ; Xiping TANG ; Xiaoyi HUANG ; Dewen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2095-2102
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of oral/ gastric tube/ jejunal tube administration or retention enema of Qingjie Huagong Formula (清解化攻方, QHF) mirabilite abdominal bag external application combined with conventional western medicine in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). MethodsA prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 128 AP patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group and a treatment group, with 64 cases in each group. The control group received placebo and conventional western medicine, while the treatment group additionally received oral/ gastric tube/ jejunal tube administration or retention enema of QHF, and mirabilite abdominal bag external application. Both groups received treatment from admission to discharge as one complete course, with the maximum treatment duration not exceeding 14 days.The primary outcome was the severity grading of AP. Secondary outcomes were clinical efficacy, laboratory indicators including white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (Lac), and D-dimer, gastrointestinal function recovery indicators including time to relief of abdominal pain, time to recovery of bowel sounds, and time to resumption of enteral nutrition, total fluid volume administered within 24 h after admission, intra-abdominal pressure, length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and incidence of complications. ResultsDuring the treatment period, 3 cases dropped out in the control group and 9 cases in the treatment group, leaving 116 cases for final analysis (55 in the treatment group and 61 in the control group). After treatment, the markedly effective rate and overall effective rate in the treatment group were 69.09% (38/55) and 92.73% (51/55), respectively, which was higher than 49.18% (30/61) and 80.33% (49/61) in the control group. The severity of the disease in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed significantly reduced levels of WBC, CRP, PCT, BUN, Lac, and D-dimer; the time to relief of abdominal pain, time to recovery of bowel sounds, and time to resumption of enteral nutrition were significantly shortened; the fluid volume administered within 24 h after admission and intra-abdominal pressure were significantly reduced, as well as the length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The incidences of acute kidney injury, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and infected pancreatic necrosis in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionQHF combined with conventional western medicine can significantly improve the inflammatory status of AP patients, promote gastrointestinal function recovery, reduce intra-abdominal pressure and fluid resuscitation requirements, lower the risk of certain complications, and shorten the length of hospital stay.
7.Clinical Observation of Xiere Xingpi Yin in Treatment of Simple Obesity and Effect on Obesity-related miRNAs
Yelin ZHU ; Yiwen HUANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Xianchang ZENG ; Zhenxiu LIU ; Hejin LAI ; Feng TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):177-185
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Xiere Xingpi Yin (XRXPY) on the body mass and body fat distribution in patients with simple obesity, and to preliminarily explore whether the mechanism involves the regulation of specific obesity-related microRNAs (miRNAs). MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was employed to recruit patients with simple obesity diagnosed with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome of dampness-heat accumulating in the spleen. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 95 patients with simple obesity of dampness-heat encumbering the Spleen syndrome were recruited, after 3 were excluded, 92 were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio by means of a random number table. On the basis of lifestyle intervention, the observation group received XRXPY granules, while the control group received a placebo. Serum samples and TCM symptom scores were collected before and after the 12-week observation period. Differences in body mass loss, body composition, lipid metabolism, and TCM symptom scores were compared between the groups. An obesity-related miRNA dataset was constructed by searching the Human MicroRNA Disease Database. Library construction, sequencing, and quality control were performed on 6 selected patients from each group to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs. The intersection of these miRNAs with the obesity-related miRNAs was verified by bioinformatics and correlation analysis. ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups before treatment. A total of 86 patients completed the study (42 cases in the observation group and 44 cases in the control group). The proportion of patients achieving ≥5% body weight reduction was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group 81.0% (34/42) vs. 43.2% (19/44) (χ2=12.963, P<0.01). Compared with baseline within the observation group, body weight, waist circumference, and TCM syndrome score were significantly decreased (P<0.01), as were body fat percentage (P<0.01) and serum triglyceride level (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, waist circumference and TCM syndrome score were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.01), and body weight showed a trend toward reduction. When changes from baseline were compared between the two groups, the magnitudes of decrease in body weight, waist circumference, and TCM syndrome score were all significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). With respect to safety, no serious adverse events occurred in either group and no participant discontinued the study because of adverse events. Compared with baseline, alanine aminotransferase levels decreased significantly in both the control and observation groups (P<0.01), and urea decreased significantly in the observation group (P<0.01), indicating a favorable safety profile. Sequencing identified nine differentially expressed miRNAs. After intersecting with the obesity-related miRNA dataset (187 miRNAs), 3 miRNAs were identified: miR-221 (log2FC=-6.62, P=0.009), miR-29a (log2FC=6.33, P=0.016), and miR-10b (log2FC=-5.91, P=0.029). A total of 262 target genes of the 3 miRNAs were identified, which were significantly enriched in 67 pathways, including the lysine degradation pathway (P=0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between miR-221 and triglycerides (r=0.46, P=0.027), a negative correlation between miR-29a and waist-to-hip ratio (r=-0.41, P=0.047), and positive correlations of miR-10b with body fat percentage (r=0.49, P=0.014) and waist circumference (r=0.44, P=0.032). ConclusionXRXPY combined with lifestyle intervention can effectively reduce the body mass and improve body composition. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the lysine degradation pathway via miR-221, miR-29a, and miR-10b, though further verification is required.
8.Prognostic Utility of the Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yun-Ting WANG ; Adarsh KUDVA ; Yen-Ting LU ; Liang-Tseng KUO ; Chia-Hsuan LAI ; Yuan-Hsiung TSAI ; Chun-Ta LIAO ; Ku-Hao FANG ; Chung-Jan KANG ; Ethan I. HUANG ; Cheng-Ming HSU ; Geng-He CHANG ; Ming-Shao TSAI ; Yao-Te TSAI
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):45-54
Objectives:
. The prognostic value of the pretreatment albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) remains uncertain. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive role of AAPR for survival outcomes in patients with HNC.
Methods:
. A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 30, 2024. We included studies on AAPR and survival outcomes in HNC patients.
Results:
. Eight studies comprising 1,737 HNC patients were analyzed using random-effects models. Lower AAPR values were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08), progression-free survival (HR, 2.00), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.18). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion
. Our findings suggest that pretreatment AAPR could serve as a valuable and cost-effective prognostic indicator in HNC, potentially aiding clinicians in risk stratification and treatment decision-making. However, additional validation studies are warranted to confirm its clinical applicability.
9.Shaoyaotang Regulates miRNA-155-mediated SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 Signaling Pathway to Affect Macrophage Polarization
Qi CHENG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Yiqian YU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG ; Jun XIONG ; Dichang LAI ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shaoyaotang regulates the miRNA-155-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)/Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway and thereby affects macrophage polarization. MethodsThe cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of drug-containing serum of Shaoyaotang at different concentrations on the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. A cell model of inflammation was established by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a concentration of 10 mg·L-1 The modeled cells were assigned by the random number table method into seven groups: LPS-induced M1 polarization (model), M1+miRNA-155 mimics, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor, M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, and M1+blank serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)]. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of macrophage polarization markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and macrophage mannose receptor 1 (CD206)]. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miRNA-155 in cells. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of SOCS1, STAT1, and JAK1. ResultsCompared with the LPS-induced M1 polarization (model) group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group showed up-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and down-regulated expression of CD206 (P<0.05). In both the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group and the M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group, the expression levels of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS were down-regulated (P<0.05), while those of SOCS1 and CD206 were up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group, the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang regulates macrophage polarization by modulating miRNA-155 expression and interfering with the SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. The findings provide new experimental evidence for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
10.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Setting Objective Performance Criteria in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LAI ; Qian HUANG ; Xueyin CHEN ; Shaonan LIU ; Lihong YANG ; MIMAZHUOGA ; DAWA ; Zhijian LI ; Tuerxun WUFUER ; Xinfeng GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1461-1464
Current formulation of objective performance criteria (OPC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) faces methodological challenges, including poor reporting quality, insufficient standardization of methods, limited comparability of study populations, and inadequate consideration of the genetic and environment particularities of ethnic minority populations. In response to these issues, this paper proposes optimization strategies for setting OPC in TCM, with particular attention to ethnic minority medicine. These include improving methodological techniques and statistical descriptions, ensuring transparency in meta-analyses and data sources; standardizing the estimation of point estimates and confidence intervals, and incorporating multidisciplinary expert consensus for value determination; introducing local real-world data from the same period, especially cohort study evidence, to compensate for the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trial data. Through process transparency and dynamic updating mechanisms, the credibility of OPC method can be enhanced, thereby providing methodological support for strengthening evidence-based research capacity in this field.

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