1.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
2.Survival impact of radiotherapy for patients with de novo metastatic rectal cancer
Harvey Yu-Li SU ; Yun-Hsuan LIN ; Ko-Chao LEE ; Yueh-Ming LIN ; Chun-Chieh HUANG ; Eng-Yen HUANG ; Tai-Jan CHIU ; Shih-Yu HUANG ; Chia-Che WU ; Chang-Ting LIN ; Ming-Chun KUO ; Kai-Lung TSAI
Annals of Coloproctology 2026;42(1):94-102
Purpose:
Metastatic rectal cancer (mRC) is a highly lethal and complex disease that demands a multidisciplinary treatment approach. However, the clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT) for de novo mRC remains controversial and uncertain.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study examined medical records from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for patients with histologically confirmed de novo mRC diagnosed between January 2015 and December 2020. All patients received standard systemic therapy and radical surgery when feasible. The primary outcome, overall survival (OS), was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox regression model.
Results:
Among 271 patients included in the analysis, 117 received RT and 154 did not. The median OS was significantly longer in the RT group compared with the non-RT group (27.8 months vs. 21.9 months; P=0.046). Multivariate analysis identified several independent predictors of OS: age ≥65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–2.27; P=0.001), primary tumor resection (HR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.90–3.61; P<0.001), M1b or M1c disease (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.44–2.69; P<0.001), and receipt of RT (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02–1.94; P=0.036).
Conclusion
RT significantly improves OS in patients with mRC, underscoring its role in treatment strategies. These findings support its inclusion in therapeutic protocols and highlight the need for larger, multicenter trials to confirm and extend these results.
3.Plant-derived Exosome-like Nanovesicles in Biomedical Applications
Xu LIU ; Si-Rui LIU ; Jia-Yu MA ; Yu-Ting MOU ; Ting-Yu SHI ; Sheng HUANG ; Tian-Li SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1609-1621
Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs), characterized by a natural lipid bilayer membrane, have rapidly emerged as a prominent research frontier in medicine owing to their unique biological properties and robust therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively examines the biological profiles, mechanistic functions, and recent engineering advancements of PELNs. In terms of composition, PELNs are uniquely enriched in plant-specific glycolipids, phosphatidylserine, secondary metabolites, and highly stable 2'-O-methylated miRNAs. This distinct molecular makeup endows them with exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and the capacity for cross-species molecular communication. Mechanistically, PELNs demonstrate profound anti-inflammatory efficacy by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. They also serve as potent immune modulators, driving macrophage M1/M2 polarization and regulating T cell activity. Additionally, PELNs exhibit promising antitumor capabilities, targeting malignancies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, TRAIL pathway activation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Crucially, the plant miRNAs encapsulated within PELNs remain highly stable in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to selectively alter gene expression in specific gut microbiota communities. This interaction deeply influences host immunity and metabolism, highlighting the vital role in cross-species regulation. Advancements in bioengineering have further expanded the clinical utility of PELNs. Targeted delivery efficiency can be significantly amplified via surface functionalization (e.g., folate and RGD sequences) and state-of-the-art drug loading technologies such as sonication and electroporation. Consequently, engineered PELNs surpass traditional synthetic nanocarriers in penetrating natural physiological barriers, particularly for oral and transdermal drug administration. Despite these advantages, clinical translation is currently hindered by the lack of standardized isolation protocols, challenges in scalable manufacturing, and the need for robust quality control frameworks. Looking forward, the integration of multi-omics approaches and AI-driven “molecular fingerprinting”—coupled with the design of synthetic biomimetic vesicles—will be instrumental in overcoming these bottlenecks, ultimately establishing PELNs as a next-generation platform for precision medicine and targeted nanotherapeutic delivery.
4.Pathogenesis Evolution Characteristics and Intervention Strategies for Alternation Between Active and Remission Phases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:Based on the Theory of "Grease-Turbidity-Heat Toxin"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xyudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1664-1668
Based on the theoretical framework of "grease-turbidity-heat toxin", this paper elucidates the patholo-gical evolution pattern underlying the alternation between active and remission phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is proposed that the active phase of IBD represents a progressive and explosive process characterized by internal accumulation of grease turbidity, constraint transforming into heat, and exuberant heat generating toxin. During the remission phase, the pathogenic process manifests as subsidence of heat toxin, depletion of qi and yin, latent retention of residual turbidity, and a state of coexistence between deficiency of healthy qi and lingering pathogenic factors. Accordingly, a staged therapeutic strategy with dynamic intervention and targeted modulation has been established. During the active phase, treatment follows the sequential principle of unblocking, clearing, and resolving pathogenic factors. In the early stage, the therapeutic approach focuses on regulating qi movement, fortifying the spleen, and resolving turbidity, using Tongxie Essential Formula (痛泻要方) and Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to regulate qi and fortify spleen. In the middle stage, the strategy emphasizes clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and dispersing pathogenic accumulation through downward and outward pathways, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) combined with Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) is used to clear and resolve damp-heat. In the late stage, treatment aims to resolve toxin, restrain sore, cool blood, and stabilize collaterals, using Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤), Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤), and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to eliminate toxins and cool blood. During the remission phase, the principle of reinforcing, consolidating, and penetrating is adopted to restore internal balance and clear the source, using Sishen Pills (四神丸) and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) to reinforce healthy qi and venting pathogens.
5.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome:Based on the Theory of "Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注)"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1728-1733
Based on the theory of Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注, the ebb and flow of midnight and midday) and the clinical characteristics of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) that its symptoms mainly occur during chou (丑) period (01:00—03:00), mao (卯) period (5:00—7:00), and si (巳) period (9:00—11:00), this paper proposes a temporal pathogenesis chain of "liver constraint during chou period, intestinal stagnation during mao period, and spleen deficiency during si period". Within this chain, liver constraint serves as the initiating factor, and intestinal stagnation manifests as the branch, while spleen deficiency constitutes the root of the disease. Accordingly, a chronotherapeutic principle of "soothing the liver, regulating the intestines, and fortifying the spleen" is proposed, establishing a corresponding time-based syndrome differentiation and treatment system. During chou period, the treatment should focus on soothing the liver to relieve constraint and calming the mind to tranquilize the spirit, thereby blocking the mechanism of liver constraint overacting on the spleen. During mao period, the focus is regulating qi to resolve dampness and harmonizing the intestine to alleviate the branch symptoms of morning abdominal pain and diarrhea. During si period, the suggested method is fortifying the spleen and supplementing qi to drain dampness and stop diarrhea, thereby restoring the pivot of spleen-stomach transportation and transformation. These methods are complemented by strategies to optimize medication compliance, thereby providing a new chronotherapeutic approach for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBS-D.
6.Pathogenesis Evolution Characteristics and Intervention Strategies for Alternation Between Active and Remission Phases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:Based on the Theory of "Grease-Turbidity-Heat Toxin"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xyudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1664-1668
Based on the theoretical framework of "grease-turbidity-heat toxin", this paper elucidates the patholo-gical evolution pattern underlying the alternation between active and remission phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is proposed that the active phase of IBD represents a progressive and explosive process characterized by internal accumulation of grease turbidity, constraint transforming into heat, and exuberant heat generating toxin. During the remission phase, the pathogenic process manifests as subsidence of heat toxin, depletion of qi and yin, latent retention of residual turbidity, and a state of coexistence between deficiency of healthy qi and lingering pathogenic factors. Accordingly, a staged therapeutic strategy with dynamic intervention and targeted modulation has been established. During the active phase, treatment follows the sequential principle of unblocking, clearing, and resolving pathogenic factors. In the early stage, the therapeutic approach focuses on regulating qi movement, fortifying the spleen, and resolving turbidity, using Tongxie Essential Formula (痛泻要方) and Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to regulate qi and fortify spleen. In the middle stage, the strategy emphasizes clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and dispersing pathogenic accumulation through downward and outward pathways, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) combined with Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) is used to clear and resolve damp-heat. In the late stage, treatment aims to resolve toxin, restrain sore, cool blood, and stabilize collaterals, using Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤), Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤), and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to eliminate toxins and cool blood. During the remission phase, the principle of reinforcing, consolidating, and penetrating is adopted to restore internal balance and clear the source, using Sishen Pills (四神丸) and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) to reinforce healthy qi and venting pathogens.
7.Screening and influencing factors analysis of myopia in children and adolescent in Wulong district of Chongqing
Huabin ZHENG ; Ting XIAO ; Ji LI ; Qirong HUANG ; Zhi ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):297-300
AIM:To investigate myopia status and analyze the influence factors in children and adolescent in Wulong district of Chongqing.METHODS:Cross-sectional study. A stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 2 504 primary and secondary school students in Wulong district, and all students underwent myopia screen and questionnaire survey, statistics and analyses the data.RESULTS:Totally 2 431 students were participated in this study, and 1 217 students with myopia were screened out, the prevalence rate of myopia was 50.06%, awareness rate of myopia was 64.59%, glasses wearing rate of myopia was 51.85%. The prevalence of myopia increased with age and grade(P<0.05), the prevalence of myopia in male(46.97%)was lower than in female(53.18%), and the prevalence of myopia in township(47.06%)was lower than in urban area(52.11%; all P<0.05). Regression analysis showed that outdoor activities were protective factor for myopia, while female, myopic parents, near vision work, short sleep duration and sweet tooth were risk factors for myopia.CONCLUSION:The prevalence rate of myopia was higher in children and adolescent in Wulong district of Chongqing, awareness rate of myopia and glasses wearing rate of myopia were lower, and the genesis of myopia is highly relevant to outdoor activities, gender, myopic parents, near vision work, short sleep duration and sweet tooth.
8.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.
9.Does 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Predict Incident Diabetic Nephropathy and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies in Southern China
Jiaheng CHEN ; Yu Ting LI ; Zimin NIU ; Zhanpeng HE ; Yao Jie XIE ; Jose HERNANDEZ ; Wenyong HUANG ; Harry H.X. WANG ;
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):298-310
Background:
Diabetic macrovascular and microvascular complications often coexist and may share similar risk factors and pathological pathways. We aimed to investigate whether 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, which is commonly assessed in diabetes management, can predict incident diabetic nephropathy (DN) and retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study enrolled 2,891 patients with clinically diagnosed T2DM who were free of ASCVD, nephropathy, or retinopathy at baseline in the Guangzhou (2017–2022) and Shaoguan (2019–2021) Diabetic Eye Study in southern China. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Multivariable- adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were developed to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate predictive capability.
Results:
During follow-up, a total of 171 cases of DN and 532 cases of DR were documented. Each 1% increment in 10-year ASCVD risk was associated with increased risk of DN (pooled HR, 1.122; 95% CI, 1.094 to 1.150) but not DR (pooled HR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.979 to 1.013). The model demonstrated acceptable performance in predicting new-onset DN (pooled AUC, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.628 to 0.715). These results were consistent across cohorts and subgroups, with the association appearing to be more pronounced in women.
Conclusion
Ten-year ASCVD risk predicts incident DN but not DR in our study population with T2DM. Regular monitoring of ASCVD risk in routine diabetes practice may add to the ability to enhance population-based prevention for both macrovascular and microvascular diseases, particularly among women.
10.Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Delaying Brain Aging in Aging Mice by Regulating Tryptophan Metabolism
De-Man ZHANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1362-1372
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.

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