1.Progress in mechanistic research on traditional Chinese medicine interventions for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea based on omics technologies
Shanxue GAO ; Jiale MA ; Long PENG ; Jie CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):401-406
Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), as a prototypical disorder involving the microbiota-gut-brain axis, remains poorly understood in terms of its pathogenesis, posing ongoing challenges for clinical diagnosis. Omics technologies, leveraging their high-throughput detection and systematic analysis advantages, has emerged as a critical tool for deciphering the complex mechanisms underlying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of IBS-D. This systematic review summarizes the research progress of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, and multi-omics integration techniques in TCM interventions for IBS-D. In single-omics studies, transcriptomics using techniques like RNA-seq, reveals the regulatory mechanisms of TCM on IBS-related signaling pathways. Proteomics, leveraging quantitative technologies such as 2D-difference gel electrophoresis and tandem mass tag, identifies differentially expressed proteins and elucidates the action targets of TCM in treating IBS-D. Metabolomics, employing methods like UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and LC-MS/MS, discovers metabolic pathways regulated by TCM to improve metabolic disturbances in IBS-D. Microbiomics, based on 16S rRNA sequencing, confirms that TCM can reshape the gut microbiota structure and restore the intestinal microecological balance, thereby improving IBS-D. Multi-omics integration further overcomes the limitations of single-omics approaches by synthesizing information from transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, enabling a more comprehensive and systematic elucidation of the complex mechanisms underlying TCM treatment for IBS-D. In the future, research related to IBS-D should be advanced from three aspects: stratified clinical research based on TCM syndrome types, multi-omics integration verification mechanisms, and emerging omics to explore new mechanisms, providing more innovative ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
2.Key scientific issues and breakthrough paths to eliminate the harm of hepatitis B virus infection
Yixue WANG ; Bo PENG ; Lei WEI ; Quanxin LONG ; Yuchen XIA ; Yinyan SUN ; Wenhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):2-6
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exclusively infects liver parenchymal cells and forms covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) within their nuclei. HBV cccDNA serves as the essential template for viral gene transcription, the sole source of progeny virus production, and the key driver of viral antigen expression, and it is the molecular basis for the persistence of HBV infection. Therefore, elimination and/or functional silencing of cccDNA is the key to eradicate chronic HBV infection. This article discusses the critical scientific issues that need to be solved during elimination of the harm of HBV infection from the perspectives of the synthesis, transcription, and clearance of cccDNA, as well as the impact of nonparenchymal cells on cccDNA, in order to provide a reference for eradicating HBV infection in the future.
3.Effect of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice with Dry Eye and Liver Depression-heat Syndrome
Xin PENG ; Xi LONG ; Yuan ZHONG ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):112-122
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Runmu Xiaoyao powder on mice with dry eye and the syndrome of liver depression-heat syndrome based on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty-six C57BL/6J female mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a sodium hyaluronate group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose Runmu Xiaoyao powder groups, with 11 mice per group. Except for those in the normal group, mice in the other groups were subjected to mouse models with dry eye and liver depression-heat syndrome by instilling a benzalkonium chloride solution and applying chronic pain stimulation in a dry environment. After modeling, mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose Runmu Xiaoyao powder groups were administered intragastrically with 29.7, 14.85, 7.43 g·kg-1, respectively, twice a day for 14 consecutive days. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received 5 μL of sodium hyaluronate eye drops in each eye twice daily. The mice in the normal and model groups were administered intragastrically with an equal volume of deionized water. Measurements were taken of tear secretion in mice, irritability scores, corneal fluorescein staining, and histopathological changes in the cornea, lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and liver tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in corneal and lacrimal gland tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in corneal, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland tissues. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced tear secretion, significantly higher irritability scores, and more pronounced corneal fluorescence staining, with marked pathological damage observed in the cornea, lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and liver tissue. IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum were significantly elevated. The protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in corneal and lacrimal gland tissues, as well as the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in corneal, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland tissues, were all significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the sodium hyaluronate group and Runmu Xiaoyao powder groups with different doses exhibited increased tear secretion to varying degrees, alleviated corneal fluorescence staining and histopathological damage, reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum, and downregulated protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in corneal and lacrimal gland tissues, as well as the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in corneal, lacrimal gland, and meibomian gland tissues. The high-dose Runmu Xiaoyao powder group demonstrated a more pronounced effect, with multiple indicators showing superior results compared to those in the sodium hyaluronate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRunmu Xiaoyao powder down-regulates the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activity in the cornea, lacrimal glands, and meibomian glands of model mice with dry eye and liver depression-heat syndrome, thereby suppressing inflammatory responses and mitigating ocular surface tissue damage. The therapeutic effect is dose-dependent, and the high-dose group exerts the most prominent effect.
4.Assessment of perioperative pulmonary fluid volume using remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) non-invasive lung fluid measurement technology in transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation: The first case report
Yuliang LONG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Xiaochun ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Xiaotong CUI ; Wenzhi PAN ; Daxin ZHOU ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):571-574
One of its primary surgical treatments of tricuspid regurgitation is tricuspid valve biological valve replacement. Catheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation is a novel interventional alternative for biological valve failure. The non-invasive lung fluid measuring device remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) has been increasingly incorporated into clinical practice as a means of monitoring chronic heart failure in recent years. This report describes the process and outcomes of the first instance of perioperative lung fluid volume evaluation following transcatheter tricuspid valve implantation utilizing ReDSTM technology. The patient has a short-term, substantial increase in postoperative lung fluid volume as compared to baseline.
5.Mitochondial-located miRNAs in The Regulation of mtDNA Expression
Peng-Xiao WANG ; Le-Rong CHEN ; Zhen WANG ; Jian-Gang LONG ; Yun-Hua PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1649-1660
Mitochondria, functioning not only as the central hub of cellular energy metabolism but also as semi-autonomous organelles, orchestrate cellular fate decisions through their endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes core components of the electron transport chain. Emerging research has identified microRNAs localized within mitochondria, termed mitochondria-located microRNAs (mitomiRs). Recent studies have revealed that mitomiRs are transcribed from nuclear DNA (nDNA), processed and matured in the cytoplasm, and subsequently transported into mitochondria. mitomiRs regulate mtDNA through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of mtDNA expression at the translational level and direct binding to mtDNA to influence transcription. Aberrant expression of mitomiRs leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Restoring mitomiR expression to physiological levels using mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate related diseases. Consequently, the regulatory mechanisms of mitomiRs have become a major focus in mitochondrial research. Given that mitomiRs are located in mitochondria, targeted delivery strategies designed for mtDNA can be adapted for the delivery of mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors. However, numerous intracellular and extracellular barriers remain, highlighting the need for more precise and efficient delivery systems in the future. The regulation of mtDNA expression mediated by mitomiRs not only expands our understanding of miRNA functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation but also provides promising molecular targets for the treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on mitomiRs in regulating mtDNA expression and discusses the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs-mtDNA interactions. Additionally, it provides new perspectives on precision therapeutic strategies, with a particular emphasis on mitomiRs-based regulation of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial-related diseases.
6.Mitochondrial Function and Regulation in Spermatogenesis and Activation of Caenorhabditis elegans
Zhan-Xin CHANG ; Long MIAO ; Peng WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1661-1672
Mitochondria play a pivotal role in spermatogenesis and sperm activation in Caenorhabditis elegans, serving as the primary ATP supplier for cell division and differentiation while also acting as a key regulator of zinc ion homeostasis, membrane dynamics, and apoptotic signaling. This review systematically summarizes the essential mitochondrial mechanisms at different stages of sperm development, highlighting their multifaceted contributions beyond energy metabolism. Mitochondria are crucial for maintaining the health and stability of the gonads by regulating key apoptotic execution proteins that facilitate the proper elimination of damaged or unnecessary germ cells. Additionally, mitochondria dynamically adjust their energy supply to meet the metabolic demands of different stages of germline development. During early spermatogenesis, mitochondria provide ATP to fuel mitotic and meiotic divisions, support cellular differentiation, and regulate H+ and Zn2+ exchange to maintain cytoplasmic homeostasis, thereby ensuring the proper maturation and functionality of sperm cells. As spermatogenesis progresses, mitochondria participate in processing and sorting essential sperm proteins, such as major sperm protein (MSP), and contribute to the formation of membranous organelles (MOs), which are critical for subsequent activation events. During sperm activation, mitochondria play a dual role in ensuring a successful transition from immotile spermatids to fully functional spermatozoa. First, they provide ATP to facilitate pseudopod formation, MO fusion, and ion channel regulation, all of which are essential for sperm motility and fertilization potential. Second, mitochondria regulate the quality and quantity of functional mitochondria within sperm cells through mitopherogenesis—a recently discovered process in which mitochondrial vesicles are selectively released, ensuring that only healthy mitochondria are retained. This quality-control mechanism optimizes mitochondrial function, which is crucial for sustaining sperm motility and longevity. Beyond their traditional role in energy metabolism, mitochondria may also contribute to protein synthesis during spermatogenesis and activation. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial ribosomes actively translate specific proteins required for sperm function, challenging the long-standing belief that spermatozoa do not engage in de novo protein synthesis after differentiation. This emerging perspective raises important questions about the role of mitochondria in regulating sperm activation at the molecular level, particularly in modulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) protein composition to optimize ATP production. In summary, mitochondria serve as both the central energy hub and a crucial regulatory factor in sperm activation, metabolic homeostasis, and reproductive success. Their involvement extends beyond ATP generation to include apoptotic regulation, ion homeostasis, vesicle-mediated mitochondrial quality control, and potential contributions to protein synthesis. Understanding these mitochondrial functions in C. elegans not only deepens our knowledge of nematode reproductive biology, but also provides valuable insights into broader mechanisms governing mitochondrial regulation in germline cells across species. These findings open new avenues for future research into the interplay between mitochondria, energy metabolism, and sperm function, with potential implications for reproductive health and fertility studies.
7.Advances and prospects of the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine research
Guicheng Liu ; Xi Long ; Qinghua PENG ; Sainan Tian ; Shujuan Hu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):300-312
Objective:
To map the research hotspots, developmental trends, and existing challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with multi-omics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through comprehensive bibliometric analysis.
Methods:
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chaoxing Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect literature on the theme of AI in TCM multi-omics research from the inception of each database to December 31, 2024. Eligible records were required to simultaneously address AI, TCM, and multi-omics. Quantitative and visual analyses of publication growth, core authorship networks, institutional collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, NoteExpress v4.0.0, and Cite Space 6.3.R1. AI application modes in TCM multi-omics research were also categorized and summarized.
Results:
A total of 1 106 articles were enrolled (932 Chinese and 174 English). Publication output has increased continuously since 2010 and accelerated after 2016. Region-specific collaboration clusters were identified, dominated by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that current AI applications predominantly centered on metabolomics and algorithms such as cluster analysis and data mining. Research foci mainly ranked as follows: single herbs, herbal formulae, and disease-syndrome differentiation.
Conclusion
Machine learning methods are the predominant integrative modality of AI in the realm of TCM multi-omics research at present, utilized for processing omics data and uncovering latent patterns therein. The domain of TCM, in addition to investigating omics information procured through high-throughput technologies, also integrates data on traditional Chinese medicinal substances and clinical phenotypes, progressing towards joint analysis of multi-omics, high-dimensionality of data, and multi-modality of information. Deep learning approaches represent an emerging trend in the field.
8.Oxidative Stress-related Signaling Pathways and Antioxidant Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Li TANG ; Yun-Long SHEN ; De-Jian PENG ; Tian-Lu RAN ; Zi-Heng PAN ; Xin-Yi ZENG ; Hui LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2486-2498
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It represents the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Notably, elevated levels of oxidative stress have been observed in the brains of AD patients, where excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause extensive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately compromising neuronal structure and function. Amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload, thereby promoting the generation of ROS. This, in turn, exacerbates Aβ aggregation and enhances tau phosphorylation, leading to the formation of two pathological features of AD: extracellular Aβ plaque deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These events ultimately culminate in neuronal death, forming a vicious cycle. The interplay between oxidative stress and these pathological processes constitutes a core link in the pathogenesis of AD. The signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress in AD include Nrf2, RCAN1, PP2A, CREB, Notch1, NF‑κB, ApoE, and ferroptosis. Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a key regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, exerts important antioxidant capacity and protective effects in AD. RCAN1 signaling pathway, as a calcineurin inhibitor, and modulates AD progression through multiple mechanisms. PP2A signaling pathway is involved in regulating tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation processes. CREB signaling pathway contributes to neuroplasticity and memory formation; activation of CREB improves cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Notch1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal development and memory, participates in modulation of Aβ production, and interacts with Nrf2 toco-regulate antioxidant activity. NF‑κB signaling pathway governs immune and inflammatory responses; sustained activation of this pathway forms “inflammatory memory”, thereby exacerbating AD pathology. ApoE signaling pathway is associated with lipid metabolism; among its isoforms, ApoE-ε4 significantly increases the risk of AD, leading to elevated oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. The ferroptosis signaling pathway is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and the subsequent release of lipid peroxidation products and ROS exacerbate oxidative stress and neuronal damage. These interconnected pathways form a complex regulatory network that regulates the progression of AD through oxidative stress and related pathological cascades. In terms of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, among the drugs currently used in clinical practice for AD treatment, memantine and donepezil demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and can improve the level of oxidative stress in AD patients. Some compounds with antioxidant effects (such asα-lipoic acid and melatonin) have shown certain potential in AD treatment research and can be used as dietary supplements to ameliorate AD symptoms. In addition, non-drug interventions such as calorie restriction and exercise have been proven to exerted neuroprotective effects and have a positive effect on the treatment of AD. By comprehensively utilizing the therapeutic characteristics of different signaling pathways, it is expected that more comprehensive multi-target combination therapy regimens and combined nanomolecular delivery systems will be developed in the future to bypass the blood-brain barrier, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
9.Outcomes of transcatheter transseptal mitral valve-in-valve replacement using Edward's SAPIEN 3 in high surgical risk patients-a multicenter study in China
Xiang CHEN ; Bin WANG ; Yi-wei XU ; Xiao-ping PENG ; Fan QIAO ; Xiang-wen LIANG ; Ke HAN ; Xiao-fei JIANG ; Xiang MA ; Wen-yi YANG ; Guo-sheng FU ; Mao-long SU ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):79-86
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement(ViV-TMVR)in patients with bioprosthetic valve degeneration who are at high surgical risk.Methods This study is a multi-center,retrospective cohort analysis of 20 consecutive patients who underwent transseptal ViV-TMVR using the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve(THV).The primary endpoints include technical success and procedural success,both defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium(MVARC)criteria,as well as mortality and functional change assessed based on New York Heart Association(NYHA)classification at 30-days and six months post-procedure.Clinical follow-up assessments are conducted at 30-days and six months.Results From February 2021 to October 2022,a total of 20 patients with symptoms of bioprosthetic valve degeneration were enrolled across nine sites in China.The patients had a mean age of(73.5±5.5)years,with 85.0%being females and 70.0%classified as NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ.The study achieved a 100.0%technical success rate and a 90.0%procedural success rate finally.All patients remained alive during the 30-day follow-up period.However,six months post-intervention,two patients(10.0%)were re-hospitalized due to heart failure,and sadly,one of them(5.0%)died.None of the patients reported any adverse events related to ViV-TMVR during the follow-up period.Notably,there was a significant improvement in NYHA class compared to baseline(P=0.0004)at six-month follow-ups.Conclusions The transseptal ViV-TMVR technique proved to be highly successful and was associated with significant improvement in NYHA class function.These findings strongly suggest that it serves as a safe and efficient treatment alternative for high-risk patients suffering from bioprosthetic valve degeneration.
10.Chinese experts' consensus on principles of preoperative hair removal
Yiping MAO ; Jun ZHENG ; Lei LI ; Deyan YANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Wang JIA ; Peng KANG ; Hui JIAO ; Yun YANG ; Qi QI ; Shiqing FENG ; Xiao LONG ; Yuewei ZHANG ; Xiaohui WANG ; Lize WANG ; Yuan WEI ; Jichao ZHOU ; Minghui MAO ; Pengju XIN ; Hongyu TAN ; Dahong ZHANG ; Lianxin LIU ; Lei TAO ; Xietong WANG ; Xiaoning YUAN ; Mang CAI ; Li MU ; Fang DU ; Rongzhu CHEN ; Fengmao ZHAO ; Jiuzuo HUANG ; Mingzi ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Baoguo WANG ; Kun WANG ; Fang LUO ; Jinhua ZHANG ; Nong HE ; Ling LYU ; Zhiyong ZONG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(10):1441-1449
To formulate an expert consensus on the principles of preoperative hair removal and provide scientific guidance for standardized removal of hair before surgical procedures so as to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections.METHODS Led by the Hospital Management Institute of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China,this consensus was reached with the joint efforts from the expects of relevant fields such as surgeries,interventional therapies,nursing,and infection prevention and control.The consensus facilitates the classification and evaluation of literatures by following the evidence grade formulated by Oxford Evidence-based Medicine Center and focuses on the association of preoperative hair removal with surgical site infection,it reaches the evidence grade of expert consensus and recommendation intensity by integrating with discussions on meetings and clinical experience of the expects from relevant fields.RESULTS A total of 6 items of consensus were reached by summarizing the latest evidence on the aspects including the indications for preoperative hair removal,tools,range,timing and places.CONCLUSION The consensus,to some extent,make supplements to and complete the exiting regulations and standards.It provides guidance for the medical institutions to carry out the preoperative hair removal.

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