1.Construction of Saikosaponin D Multifunctional Liposomes and Evaluation of Its Anti-liver Cancer Efficacy and Targeting
Kun YU ; Guochun YANG ; Yaliang JIANG ; Yunting XIAO ; Congxian WANG ; Qionge SUN ; Ziyue LI ; Yikun SHANG ; Yu MAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):205-216
ObjectiveTo construct a multifunctional liposomal delivery system by replacing cholesterol(Chol) in conventional liposomes with saikosaponin D(SSD) and modifying with poloxamer 407(P407) for co-delivery of curcumin(Cur). The system was evaluated for in vivo tumor targeting and inhibitory effects on mouse subcutaneous solid tumors. MethodsSingle-factor and orthogonal tests combined with information entropy weighting were used to optimize the formulation process of the liposome with encapsulation efficiency and absolute Zeta potential as indexes, and validation studies and liposomal characterization were performed. A subcutaneous solid tumor model was established by injecting H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right forelimb of mice. DiR-loaded traditional Chol liposomes(P407-DiR-Chol-LPs, PDCL) and novel SSD-based liposomes(P407-DiR-SSD-LPs, PDSL) were prepared by the optimized formulation process, and tail vein injection was performed to investigate the impact of SSD on liposome tumor targeting with small animal in vivo imaging. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups, including blank group, model group, free doxorubicin(DOX) group(2 mg·kg-1), free Cur group(8 mg·kg-1), free SSD group(10 mg·kg-1), P407-Cur-Chol-LPs(PCCL) group, P407-SSD-LPs(PSL) group, and P407-Cur-SSD-Lps(PCSL) group. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every other day for seven doses. Antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were evaluated by monitoring body weight change, organ indices, tumor volume and mass, relative tumor proliferation rate(T/C), and tumor growth inhibition rate(TGI). Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and tumor tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine(Crea)in mice were quantified by fully automated biochemical analyzer. ResultsOrthogonal test yielded optimal ratios of Cur, SSD, and P407 to soybean phosphatidylcholine(SPC) as 1∶25, 1∶20, and 1∶4. The optimized PCSL exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 179.15 nm, a Zeta potential of -47.25 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 96.40%. Its in vitro release profile conformed to first-order kinetics, demonstrating excellent storage stability and hemocompatibility. In vivo imaging revealed that the fluorescence signal in tumor tissues and the fluorescence intensity ratio between tumors and organs were significantly higher in the PDSL group than in the PDCL group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, PCSL group showed superior efficacy over free Cur group, free SSD group, PCCL group, and PSL group, with TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating pronounced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology and serum biochemistry indicated minimal hepatorenal toxicity and improved hepatic and renal function in PCSL-treated mice. ConclusionReplacing Chol with SSD in preparing multifunctional drug delivery systems not only stabilizes liposomes but also yields superior anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy, achieving the effect of drug-excipient integration. Co-delivery of Cur via this system can be used for treating subcutaneous solid tumors in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing new insights and technical approaches for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma research and the meridian-guiding and messenger-directing theory in traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Study on the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2 on traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy in rabbits
Xiaoli CHEN ; Yuze MAO ; Wenhui CAI ; Haiwei WANG ; Yankun YUE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):16-20
AIM:To investigate the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2(ASPP2)on the development of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)in a rabbit model.METHODS:A total of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were selected, and the right eyes of all rabbits were inflicted with a scleral penetrating wound of approximately 6 mm. Then rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into experimental and control group. The experimental group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with lentivirus-ASPP2, while the control group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with negative control lentivirus. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after PVR modeling, a handheld tonometer was used to measure the intraocular pressure. Moreover, fundus photography and ocular ultrasound examination were performed to detect the retinal proliferation. At 4 wk after modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological retinal changes, and Western blot was used to determine the protein expressions of ASPP2 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)marker Vimentin in the rabbit retinas.RESULTS:At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after modeling, there were no significant changes in intraocular pressure within the experimental and control group of rabbit eyes, either before or after PVR modeling, the success rate of PVR modeling in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), and the retinal proliferation and structural disorder was less severe in the experimental group. At 4 wk after modeling, the retinal protein expression level of ASPP2 in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(t=3.193, P=0.033), while the Vimentin protein expression level was significantly lower in the experimental group(t=-3.599, P=0.023).CONCLUSION:ASPP2 may be involved in regulating the process of EMT in retinal pigment epithelial cells, thereby delaying the development and progression of traumatic PVR in rabbit eyes.
3.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
4.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
5.Effect of Optimized New Shengmai Powder (优化新生脉散方) on Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Qi Deficiency,Blood Stasis and Fluid Retention Syndrome:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Xianliang WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Zhao GE ; Tongzuo LIU ; Maozhe ZHANG ; Shuai WANG ; Zhiqiang ZHAO ; Yingfei BI ; Ruijuan ZHOU ; Ying ZHENG ; Jingyuan MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):425-431
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects and safety of the optimized new Shengmai Powder (优化新生脉散方) on exercise tolerance in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of qi deficiency, blood stasis, and fluid retention syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 78 CHF patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis, and fluid retention syndrome were recruited and randomly assigned to a treatment group (39 cases) and a control group (39 cases). On the basis of conventional western medical therapy, patients in the treatment group additionally received the optimized new Shengmai Powder granules, while the control group was given an oral placebo of optimized new Shengmai Powder granules. Patients in both groups took 30.6 g each time, twice a day, mixed with water for administration, with a total treatment course of 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and peak oxygen uptake (Peak VO2) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Secondary outcomes included New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, cardiac function indexes including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventri-cular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scores, and scores of four diagnostic information of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). All indicators were assessed once before and after treatment respectively. Safety indicators were evaluated, and adverse events during the trial were recorded. ResultsAll patients in both groups were included in the full ana-lysis set (FAS) and safety set (SS). Compared with baseline, the 6MWD and Peak VO₂ of cardiopulmonary exercise test in the treatment group significantly increased after treatment, while the MLHFQ scores, serum BNP levels and scores of TCM four diagnostic information significantly decreased, and the NYHA cardiac function grade significantly improved (P<0.01). After treatment, the 6MWD and Peak VO₂ of cardiopulmonary exercise test, as well as their changes from baseline in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group; the MLHFQ scores, serum BNP levels and scores of TCM four diagnostic information in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group; and the improvement of NYHA cardiac function grade in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant differences in all indicators after treatment in the control group (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse events was 5.1% (2/39) in the treatment group and 2.6% (1/39) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (P>0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine treatment, the addition of the optimized new Shengmai Powder can further improve exercise tolerance, cardiac function and quality of life in patients with CHF of qi deficiency, blood stasis and fluid retention syndrome, and show good safety.
6.Influenza prediction and holiday effects analysis based on Prophet-LSTM model
Wenlin CHENG ; Junjun MAO ; Yizhe WANG ; Jiabing WU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):8-12
Objective To investigate the impact of holiday effects and prevention/control measures on the development characteristics and incidence trends of influenza in Hefei City using a Prophet-LSTM hybrid model, and to validate the applicability of the Prophet-LSTM model in influenza prediction by comparing the performance of different forecasting models. Methods Influenza incidence data from Hefei City (2016–2024) were collected to construct a Prophet-LSTM feature analysis and prediction model to analyze the impact of holiday effects and intervention measures on influenza incidence trends. Comparative models (ARIMA, GRU, and TimeGPT) were established and evaluated on the same test set. Results The data analysis revealed significantly increased influenza incidence during holidays (e.g., New Year's Day, Spring Festival, and National Day), while prevention and control measures led to declining trends. The Prophet-LSTM model demonstrated high consistency between the predicted and actual values, outperforming the comparative models with superior MAE (0.209), MSE (0.195), and IA (0.914), indicating higher prediction accuracy and trend-fitting capability. Conclusion The Prophet-LSTM model effectively captures spatiotemporal characteristics of influenza incidence, exhibits enhanced predictive performance when incorporating holiday effects and intervention measures, and demonstrates significant advantages and application value in influenza forecasting.
7.Construction and Practice of AI-Based Triadic Interactive Teaching Model for Surgical Animal Surgery
Kaikai MAO ; Xiu LI ; Chen ZHOU ; Jianfeng SANG ; Meng WANG ; Guang ZHANG ; Xiaozhi ZHAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):288-296
ObjectiveIn the context of the digital transformation of education, this study aims to construct a triadic interactive teaching model for surgical animal surgery in clinical medicine using modern information technology. It explores the effectiveness of different teaching methods in improving students' practical skills, aseptic awareness, and teamwork abilities, providing a reference for the reform of clinical practice education. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 80 students from the eight-year clinical medicine program at Nanjing University were selected, including the Class of 2020 (control group, n=40) and the Class of 2021 (experimental group, n=40). The control group received traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group implemented the "Teacher-Student-AI" triadic interactive teaching model. This model utilized a smart teaching platform for personalized pre-class preparation , as well as data-driven post-class review and feedback throughout the entire teaching process. The "assessment indicators and scoring criteria for the surgical animal surgery course" were used to evaluate teaching effectiveness, with independent samples t-tests used for statistical analysis. ResultsPre-course assessments revealed no statistically significant differences in baseline theoretical knowledge or practical skills between the two groups (P>0.05). Upon completion of the course, the experimental group achieved higher scores than the control group across three key dimensions: practical skills (47.98±1.34 vs 46.92±2.51, P=0.022), aseptic awareness (17.84±1.16 vs 16.94±2.29, P=0.029), and teamwork (16.82±1.44 vs 15.95±1.22, P=0.004). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the scores for humane care awareness between the two groups (8.24±0.70 vs 8.16±0.53, P=0.589). ConclusionThe AI-based triadic interactive teaching model can, to some extent, address the limitations of traditional surgical animal surgery education. It plays a positive role in enhancing medical students' surgical skills, aseptic awareness, and collaborative abilities. This model facilitates the transition from traditional to personalized teaching and offers a practical framework for the digital reform of clinical practice education.
8.Potential target values of low temperature and cold receptor transient receptor potential M8 and glutamate receptor-3/glutamate receptor ionotropic,kainate 2 in the treatment of hypertension
Jingfeng WANG ; Fan XIA ; Sujie MAO ; Xiaolin LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1499-1507
BACKGROUND:Low temperatures have detrimental effects on the human cardiovascular system,with a higher prevalence of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases,especially among people living in cold climates.Transient receptor potential M8(TRPM8)is often recognized as a physiological sensor of environmental cold,and glutamate receptor-3(GLR-3)/glutamate receptor ionotropic,kainate 2(GluK2)is also cold-sensitive.However,the specific molecular mechanisms of cold-associated TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 in regulating hypertension remain puzzling.OBJECTIVE:Through a review of the literature in this field,to find out the general pattern of TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 in regulating the body's cold response,as well as the specific mechanism of action in hypertension,thereby providing a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the treatment of hypertension based on cold-stimulation-related targets,and further expanding the new ideas and methods for the treatment of hypertension.METHODS:We searched,reviewed and screened the relevant literature on"cold stimulation,TRPM8,GLR-3/GluK2 and hypertension"to lay the theoretical foundation for the analysis of the whole article.Comparative analysis method,through reading and analyzing the obtained literature,comparing the similarities and differences between the literature,was performed to provide reasonable theoretical support for the argument.Through further comparative analysis of the literature,the relationship between the relevant indicators was clarified,and the ideas were clarified for the analysis of the full text.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)TRPM8 can be activated by cold and mainly mediates cool temperature perception in mammals.Its activation can trigger neurogenic inflammatory response and indirectly affect the inflammatory process.Abnormal TRPM8 signal can lead to excessive activation of immune cells,which is significantly associated with the occurrence and development of hypertension.(2)The activation threshold of GLR-3/GluK2 is lower than that of TRPM8,which may preferentially respond to noxious cold stimulation rather than ordinary cool temperature.In cold environment,GLR-3/GluK2 activation enhances sympathetic nerve excitability by regulating interneuron signal transduction and causes peripheral vascular constriction.Long-term effects can lead to increased peripheral vascular resistance.To conclude,TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 are involved in the interaction of the nerve-immune-vascular system by sensing different cold stimuli.Abnormal TRPM8 signaling indirectly promotes the progression of hypertension through inflammation and immune dysregulation,while GLR-3/GluK2 directly exacerbates vascular constriction and resistance by enhancing sympathetic nerve activity.The combination of the two factors may constitute the key molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of hypertension in cold environment,and provide a potential target for the intervention of cold-related cardiovascular diseases.
9.Potential target values of low temperature and cold receptor transient receptor potential M8 and glutamate receptor-3/glutamate receptor ionotropic,kainate 2 in the treatment of hypertension
Jingfeng WANG ; Fan XIA ; Sujie MAO ; Xiaolin LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1499-1507
BACKGROUND:Low temperatures have detrimental effects on the human cardiovascular system,with a higher prevalence of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases,especially among people living in cold climates.Transient receptor potential M8(TRPM8)is often recognized as a physiological sensor of environmental cold,and glutamate receptor-3(GLR-3)/glutamate receptor ionotropic,kainate 2(GluK2)is also cold-sensitive.However,the specific molecular mechanisms of cold-associated TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 in regulating hypertension remain puzzling.OBJECTIVE:Through a review of the literature in this field,to find out the general pattern of TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 in regulating the body's cold response,as well as the specific mechanism of action in hypertension,thereby providing a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the treatment of hypertension based on cold-stimulation-related targets,and further expanding the new ideas and methods for the treatment of hypertension.METHODS:We searched,reviewed and screened the relevant literature on"cold stimulation,TRPM8,GLR-3/GluK2 and hypertension"to lay the theoretical foundation for the analysis of the whole article.Comparative analysis method,through reading and analyzing the obtained literature,comparing the similarities and differences between the literature,was performed to provide reasonable theoretical support for the argument.Through further comparative analysis of the literature,the relationship between the relevant indicators was clarified,and the ideas were clarified for the analysis of the full text.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)TRPM8 can be activated by cold and mainly mediates cool temperature perception in mammals.Its activation can trigger neurogenic inflammatory response and indirectly affect the inflammatory process.Abnormal TRPM8 signal can lead to excessive activation of immune cells,which is significantly associated with the occurrence and development of hypertension.(2)The activation threshold of GLR-3/GluK2 is lower than that of TRPM8,which may preferentially respond to noxious cold stimulation rather than ordinary cool temperature.In cold environment,GLR-3/GluK2 activation enhances sympathetic nerve excitability by regulating interneuron signal transduction and causes peripheral vascular constriction.Long-term effects can lead to increased peripheral vascular resistance.To conclude,TRPM8 and GLR-3/GluK2 are involved in the interaction of the nerve-immune-vascular system by sensing different cold stimuli.Abnormal TRPM8 signaling indirectly promotes the progression of hypertension through inflammation and immune dysregulation,while GLR-3/GluK2 directly exacerbates vascular constriction and resistance by enhancing sympathetic nerve activity.The combination of the two factors may constitute the key molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of hypertension in cold environment,and provide a potential target for the intervention of cold-related cardiovascular diseases.
10.WANG Xixing's Clinical Experience in Treating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis Based on the Theory of "Cough Attributed to the Five Zang (脏) Organs"
Xue QI ; Xi YANG ; Xinyue WANG ; Dongxin ZHANG ; Yuxing MAO ; Yuankun HAN ; Wenbo ZHAI ; Boyang LYU ; Yifang LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):477-481
This paper summarizes Professor WANG Xixing's clinical experience in treating immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) based on the theory of "cough attributed to the five zang (脏) organs". Cough is a common predominant symptom of CIP. According to the theory of "cough attributed to the five zang organs", drug toxicity triggers cancer toxin, leading to disharmony among the five zang organs, and then lung failing to diffuse and govern descent as the core pathogenesis. Therefore, treatment should focus on harmonizing the five zang organs to restore the normal function of lung qi to diffuse and govern descent. In clinical practice, CIP can be classified into four syndrome patterns, including lung yin depletion, deficiency of both the lung and the spleen with phlegm-dampness, liver fire harassing the lung, and lung-kidney yin deficiency. Correspondingly, Chaimai Jinluo Runfei Decoction (柴麦金络润肺汤) is used to nourish yin and moisten the lung; Qigui Peitu Huayin Decoction (芪桂培土化饮汤) is used to fortify the spleen and tonify the lung, resolve dampness and dispel phlegm; Chaidan Shuyu Runjin Decoction (柴丹疏郁润金汤) is used to drain liver and clear the lung; and Dimai Jinshui Xiangsheng Decoction (地脉金水相生汤) is used to nourish the kidney and moisten the lung.


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