1. Exploration and Practice of a Generative AI-assisted Four-dimensional Integration Platform of “Teaching, Learning, Evaluation, and Research” for The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Courses
Pan CHEN ; Yang XI ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; De-Sen SUN ; Qiang CHEN ; Jun-Ming GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):789-800
ObjectiveBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, a discipline that elucidates life phenomena at the molecular level, serves as a core foundational course in medical education. It provides the theoretical basis for studying other basic and clinical medical subjects, as well as for understanding pathogenesis, disease diagnosis, and treatment. However, its complex content and highly abstract concepts have posed a dual challenge to traditional teaching models: “inefficient instruction” and “inadequate learning outcomes”. Within limited classroom hours, how to engage students and stimulate their intrinsic motivation, and how to help them recognize, understand, and develop a passion for biochemistry from the perspective of the discipline’s essence, have long been key focuses of curriculum research. MethodsUsing the lipid metabolism chapter as an example, this study employs “Rain Classroom”, a generative artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform, to support education in four dimensions: teaching, learning, evaluation, and research. In teaching, it assists instructors through virtual experiments, lesson preparation support, knowledge mapping, and assignment design. For learning, it serves as an intelligent study assistant for students, providing automated assignment review, enabling educational resource sharing, and facilitating personalized learning pathways. In evaluation, the platform automates assignment grading, analyzes student performance data, and offers diagnostic feedback and teaching recommendations. In research, it aids educators in collecting and analyzing teaching data, as well as searching for and summarizing relevant literature. ResultsThe results indicate that an educational model integrating teacher-led instruction, student-centered learning, and generative AI assistance significantly enhances teaching quality, students’ self-directed learning abilities, and knowledge mastery. Furthermore, with the support of generative AI, curriculum-based ideological education—focusing on cutting-edge disciplinary advances and topical medical issues—helps cultivate students’ medical spirit of “honoring life and healing the wounded”, thereby fostering the establishment of appropriate professional values. Finally, while generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education, this study also analyzes potential risks in its teaching applications, emphasizing the need for both instructors and students to avoid over-reliance and to ensure that technological tools consistently serve the fundamental goals of education. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that integrating generative AI, specifically via the “Rain Classroom” platform, can effectively enhance biochemistry education. By supporting teaching, learning, evaluation, and research, this approach improves both educational effectiveness and student outcomes. It also facilitates the incorporation of cutting-edge knowledge and professional ethics, nurturing a patient-centered mindset. Additionally, the study addresses potential implementation risks to ensure that such technological tools remain aligned with the core purpose of education.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Bambusae Succus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Ming YANG ; Zhiping CHEN ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Conglong XU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):231-239
This article systematically reviews and examines the historical evolution of Bambusae Succus as a medicinal material, covering aspects such as nomenclature, origin, geographical distribution, harvesting and processing methods, quality assessment, therapeutic effects and indications, by consulting ancient herbal texts, medical compendia, and modern literature. The aim is to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Research indicated that Bambusae Succus was first documented in the Shennong Bencaojing during the Han dynasty, with Zhuli being the standard name used throughout history, alongside aliases like Zhuzhi, Zhuyou and Huoquan. Historically, the primary source of Bambusae Succus has been Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis(Danzhu), although other species such as Pleioblastus amarus and Bambusa emeiensis have also been used medicinally. Ancient records predominantly noted its origin in Yizhou(present-day Chengdu and surrounding areas in Sichuan) and the Wuling region(between present-day Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces), while contemporary sources are mainly from regions south of the Yangtze River and southwestern China. Traditionally, Bambusae Succus was harvested from bamboo that had grown for exactly one year, today, it can be collected year-round without strict age requirements. Ancient preparation methods included direct fire roasting or dry distillation, whereas modern industrial production employs dry distillation, reflux extraction, and percolation. In terms of quality evaluation, ancient texts considered a sweet taste to be superior, while today, clarity and transparency are prioritized. Historically, Bambusae Succus was characterized as sweet and cold nature, targeting the lung and stomach meridians, with uses evolving from clearing heat and resolving phlegm to nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. Modern descriptions classify it as sweet, bitter, and cold in nature, affecting the heart, liver, and lung meridians, with functions including clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and facilitating orifices. It is indicated for conditions such as stroke with phlegm confusion, lung heat with phlegm congestion, convulsions, epilepsy, excessive phlegm in febrile diseases, high fever with thirst, irritability during pregnancy, and tetanus, with more clearly defined applications. Based on the results of the research, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Bambusae Succus, the one-year-old Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis, which has been highly praised throughout history, should be selected as the source material. Industrial production should adopt the dry distillation method. Furthermore, in-depth research should be conducted on the modern technological characterization of the traditional quality control indicator of sweet taste, and reasonable modern quality control standards should be established.
3.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
4.Hypotension prediction index in the prediction of better outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Yi LIU ; Bei LIU ; Wei XIONG ; Chen WANG ; Kunxin YANG ; Wudi MA ; Liangtian LAN ; Ming WEI ; Nan JIANG ; Xia FENG
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2026;79(2):169-181
Background:
The hypotension prediction index (HPI) is an algorithm designed to predict hypotension. Some studies have reported that HPI-guided hemodynamic management strategies decrease intraoperative hypotension and complications; however, the effect of HPI on reducing perioperative complications is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of the HPI in reducing major complications and intraoperative hypotension.
Methods:
We conducted this meta-analysis according to the PRISMA statement and Cochrane Handbook guidelines. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies focusing on the efficacy of HPI-guided management in reducing intraoperative hypotension and postoperative complications. The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched, and the resulting data were combined to calculate the pooled mean differences or risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs of both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies, as appropriate. Heterogeneity and potential publication bias were also assessed.
Results:
Nineteen articles (12 RCTs and 7 retrospective studies) with 2570 recruited patients were included in this meta-analysis. The critical evaluation of the study quality revealed a low risk of bias in the included RCTs. Among the non-randomized trials, one was rated 7, two were rated 8, and the remaining four were rated 9 on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, indicating high quality and a low risk of bias. HPI-guided management significantly reduced intraoperative hypotension and associated major complications (RR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.69–0.90], I2 = 0, P < 0.001). Blood loss and length of hospital stay were comparable between the groups.
Conclusions
HPI-guided management significantly reduced intraoperative hypotension and major complications.
5.Proteomic Profiling of Qi-blood Deficiency vs Damp-heat Syndrome in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Targeting by Astragaloside IV-berberine
Zhao-Huan LI ; Jing-Wen ZHAO ; Xin ZHANG ; Jian-Jin GUO ; Jie XU ; Zeng-Qiang YANG ; Hao TU ; Min ZOU ; Ming-Bin GUI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2462-2479
ObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation is widely used in its clinical management. However, the biological basis underlying different TCM syndromes remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic differences between qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS) and damp-heat syndrome (DHS) in CRC patients and to establish a “syndrome-differential protein-herbal component” network for exploring potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with syndrome-specific treatment strategies. MethodsTumor tissue samples were collected from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed CRC, including 5 patients diagnosed with QBDS and 5 with DHS according to standardized TCM syndrome differentiation criteria. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two syndrome groups. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were performed to characterize the biological functions and signaling pathways associated with the identified DEPs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was further applied to screen key syndrome-related proteins and construct a core protein prediction model. Subsequently, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinities between representative herbal compounds, astragaloside IV and berberine, and the identified core proteins. Finally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed in HCT 116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell lines to validate the anti-proliferative activities of these compounds in vitro. ResultsA total of 44 DEPs were identified between QBDS and DHS tissues, including 21 upregulated and 23 downregulated proteins in the QBDS group relative to the DHS group. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these proteins were primarily associated with antiviral immune responses, regulation of inflammatory signaling, NF‑κB signaling pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and other biological processes relevant to tumor progression and host immune regulation. LASSO regression analysis identified eight core proteins with potential syndrome-specific significance. Among them, ST7, GPCPD1, and PODXL were closely associated with QBDS, whereas FAT1, GRB7, KRT7, MAFF, and MMP8 were associated with DHS. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable interactions between astragaloside IV and QBDS-related proteins, with binding energies lower than -5 kcal/mol, indicating stable binding activity. Berberine exhibited even lower binding energies and stronger binding specificity toward DHS-related core proteins. In vitro experiments further confirmed that both compounds inhibited CRC cell proliferation, while berberine displayed significantly greater anti-proliferative efficacy. The lowest 48 h IC50 value of berberine reached 15.21 mg/L in CRC cells, indicating a stronger growth-inhibitory effect than astragaloside IV. ConclusionCRC patients with QBDS and DHS exhibit distinct proteomic characteristics, suggesting that different TCM syndromes possess unique molecular signatures. The identified core proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for syndrome differentiation, while astragaloside IV and berberine may exert therapeutic effects through targeting syndrome-specific molecular networks. These findings provide preliminary proteomic evidence supporting syndrome-guided precision integrative medicine in CRC and offer new insights into the biological basis of TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized therapeutic strategies.
6.Research progress of the relationship between gut microbiota and systemic lupus erythematosus
Lin-Feng GUO ; Bin ZHANG ; Hong-Zhi WANG ; Ming-Feng YANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):284-291
Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a chronic diffuse connective tissue disease characterized by abnormal activation of the immune system,which attacks the body's tissues.It has a complex course and its pathological basis is vasculitis.In recent years,research on the relationship between SLE and the gut microbiota has increased significantly,but how to regulate the gut microbiota for the treatment of SLE remains unclear.Studies have found that the intestinal microbiota of SLE patients differs from that of healthy people in terms of Firmicutes,Bacteroidetes,Actinomycetes,and Proteobacteria,etc.,and this has been verified in animal experiments.In this review,the changes of intestinal microbiota in SLE patients and their association with the pathogenesis and progression of the disease are systematically reviewed,aiming to provide new insights into the treatment of SLE.
7.Morphology of enteric nervous system in C57BL/6 mice based on fMOST high-resolution 3D reconstruction system
Li-Ge LENG ; Guan-Xiong YANG ; Ze-En WANG ; Yi CHEN ; Zhi-Liang QIAO ; Qing-Zhong HU ; Ming-Yan WANG ; Feng TIAN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(1):114-119
Objective To initially explore the possibility of applying the fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography(fMOST)high-resolution 3D reconstruction system to the morphological study of the intestinal nervous system and to preliminarily establish a method for studying the morphology of the intestinal nervous system using this system.Methods fMOST high-resolution 3D reconstruction system was used to study the intestinal nervous system of C57BL/6 mice in detail.Based on this method,a new morphological method of the visceral nervous system of small animal models was explored at the single-cell level.Results Compared with the large intestine,the small intestine lacked the typical myenteric plexus(Auerbach),deep mucosal plexus(Henley),and submucosal superficial plexus(Meissner).Conclusion The result of this paper provide a clearer and systematic display of the anatomical structure of the enteric nervous system in C57BL/6 mice,and further clarify the similarities and differences between the enteric nervous system of mice and human,and provide a theoretical basis for its rational application in the study of digestive system diseases.The morphological study of fMOST high-resolution 3D reconstruction system is not limited to the central nervous system,but can be extended to the morphological study of multiple visceral nervous systems.
8.Identification of GSK3 family and regulatory effects of brassinolide on growth and development of Nardostachys jatamansi.
Yu-Yan LEI ; Zheng MA ; Jing WEI ; Wen-Bing LI ; Ying LI ; Zheng-Ming YANG ; Shao-Shan ZHANG ; Jing-Qiu FENG ; Hua-Chun SHENG ; Yuan LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):395-403
This study identified 8 members including NjBIN2 of the GSK3 family in Nardostachys jatamansi by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree revealed that the GKS3 family members of N. jatamansi had a close relationship with those of Arabidopsis. RT-qPCR results showed that NjBIN2 presented a tissue-specific expression pattern with the highest expression in roots, suggesting that NjBIN2 played a role in root growth and development. In addition, the application of epibrassinolide or the brassinosteroid(BR) synthesis inhibitor(brassinazole) altered the expression pattern of NjBIN2 and influenced the photomorphogenesis(cotyledon opening) and root development of N. jatamansi, which provided direct evidence about the functions of NjBIN2. In conclusion, this study highlights the roles of BIN2 in regulating the growth and development of N. jatamansi by analyzing the expression pattern and biological function of NjBIN2. It not only enriches the understanding about the regulatory mechanism of the growth and development of N. jatamansi but also provides a theoretical basis and potential gene targets for molecular breeding of N. jatamansi with improved quality in the future.
Brassinosteroids/metabolism*
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Steroids, Heterocyclic/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects*
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
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Phylogeny
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Nardostachys/metabolism*
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Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology*
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Plant Roots/drug effects*
9.Mechanism of Colquhounia Root Tablets against diabetic kidney disease via RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Ming-Zhu XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Shuang-Rong GAO ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Jia-Yun SHEN ; Chu ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Jiang-Rui WANG ; Bei-Lei CAI ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1830-1840
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
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Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics*
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NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Rats
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
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Humans
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Tablets/administration & dosage*
10."Component-effect" correlations in traditional Chinese medicine from holistic view: taking discovery of gintonin from ginseng as an example.
Xin-Ming YU ; Chen-Yu YU ; Hua-Ying WANG ; Wei-Sheng YUE ; Zhu-Bin ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Xiao-Bin JIA ; Bing YANG ; Liang FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):2001-2012
The holistic view is the key in the study of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The component structure theory is based on the holistic view to investigate the correlation between material basis and efficiency, which enriches the holistic "component-effect" research of TCM. Gintonin is a newly isolated non-saponin component of ginseng. Compared to ginsenosides, gintonin has many different pharmacological activities, and it provides new knowledge for the holistic research of ginseng. Thus, taking the discovery of gintonin from ginseng as an example, this paper explored the linkage between ginsenosides and gintonin from the perspective of "component-effect" correlations and systematically sorted out the similarities and differences between them in terms of structural characteristics, modes of action, and pharmacological activities. Starting from the collaborative interaction of TCM compounds, the study discussed the application and value of the holistic view in TCM "component-effect" research in the light of the component structure theory to provide new thoughts for the development of modern TCM research.
Panax/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Humans
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Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
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Animals

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