1.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.
2.Compilation Explanation for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Ruyi Zhenbao Pills
Ming CHEN ; Jingling CHANG ; Shangquan WANG ; Gejia ZHONG ; Qiang DENG ; Hongxia CHEN ; Qi'en LI ; Yaming LIN ; Zujian XU ; Changkuan FU ; Yu'er HU ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):209-215
The compilation explanation for the Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Ruyi Zhenbao pills systematically expounds the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of this consensus. In response to the weak clinical application evidence and ambiguous indications of Ruyi Zhenbao pills, the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine invited 39 experts from 31 medical institutions across China to complete the compilation through multi-disciplinary collaboration. The compilation strictly adheres to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for guideline development and the GRADE evidence grading system. The work process covered the construction of clinical questions (a total of 30 clinical questions were determined based on expert voting results), evidence retrieval (covering Chinese and English databases and gray literature), safety assessment (integrating drug monitoring data and clinical research), and the formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions (18 recommendation opinions were reached through the GRADE grid method, and 22 consensus suggestions were reached through majority voting rules). The results show that the consensus clearly states that this medicine is suitable for knee osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic pain, and sequelae of stroke. In terms of safety, the adverse reactions are mainly gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Pregnant women and those allergic to the ingredients of this medicine are contraindicated. The compilation process underwent three rounds of expert reviews and adopted methods such as nominal group technique and Delphi method to ensure the rigor of the consensus compilation process. It provides a paradigm for the formulation of expert consensus on clinical application of Tibetan medicine through the academic promotion and dynamic revision.
3.Preliminary application of sacral neuromodulation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with underactive bladder after transurethral resection of the prostate
Ning LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Tao LI ; Qiang HU ; Kai LU ; Lei ZHANG ; Jianping WU ; Shuqiu CHEN ; Bin XU ; Ming CHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):39-42
[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complicated with underactive bladder (UAB) who respond poorly to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with BPH and UAB treated with TURP by the same surgeon in Zhongda Hospital Southeast University during Jan.2018 and Jan.2023.The residual urine volume was not significantly relieved after operation, and the maximum urine flow rate and urine volume per discharge were not significantly improved.All patients underwent phase I SNM, and urinary diaries were recorded before and after surgery to observe the average daily frequency of urination, volume per urination, maximum urine flow rate, and residual urine volume. [Results] The operation time was (97.6±11.2) min.During the postoperative test of 2-4 weeks, if the residual urine volume reduction by more than 50% was deemed as effective, SNM was effective in 6 patients (60.0%). Compared with preoperative results, the daily frequency of urination [(20.2±3.8) times vs. (13.2±3.2) times], volume per urination [(119.2±56.7) mL vs. (246.5±59.2) mL], maximum urine flow rate [(8.7±1.5) mL/s vs. (16.5±2.6) mL/s], and residual urine volume [(222.5±55.0) mL vs. (80.8±16.0) mL] were significantly improved, with statistical significance (P<0.05). There were no complications such as bleeding, infection, fever or pain.The 6 patients who had effective outcomes successfully completed phase II surgery, and the fistula was removed.During the follow-up of 1 year, the curative effect was stable, and there were no complications such as electrode displacement, incision infection, or pain in the irritation sites.The residual urine volume of the other 4 unsuccessful patients did not improve significantly, and the electrodes were removed and the vesicostomy tube was retained. [Conclusion] SNM is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH with UAB patients with poor curative effects after TURP.
4.Progress on antisense oligonucleotide in the field of antibacterial therapy
Jia LI ; Xiao-lu HAN ; Shi-yu SONG ; Jin-tao LIN ; Zhi-qiang TANG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Liang XU ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):337-347
With the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become a significant threat to human health. Finding new antibacterial strategies that can effectively control drug-resistant bacterial infections has become an urgent task. Unlike small molecule drugs that target bacterial proteins, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) can target genes related to bacterial resistance, pathogenesis, growth, reproduction and biofilm formation. By regulating the expression of these genes, ASO can inhibit or kill bacteria, providing a novel approach for the development of antibacterial drugs. To overcome the challenge of delivering antisense oligonucleotide into bacterial cells, various drug delivery systems have been applied in this field, including cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, which have injected new momentum into the development of antisense oligonucleotide in the antibacterial realm. This review summarizes the current development of small nucleic acid drugs, the antibacterial mechanisms, targets, sequences and delivery vectors of antisense oligonucleotide, providing a reference for the research and development of antisense oligonucleotide in the treatment of bacterial infections.
5.Research progress on correlation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and bone stress injury
Ning QIANG ; Jin WANG ; Jian YU ; Jin-Fang XU ; Ming-Xin WANG ; Chen-Hui DONG ; Shen-Song LI ; Jin ZHAO ; Chun-Bao LI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(3):341-350
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),commonly utilized analgesics,are extensively employed for managing pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders or injuries.Recent clinical studies have demonstrated a heightened risk of bone stress injuries(BSI)in soldiers and athletes,particularly during high-intensity training,due to NSAID usage.Furthermore,the impact of NSAIDs on fracture healing is well-documented;however,the precise mechanism by which their use during training contributes to an increased incidence of stress bone injuries remains unclear.This article aims to summarize potential mechanisms through an extensive review of domestic and international literature in order to standardize the utilization and clinical management of NSAIDs,optimize pain management strategies,and prevent stress bone injuries or fractures in specific populations such as soldiers and elite athletes.
6.Mechanisms by which EPB41L4A-AS1 Influences Glial Cells-mediated Aβ Clearance
Li-xin NIU ; Xu-fei ZHANG ; Tian-zi LI ; Ming-hui LI ; Rui-xue YIN ; Zi-qiang WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1942-1947
Objective:To explore the changes in the whole transcriptome gene expression profile affected by EPB41L4A-AS,and to reveal its potential mechanisms that influence the progression of AD.Methods:U251 cells with stable low expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 were constructed using shRNA technology.Transcriptome sequencing was performed to screen for transcripts regulated by EPB41L4A-AS1.KEGG pathway and GO analysis were used to explore the related signaling pathways and biological processes regulated by EPB41L4A-AS1.Immunofluorescence assay was used to investigate the effects of EPB41L4A-AS1 on the activity of glial cells with antibodies against GFAP.Results:Knocking down the expression of EPB41L4A-AS1 in U251 cells significantly influenced the levels of multiple transcripts,with 626 upregulated and 949 downregulated.Further analysis revealed that the downregulated transcripts are related to AD,activation and proliferation of glial cells,and formation of amyloid fibers,and close to multiple signaling pathways that are involved in the glial cells-mediated Aβ clearance.Cellular experiments have shown that EPB41L4A-AS1 regulated the synapses length and activity of glial cells.Conclusions:EPB41L4A-AS1 may influence the glial cells-mediated Aβ clearance through multiple signaling pathways.
7.Different Tendon Reconstruction Techniques for Repairing Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears:A Biomechanical Study
Yian SUN ; Zhou ZHANG ; Qiang ZHAO ; Xindong ZHAO ; Ming ZHOU ; Liao SONG ; Fei TENG ; Daijun XIE ; Xu LI ; Meng WU ; Jin JIANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(3):719-725
Objective Through in vitro experiments,biomechanical data of the transtibial pullout suture(TPS),tendon reconstruction(TR),and tendon reconstruction with suture augmentation(TRS)were collected,so as to evaluate the biomechanical effectiveness of tendon reconstruction for repairing medial meniscus posterior root tear(MMPRT).Methods Eighteen porcine knee joint models were divided into TPS,TR,and TRS groups.Sutures were used to fix the meniscal root in TPS group.Tendons were passed through an incision at the meniscal root in TR group.Tendons were passed through an incision at the meniscal root and secured at tendon-meniscus contact area with additional sutures in TRS group.The sutures and tendons were pulled out through tibial tunnels and fixed at the anteromedial tibia.All groups underwent failure load tests,and ultimate failure load,displacement at failure load,load at clinical failure,stiffness,and failure modes of the samples were recorded.Results The maximum failure load in TPS group was significantly higher than that in TR group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between TPS group and TRS group(P>0.05).The maximum failure load in TRS group was significantly higher than that in TR group(P<0.05).The displacement under failure load in TR group and TRS group was significantly lower than that in TPS group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between TR group and TRS group(P>0.05).There were no significant differences in the load under clinical failure among the 3 groups(P>0.05).The stiffness of TRS group was significantly greater than that of TPS group(P<0.05),but no significant difference was observed between TR group and TPS group,as well as between TR group and TRS group(P>0.05).All failures were caused by suture or tendon cutting through the meniscus.Conclusions The tendon reconstruction techniques is superior to the TPS in terms of failure displacement and stiffness,while the TRS further enhances the stability of the repair.
8.A bibliometric analysis of studies related to retroperitoneal tumors
Qian LIU ; Cheng-hua LUO ; Ming-yin ZHOU ; Xing-chen LIU ; Yong-qiang LI ; Hua-zhao XU ; Yu-jun XIONG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):361-366
Objective:This study aims to analyze the trends,hotspots,and interrelations in research on retroperito-neal tumors through bibliometric methods,providing the latest scientific information support for clinicians and research-ers.Methods:Data were sourced from the SCI-expanded database of the Web of Science Core Collection,covering the period from 2004 to 2023.Statistical analysis and visualization of the number of publications,total citations,average citations per article,countries,institutions,journals,and keywords were conducted using Microsoft Excel 2019,VOS-viewer,and CiteSpace.Results:A total of 6,842 relevant articles were retrieved,with a total of 113 753 citations and an average of 16.63 citations per article.The number of publications had been increasing annually,peaking in 2022.The United States,China,and Japan are the major research countries,with the United States contributing the most.Memo-rial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are the leading research in-stitutions.The journal with the most publications was the Cureus Journal of Medical Science.Gronchi Alessandro was the most prolific author.The ain keywords were"Management","Surgery",and"Tumor",and the most cited papers focus on surgery and multicenter studies.Conclusion:Research on retroperitoneal tumors is increasing annually,with hot-spots focusing on treatment methods and prognosis analysis.The United States is the main contributor to this field,with significant international collaboration.Future research should further explore the pathogenesis of retroperitoneal tumors and more effective treatment strategies.
9.Effect of miR-129-3p mimetic on bone loss in tail-suspended mice
Yi WU ; Zi-dong AN ; Yong-jie PANG ; Li-qiang WANG ; Xin-yang WANG ; Yu-hai GAO ; Xue-yan LI ; Ke-ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):703-709
Aim To study whether intravenous injec-tion of miR-129-3p mimetic(agomir)can resist bone loss caused by hind limb disuse,and to provide new i-deas for preventing bone loss in microgravity environ-ment.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into the control group(CON),tail suspension model group(TS),tail suspension+miR-129-3p agomir administration group(miRNA)and tail suspension+miR-129-3p negative sequence agomir control group(NC).The miRNA group was given 4 mg·kg-1 miR-129-3p agomir by intravenous injection into the medial canthus twice a week.The NC agomir group were consistent with those in the miR-129-3p agomir group,and the CON and TS groups were given only equal volumes of normal saline.After four weeks,all mice were sacrificed and samples were collected.Micro-CT scan of femur,three-point femur bending test,serum bone metabolism index detection,oxidative stress index detection and osteogenesis-related protein expression analysis in bone tissue were per-formed.Results After four weeks,the number of tra-becular bone in the TS group was significantly re-duced,and Tb.BMD,Tb.Th,Tb.N,Tb.BS/TV and Tb.BV/TV were significantly lower than those in the CON group(P<0.01).While Tb.Sp TS group was significantly higher than the CON group(P<0.05),the maximum load and flexural strength of the femur significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of ser-um bone formation index PINP was significantly lower than that of the CON group(P<0.01),and the con-tent of bone resorption index CTX-I was significantly higher than that of the CON group(P<0.01),the content of serum oxidative damage indexes 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of osteogenesis-related pro-teins in bone tissue markedly decreased(P<0.01).However,the increase or decrease of all indexes in miRNA group was significantly lower than that in TS group.Conclusions miR-129-3p mimetic can signifi-cantly reduce bone loss caused by hind limb disuse.This experiment provides a new idea and method for preventing bone loss in microgravity environment.
10.Cost-effectiveness of PD-L1 testing to guide immunotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer in China
Yuan LI ; Lingchuan GUO ; Yong YUAN ; Qiang ZHENG ; Yan JIN ; Jian MING
China Oncology 2025;35(2):237-248
Background and purpose:According to the latest data from the National Cancer Center,the incidence rate and mortality of lung cancer in China rank first among all malignant tumors,and 85%are non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).In recent years,immunotherapy based on programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1)immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)has made breakthrough progress in lung cancer,bringing more survival benefits to lung cancer patients.This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three major PD-L1 testing assays in guiding immunotherapy for patients with NSCLC,and to provide empirical evidence to guide the selection of cost-effective diagnosis and ICIs monotherapy regimens for NSCLC patients in China.Methods:From a healthcare system perspective,a decision-tree model was constructed to simulate the cost and effectiveness(percentage of the patients who were successfully diagnosed and who were correctly prescribed and underwent correct treatment according to China treatment guidelines)of employing Ventana PD-L1 IHC(SP263)assay,PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx,and Dako 22C3 antibody concentrate in early to mid-stage and advanced NSCLC patients in China,respectively.The cost-effectiveness of SP263 assay compared to other testing methods was assessed through the incremental analysis.The robustness of the base case analysis results was validated by using one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.Results:When considering atezolizumab monotherapy following chemotherapy for early to mid-stage(Ⅱ A-Ⅲ B)NSCLC patients,in comparison to the 22C3 assay or 22C3 antibody concentrate,the SP263 assay incurred an additional cost of 9 449 yuan per successfully diagnosed and treated patient.The SP263 assay,which can guide multiple ICIs monotherapies(e.g.,atezolizumab,pembrolizumab)for advanced(Ⅳ)NSCLC patients,was dominant by achieving a higher percentage of successfully diagnosed and treated patients at a lower cost compared to Dako 22C3 assay and Dako 22C3 antibody concentrate.One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis both confirmed the robustness of the results.Conclusion:The Ventana PD-L1 IHC SP263 assay was cost-effective,compared to Dako PD-L1 IHC 22C3 assay and Dako 22C3 antibody concentrate for the immunotherapy treatment for both stage Ⅱ A-Ⅲ B and stage Ⅳ NSCLC patients in China.

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