1.Effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with overexpression of the Numb gene in treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis
Shihao ZHANG ; Changqing ZHAO ; Mingyan YANG ; Feifei XING ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF). MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC (hUC-MSCNumb-OE), and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector (hUC-MSCOE-EV) was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed to establish a rat model of CLF, and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group, hUC-MSC group, hUC-MSCOE-EV group, and hUC-MSCNumb-OE group, while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL, and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured, including serum biochemistry, liver histopathology, the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver, hepatic stellate cell activation, ductular reaction, liver regeneration, and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the BDL group, the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSCOE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin), liver fibrosis markers (the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-beta 1), and ductular reaction markers (the expression levels of CK7 and CK19) (all P <0.05), and compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators (all P <0.05). In addition, compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers (albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis (Numb, pNumb, Mdm2, and p53) (all P <0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF, possibly by activating the Numb-PTBL-p53-HNF4α axis, promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.
2.Treatment of Colorectal Cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Hippo Signaling Pathway: A Review
Shuo ZENG ; Suqin HU ; Yang HU ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):297-305
Colorectal cancer, a leading malignant gastrointestinal tumor globally in terms of incidence and mortality, has seen a consistent annual rise in newly diagnosed cases. While conventional therapies like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are available, problems such as lack of early diagnosis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance remain significant burdens for patients. Given the complex and diverse pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, there is an urgent clinical need for safe, effective, reliable, and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway, closely linked to mechanisms like tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, migration, and drug resistance, extensively participates in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, so targeting the signaling pathway for cancer prevention and treatment has become a crucial research direction in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-faceted, multi-pathway, and multi-target advantages and becomes an important therapy for colorectal cancer by enhancing patients' immunity, improving the life quality, and prolonging survival. Studies show that the active components of TCM, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, lignans, and saponins, as well as TCM compounds such as modified Sijunzi decoction, Jiedu Sangen decoction, Jianpi Jiedu compound, and Quyu Jiedu decoction, exhibit significant targeting effects on the Hippo signaling pathway. These TCMs can exert an anti-colorectal cancer effect through various mechanisms, such as inducing cancer cell autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance of the tumor, and blocking the cancer cell cycle. This paper reviewed and analyzed Chinese and international research on the action mechanisms of TCM in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer with a comprehensive overview presentation, aiming to provide new references and ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the development of new pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
3.Treatment of Colorectal Cancer with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Hippo Signaling Pathway: A Review
Shuo ZENG ; Suqin HU ; Yang HU ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):297-305
Colorectal cancer, a leading malignant gastrointestinal tumor globally in terms of incidence and mortality, has seen a consistent annual rise in newly diagnosed cases. While conventional therapies like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are available, problems such as lack of early diagnosis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance remain significant burdens for patients. Given the complex and diverse pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, there is an urgent clinical need for safe, effective, reliable, and multi-targeted therapeutic strategies. The Hippo signaling pathway, closely linked to mechanisms like tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, migration, and drug resistance, extensively participates in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, so targeting the signaling pathway for cancer prevention and treatment has become a crucial research direction in recent years. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-faceted, multi-pathway, and multi-target advantages and becomes an important therapy for colorectal cancer by enhancing patients' immunity, improving the life quality, and prolonging survival. Studies show that the active components of TCM, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, lignans, and saponins, as well as TCM compounds such as modified Sijunzi decoction, Jiedu Sangen decoction, Jianpi Jiedu compound, and Quyu Jiedu decoction, exhibit significant targeting effects on the Hippo signaling pathway. These TCMs can exert an anti-colorectal cancer effect through various mechanisms, such as inducing cancer cell autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance of the tumor, and blocking the cancer cell cycle. This paper reviewed and analyzed Chinese and international research on the action mechanisms of TCM in regulating the Hippo signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer with a comprehensive overview presentation, aiming to provide new references and ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the development of new pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yang HU ; Suqin HU ; Shuo ZENG ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):266-275
Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. In recent years, its incidence rate and mortality are increasing year by year. Due to the complex pathogenesis and poor prognosis of patients, colorectal cancer poses a serious threat to human physical and mental health. Currently, although Western medicine treatment methods can to some extent inhibit tumor growth and alleviate patient symptoms, postoperative recurrence, metastasis, multiple adverse reactions, and susceptibility to drug resistance are prominent issues, resulting in unsatisfactory overall treatment outcomes. Therefore, exploring more efficient and safe treatment methods has become an urgent task. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway plays a regulatory role in the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of colorectal cancer cells, and is widely involved in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. It is considered an important target for colorectal cancer treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of colorectal cancer, as it can exert its effects through multiple mechanisms and pathways. It can prevent postoperative recurrence and metastasis, reduce adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improve patients' quality of life. It has become a key means of treating colorectal cancer. Research has shown that active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine such as flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, and esters, as well as traditional Chinese medicine compounds such as Qingjie Fuzheng Granules and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interaction signaling pathways. They exert their anti-colorectal cancer effects by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, promoting ferroptosis, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and arresting the cell cycle. This article reviewed and summarized the relevant research on traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of colorectal cancer in recent years, with a focus on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is expected to provide ideas and references for the development of new drugs for clinical anti-colorectal cancer treatment.
5.Multi-omics identification of microvascular endothelium-related genes in patients with diabetic organic erectile dysfunction
Lijuan WU ; Weizhuo WANG ; Kang CHEN ; Zheng TANG ; Kai FU ; Mingyan TANG ; Wanglei YANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(11):972-978
Objective To integrate patient clinical information with single-cell sequencing analysis to identify key genes involved in organic erectile dysfunction(ED)in diabetic patients,and to further validate these findings using genome-wide association study(GWAS)data to pinpoint the genes associated with diabetic organic ED.Methods Single-cell RNA sequen-cing data were downloaded from the GSE206528 dataset,comprising samples from five patients including three individuals with-out ED or diabetes,and two patients diagnosed with diabetic ED.Data preprocessing,cell clustering,and annotation were per-formed using R,followed by extraction of microvascular endothelial cells for differential expression analysis.Enrichment analysis of the identified differentially expressed genes(DEGs)was conducted using the Hiplot platform.Expression quantitative trait loci(eQTL)single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)corresponding to these DEGs were retrieved from the UK Biobank(UKB)da-tabase as exposures.ED(GWAS ID:ebi-a-GCST006956)was defined as the outcome variable.Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis was then performed to identify potential causal genes.Results Using the Seurat package,single-cell RNA se-quencing data from the five patients underwent quality control and integration.After cell type identification,a subset of microvas-cular endothelial cells was selected for differential expression analysis,resulting in the identification of 214 DEGs.Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to diabetic complications,including the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,and oxidative phosphorylation.Subsequently,MR analysis was per-formed on the 214 DEGs,using erectile dysfunction(ebi-a-GCST006956)as the outcome.Six genes were identified as potential causal genes including MYL9,NFIB,ENDOD1,DES,NRARP and HSPA1B.Conclusion These findings suggest that MYL9,NFIB,ENDOD1,DES,NRARP and HSPA1B may play a role in the progression of organic ED in diabetic patients.
6.Clinical evaluation of instantly generated inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of neonatal pulmonary hypertension
Changyang MA ; Juan DU ; Lu CHEN ; Xiying XIANG ; Mingyan HEI ; Zixin YANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(11):1234-1239
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of instantly generated inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) for treating neonatal pulmonary hypertension (PH) complicated with severe hypoxic respiratory failure.Methods:This single-center, single-arm, prospective study included 32 neonates with PH complicated with hypoxic respiratory failure who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Beijing Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from March 2023 to March 2025 and received immediate iNO generation therapy. The demographic data, maternal pregnancy, mechanical ventilation parameters, arterial blood gas indexes, other hospitalization data and safety indexes of iNO treatment were collected. The time point for starting iNO treatment was set as 0 h, and the observation time points were 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 h after treatment and when iNO treatment was stopped. The positive reaction of iNO treatment was defined as the decrease of oxygenation index (OI)>10% or the increase of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2)>10% after treatment. The OI, mechanical ventilation parameters, arterial blood gas index changes and treatment positive reaction ratio were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of iNO treatment, and the nitrogen dioxide concentration, methemoglobin (MetHb) concentration and other indicators were analyzed to evaluate the safety of iNO treatment. Paired t test or Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to compare the observation indexes at different treatment times. Friedman test was used to compare the concentration of nitrogen dioxide and MetHb at multiple treatment times. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the best cut-off value of OI related indexes to distinguish the treatment outcome of iNO. Results:Among 32 neonates, 18 (56%) were males and 14 (44%) were females, the gestational age was 38 (35, 39) weeks, the birth weight was 3.1 (2.3, 3.4) kg, and the age of enrollment was 3 (2, 8) days. The OI and the mean airway pressure at 48 h after treatment were both lower than those at 0 h ((10.4±2.0 vs. 22.6±2.5, 13.0 (12.0, 14.0) vs. 14.0 (13.0, 16.0) cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa, both P<0.05). The fraction of inspired oxygen at 24 and 48 h after treatment were both lower than those at 0 h (both P<0.05). The PaO 2 at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after treatment were all higher than those at 0 h (all P<0.05). The proportion of positive reactions to iNO treatment was 20 neonates (63%), 22 neonates (69%), 23 neonates (72%), 23 neonates (72%) and 26 neonates (8%) at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 h after treatment, respectively. No occurrence of methemoglobinemia, excessive nitrogen dioxide concentration, or device related adverse events were observed. Out of 32 neonates, a total of 24 neonates (75%) were cured or improved and discharged according to medical advice, while 8 neonates (25%) died in the hospital. The best cut-off value of OI at 0 h and the decline range of OI at 12 h to distinguish the outcome of hospitalization were 24.8 and 22.2%, respectively. Conclusion:It was effective and safe to use instantly generated iNO to treat neonatal PH with severe hypoxic respiratory failure.
7.Mechanism traditional Chinese medicine extract preventing and treating hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Shuo ZENG ; Suqin HU ; Yang HU ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2161-2167
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, which brings a huge burden to the physical and mental health and socio-economic life of patients. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway serves as the regulatory center of cellular energy metabolism and is closely associated with the biological activities of HCC cells, including autophagy, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, and it has become a hot topic in current cancer research. Traditional Chinese medicine drugs are abundant in natural components such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols and have the characteristics of multiple targets, pathways, components, and hierarchies. By targeting the AMPK signaling pathway, these components can be used alone or in combination with conventional antitumor therapies to exert an anti-tumor effect on HCC from various aspects. This article reviews and summarizes the extracts of traditional Chinese medicine that target the AMPK signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment of HCC, in order to provide a theoretical basis and a reference for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of HCC and the development of related drugs.
8.Research progress in clinical and mechanism of Chinese materia medica in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Shuo ZENG ; Suqin HU ; Yang HU ; Lei LUO ; Mingyan LI ; Qinsheng ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1479-1483
According to TCM, the main pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is stomach disharmony and descending, and stomach qi ascending. Phlegm dampness and blood stasis are also important pathological factors of this disease. TCM treatment for GERD mainly starts from the liver, spleen and stomach. The basic treatment is to harmonize the stomach and lower the adverse, and to soothe the liver and relieve depression, invigorate the spleen and resolve dampness, promote qi and blood circulation, and clear heat and inhibit acid. Clinical treatment of GERD is mostly in the form of TCM compounds, often combined with Western medicine, which can improve symptoms, reduce recurrence rate and reduce adverse reactions. The mechanism is to inhibit gastric acid secretion, enhance lower esophageal sphincter pressure, promote gastrointestinal motility, inhibit inflammation, regulate esophageal visceral sensitivity and regulate intestinal flora.
9.Exploration of relationship between IL-17/IL-23 immunoinflammatory axis and chronic heart failure and clinical prognosis
Mingyan CHENG ; Jinghua WANG ; Wenyue WANG ; Na TIAN ; Yanfei GAO ; Yanchun WANG ; Tao YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(1):153-156,162
Objective:To investigate relationship between IL-17/IL-23 immunoinflammatory axis and chronic heart failure(CHF)and clinical prognosis.Methods:A total of 112 patients with CHF in Chengde Central Hospital from January 2020 to Septem-ber 2021 were selected as observation group,and another 112 patients admitted to same period for healthy physical examination were selected as control group.Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels of two groups were compared,relationship between serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels and degree of disease were analyzed;clinical data,serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels of patients with different prognosis were compared,relationship between serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels and clinical prognosis of CHF patients were analyzed.Predictive value of serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels on clinical prognosis of CHF patients was evaluated,and predictive value of each prediction scheme was compared.Results:Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels were higher in observation group than control group(P<0.05);serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels of CHF patients were positively correlated with NYHA classification(P<0.05).Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels were higher in patients with poor prognosis than in those with good prognosis(P<0.05).Serum IL-17 and IL-23 were independently associated with clinical prognosis of CHF patients,and the higher the serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels,the greater risk of poor clinical prognosis of CHF patients.AUC of serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels for predicting clinical prognosis of CHF patients were 0.787 and 0.726,respectively,and combined predicted AUC was 0.918(P<0.001);combined predicted AUC of serum IL-17 and IL-23 was significantly higher than single index(P<0.05).Conclusion:IL-17 and IL-23 levels in IL-17/IL-23 immunoinflammatory axis of CHF patients are significantly elevated and involve in disease occurence and development,whose clinical detection can help predict clinical prognosis of CHF.
10.Effect of p38MAPK signaling pathway mediating progesterone down-regulation of IL-8 secretion by decidual stromal cells on early spontaneous miscarriage
Shiwei LIANG ; Zhaojin LUAN ; Mingyan MA ; Xiaoling GONG ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Fang SONG ; Meixia YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(10):2329-2333
Objective:To investigate the effect of p38MAPK signaling pathway mediating progesterone regulation on IL-8 protein secretion by decidual stromal cells(DSCs)on early spontaneous miscarriage.Methods:IHC and Western blot were applied to detect protein expressions of p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK in decidual tissues of miscarriage group and control group.Human DSCs in early pregnancy were isolated in vitro and cultured to be treated with different concentrations of progesterone(0.01 μmol/L,0.1 μmol/L,1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L),with ELISA measuring IL-8 protein secretion from DSCs and Western blot measuring protein expressions of p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK in DSCs.After treatment with p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580,IL-8 protein secretion was detected by ELISA in progesterone+inhibitor group,progesterone group and control group.Results:Protein expression of p-p38MAPK in decidual tissues of miscarriage group was significantly higher than that of control group(P=0.002 3).Protein secretion of IL-8 in DSCs of 0.01 μmol/L progesterone group was lower than that of control group(P=0.027 6),protein expression of p-p38MAPK in DSCs of 0.1 μmol/L proges-terone group was lower than that of control group(P=0.025 3),IL-8 protein expression was significantly lower than that in control group(P=0.007 0),and protein expressions of both IL-8 and p-p38MAPK from DSCs in 1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L progesterone groups were significantly lower than those in control group(P=0.003 2,P=0.001 9;P=0.002 2,P=0.001 3).IL-8 protein secretion in proges-terone+p38MAPK inhibitor group was further reduced compared to progesterone group(P=0.046 6).Conclusion:Abnormal activation of p38MAPK signaling pathway is involved in early spontaneous miscarriage,and progesterone may down-regulate IL-8 expression in DSCs by inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation to correct early spontaneous miscarriage caused by Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail