1.Research Progress on Regulation of Relevant Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Zhonghao GUO ; Quan LI ; Pengyu PAN ; Tengyu ZHAO ; Zeyuan AN ; Yuan LIU ; Yanyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):333-342
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments, with its pathological mechanisms involving multiple processes such as the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein. Current Western medical treatments face challenges including diminished long-term efficacy and motor complications. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated advantages in the prevention and treatment of PD through its systematic regulatory capabilities, featuring multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approaches.This article systematically reviews the roles of seven key signaling pathways-NF-κB, AMPK/mTOR, PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, and BDNF/TrkB-in the pathological process of PD and the regulatory mechanisms of TCM. Research indicates that active ingredients of Chinese herbs and compound formulations can synergistically modulate these pathways, exerting comprehensive effects in inhibiting neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, promoting autophagy to clear abnormal proteins, and enhancing neurotrophic support. These signaling pathways form a complex regulatory network through crosstalk among key nodal molecules, constituting an intricate regulatory system in PD pathology. The multi-target intervention characteristics of TCM align well with this network-based regulatory requirement, achieving integrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, autophagy-regulating, and neurorestorative effects through synergistic multi-pathway modulation. This article systematically outlines the mechanisms of TCM in the coordinated regulation of multiple pathways, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathological process of PD and the intervention mechanisms of TCM, while also offering new perspectives and directions for modern research on TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD.
2.Innovations and Challenges in Molecular Probe-Based Precision Theranostics for Genitourinary System Tumors
Mingwei SUN ; Pengyu GUO ; Wanhai XU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(10):811-817
Genitourinary system tumors, as a major clinical challenge posing a serious threat to human health, urgently require breakthroughs in the construction of a precision diagnosis and treatment system. The innovative application of molecular imaging technologies, particularly the development of novel molecular probes, is revolutionizing the diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms for urinary tumors. The application of novel molecular probes in the early diagnosis and staging of genitourinary tumors, the role of multimodal molecular imaging probes in guiding precision surgery/radiotherapy, and the clinical translation challenges and strategies for theranostic-integrated probes are systematically reviewed in this article to provide valuable insights and references for related research and clinical practice.
3.Diagnostic value of high frequency ultrasonography in acute phase of peripheral facial paralysis
Xinyu JIAO ; Ying GUO ; Hongpeng LIU ; Pengyu ZHU ; Yu CAO ; Wei CHEN ; Hong HUO ; Dan XIE
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2258-2263
Objective To investigate the changes of diameter of the main trunk of the extracranial segment of the facial nerve,local hemodynamics and facial muscle thickness in patients with peripheral facial palsy(PFP)at acute stage by high frequency ultrasound(HFUS).Methods Sixty patients with acute PFP were enrolled as the PFP group,and 30 healthy people were selected as the control group.The following facial param-eters were scanned and recorded using HFUS:diameter of the main trunk of the extracranial segment of the facial nerve(FN-d),facial artery diameter(FA-d),facial artery systolic velocity(FA-Vs),facial artery diastolic velocity(FA-Vd),facial artery resistance index(FA-RI),frontalis muscle thickness(FM-t),depressor anguli oris muscle thickness(DAO-t),and depressor labii inferioris muscle thickness(DLI-t).The feasibility of facial param-eters in the diagnosis of acute-phase peripheral facial palsy(PFP)was evaluated,with intra-group and inter-group variability comparisons performed.Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between acute-phase facial parameters and House-Brackmann(H-B)scale scores in PFP patients.Results(1)The H-B score of the PFP group was significantly lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)The reliability of repeated measurements of facial parameters by different testers is good(ICC>0.75).(3)The FN-d and FA-RI values on the affected side of PFP group were higher than those on the healthy side and control group,and FA-Vs,FA-Vd,DAO-t and DLI-t values were lower than those on the healthy side and control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).(4)The FN-d and FA-RI values of the affected side in the PFP group were negatively correlated with the H-S scale score(r=-0.847,P<0.05;r=-0.863,P<0.05);FA Vs,FA Vd,DAO-t,DLI-t are positively correlated with H-S scale scores(r=0.808,P<0.05;r=0.757,P<0.05;r=0.836,P<0.05;r=0.694,P<0.05).Conclusions HFUS can effectively detect the characteristic changes such as the increase in the diameter of the extrcranial facial nerve trunk,local microcircula-tion disturbance and facial muscle atrophy in patients with PFP in the acute stage,and the increase and decrease of FN-d,FA Vs,FA Vd,FA-RI,DAO-t,and DLI-t can accurately reflect the improvement or progress of PFP,which has important guiding significance for clinical disease monitoring and efficacy evaluation.
4.Overexpression of parathyroid hormone-like hormone facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression and correlates with adverse outcomes.
Xiangzhuo MIAO ; Pengyu ZHU ; Huohui OU ; Qing ZHU ; Linyuan YU ; Baitang GUO ; Wei LIAO ; Yu HUANG ; Leyang XIANG ; Dinghua YANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2135-2145
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the expression of parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and analyze its correlation with clinical prognosis, its regulatory effects on HCC cell behaviors, and the signaling pathways mediating its effects.
METHODS:
We analyzed the differential expression of PTHLH in HCC and adjacent tissues and its association with patient prognosis based on data from TCGA and GEO databases and from 70 HCC patients treated in our hospital. The effects of PTHLH knockdown and overexpression on proliferation, migration, and invasion of cultured HCC cells were investigated using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and the signaling pathways activated by PTHLH were detected using Western blotting.
RESULTS:
TCGA and GEO database analysis showed significant overexpression of PTHLH mRNA in HCC tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis of the patients (P<0.05). High PTHLH mRNA expression was a probable independent prognostic risk factor for HCC (P<0.05). In the clinical samples, PTHLH mRNA and protein expressions were significantly higher in HCC tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P<0.001 or 0.01). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that high PTHLH mRNA expression was an independent risk factor to affect postoperative disease-free survival of HCC patients (P<0.05). The prognostic prediction model based on PTHLH mRNA expression showed an improved accuracy for predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence in HCC patients. In cultured HCC cells, PTHLH overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and caused activation of the ERK/JNK signaling pathway in Huh7 and Hep3B cells.
CONCLUSIONS
High PTHLH expression promotes HCC progression and is associated with poor patient prognosis. Its pro-tumor effects may be mediated by activation of the ERK/JNK signaling pathway.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism*
;
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein/genetics*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Movement
;
Disease Progression
;
Signal Transduction
;
Male
;
RNA, Messenger/genetics*
;
Female
5.Diagnostic value of high frequency ultrasonography in acute phase of peripheral facial paralysis
Xinyu JIAO ; Ying GUO ; Hongpeng LIU ; Pengyu ZHU ; Yu CAO ; Wei CHEN ; Hong HUO ; Dan XIE
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(14):2258-2263
Objective To investigate the changes of diameter of the main trunk of the extracranial segment of the facial nerve,local hemodynamics and facial muscle thickness in patients with peripheral facial palsy(PFP)at acute stage by high frequency ultrasound(HFUS).Methods Sixty patients with acute PFP were enrolled as the PFP group,and 30 healthy people were selected as the control group.The following facial param-eters were scanned and recorded using HFUS:diameter of the main trunk of the extracranial segment of the facial nerve(FN-d),facial artery diameter(FA-d),facial artery systolic velocity(FA-Vs),facial artery diastolic velocity(FA-Vd),facial artery resistance index(FA-RI),frontalis muscle thickness(FM-t),depressor anguli oris muscle thickness(DAO-t),and depressor labii inferioris muscle thickness(DLI-t).The feasibility of facial param-eters in the diagnosis of acute-phase peripheral facial palsy(PFP)was evaluated,with intra-group and inter-group variability comparisons performed.Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between acute-phase facial parameters and House-Brackmann(H-B)scale scores in PFP patients.Results(1)The H-B score of the PFP group was significantly lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)The reliability of repeated measurements of facial parameters by different testers is good(ICC>0.75).(3)The FN-d and FA-RI values on the affected side of PFP group were higher than those on the healthy side and control group,and FA-Vs,FA-Vd,DAO-t and DLI-t values were lower than those on the healthy side and control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).(4)The FN-d and FA-RI values of the affected side in the PFP group were negatively correlated with the H-S scale score(r=-0.847,P<0.05;r=-0.863,P<0.05);FA Vs,FA Vd,DAO-t,DLI-t are positively correlated with H-S scale scores(r=0.808,P<0.05;r=0.757,P<0.05;r=0.836,P<0.05;r=0.694,P<0.05).Conclusions HFUS can effectively detect the characteristic changes such as the increase in the diameter of the extrcranial facial nerve trunk,local microcircula-tion disturbance and facial muscle atrophy in patients with PFP in the acute stage,and the increase and decrease of FN-d,FA Vs,FA Vd,FA-RI,DAO-t,and DLI-t can accurately reflect the improvement or progress of PFP,which has important guiding significance for clinical disease monitoring and efficacy evaluation.
6.Progress of research on effect of traditional Chinese medicine on prevention of AIDS-associated pulmonary infections
Huifang HE ; Shousheng CHEN ; Keying ZHU ; Pengyu LI ; Huijun GUO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2379-2383
People with AIDS are highly prone to opportunistic infections,among which pulmonary infections are the most common,with high incidence and fatality rates.How to effectively prevent or reduce the occurrence of HIV-related lung infections(HRLI)is of great practical significance.From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),HRLI and AIDS share common pathological mechanisms,including qi deficiency,spleen defi-ciency,phlegm-heat or phlegm-dampness obstructing the lungs.Based on the TCM theory of"preventing disease before it occurs",the three-level prevention approach includes:the first step"preventing disease before it occurs"emphasizes strengthening the body's defense mechanisms by tonifying the spleen and benefiting qi,and nourishing the lungs and kidneys to strengthen the exterior and protect the body;the second step"preventing the progression of disease once it occurs"emphasizes the removal of pathogenic factors while strengthening the body's defenses.Based on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM,focuses are kept on the spleen tonifying and phlegm resolving,pathogenic factors dispelling and dampness eliminating,while protecting the spleen and nourishing other organs.The third step"preventing relapse after recovery"emphasizes replenishing deficiencies and enhancing immunity.Adopting the three-level prevention approach and early intervention can reduce the inci-dence of HRLI,which is a new idea for the prevention and treatment of HRLI with TCM.
7.Expression of MCM2 and RF4 genes in liver cancer based on bioinformatics and experimental verification
Jianing GUO ; Pengyu ZHANG ; Xingfen WANG ; Yanchun QU ; Xianglian ZHANG ; Hui LI
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(1):77-87
Objective:To screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with liver cancer by bioinformatics analysis method, and to investigate the mechanism of the minichromosome maintenance protein 2 ( MCM2) and replication factor C subunit 4 ( RFC4) genes in liver cancer in vitro. Methods:Gene expression profiling data of 80 and 36 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and 307 and 13 cirrhotic tissues were obtained from the GSE25097 and GSE98620 datasets of the gene expression analysis (GEO) database, respectively. Gene expression profiling data of 374 liver cancer tissues and 50 normal liver tissues were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Limma and DESeqs R software were used to process the gene expression profiling data, construct protein-protein interaction networks, and analysis the relevance of these genes to survival. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to screen out the core genes. Liver cancer SMMC7721 cells were transfected with MCM2 blank plasmid (MCM2 control group), MCM2 overexpression plasmid [MCM2 WT1 group, MCM2 WT2 (2-fold WT1) group], RFC4 blank plasmid (RFC4 control group), and RFC4 overexpression plasmid [RFC4 WT1 group, RFC4 WT2 (2-fold WT1) group], respectively. The expression of MCM2 and RFC4 in liver cancer cell lines and their transfection levels were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting. The effects of MCM2 and RFC4 on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by MTT assay and cell cloning assay, respectively. The effects of MCM2 and RFC4 on the migration of liver cancer cells were determined by the scratch assay. The effects of MCM2 and RFC4 on liver cancer cell invasion were detected by Transwell assay.Results:By bioinformatic analysis, 9 HCC DEGs were selected, including ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 T ( UBE2T), aurora kinase A ( AURKA), targeting protein for Xklp2 ( TPX2), MCM2, RFC4, ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase subunit M2 ( RRM2), serine peptidase inhibitory factor Kazal type 1 ( SPINK1), collagen type XV alpha 1 chain ( COL15A1) and C-C motif chemokine 25 ( CCL25). Among the six genes associated with clinical stages, the MCM2 and RFC4 genes were found to be strongly associated with prognosis in liver cancer. The relative protein expression of MCM2 and RFC4 in HepG2 cells (1.83±0.07, 1.44±0.09) and SMMC7721 cells (1.74±0.05, 1.43±0.08) was higher than that in MIHA cells (1.00±0.02, 1.00±0.03), and all the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The relative gene expression of MCM2 and RFC4 in HepG2 cells (14.30±0.12, 5.10±0.18) and SMMC7721 cells (10.60±0.11, 7.60±0.07) was higher than that in MIHA cells (1.00±0.05, 1.00±0.03), and all the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the MCM2 control group, the absorbance values [(0.28±0.01 and 0.21±0.01) vs 0.18±0.03], the number of clonal cells [(717±12 and 782±29) cells vs (389±17) cells], the percentage migration [(0.43±0.02 and 0.68±0.01) vs 0.15±0.06], and the number of cellular invasions [(933±21 and 821±11) cells vs (409±16) cells] were higher in the MCM2 WT1 and MCM2 WT2 groups, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the RFC4 control group, the absorbance values [(0.30±0.02 and 0.21±0.01) vs 0.17±0.02], the number of cloned cells [(571±11 and 728±9) cells vs (373±23) cells], the percentage migration [(0.75±0.11 and 0.67±0.04) vs 0.34±0.07], and the number of cell invasion [(835±26 and 818±18) cells vs (629±12) cells] were higher in the RFC4 WT1 and the RFC4 WT2 groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions:MCM2 and R FC4 genes play a role in promoting tumorigenesis and growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.
8.Progress of research on effect of traditional Chinese medicine on prevention of AIDS-associated pulmonary infections
Huifang HE ; Shousheng CHEN ; Keying ZHU ; Pengyu LI ; Huijun GUO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(15):2379-2383
People with AIDS are highly prone to opportunistic infections,among which pulmonary infections are the most common,with high incidence and fatality rates.How to effectively prevent or reduce the occurrence of HIV-related lung infections(HRLI)is of great practical significance.From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),HRLI and AIDS share common pathological mechanisms,including qi deficiency,spleen defi-ciency,phlegm-heat or phlegm-dampness obstructing the lungs.Based on the TCM theory of"preventing disease before it occurs",the three-level prevention approach includes:the first step"preventing disease before it occurs"emphasizes strengthening the body's defense mechanisms by tonifying the spleen and benefiting qi,and nourishing the lungs and kidneys to strengthen the exterior and protect the body;the second step"preventing the progression of disease once it occurs"emphasizes the removal of pathogenic factors while strengthening the body's defenses.Based on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM,focuses are kept on the spleen tonifying and phlegm resolving,pathogenic factors dispelling and dampness eliminating,while protecting the spleen and nourishing other organs.The third step"preventing relapse after recovery"emphasizes replenishing deficiencies and enhancing immunity.Adopting the three-level prevention approach and early intervention can reduce the inci-dence of HRLI,which is a new idea for the prevention and treatment of HRLI with TCM.
9.Incidence rate of low-level viremia and related influencing factors in treatment-experienced chronic hepatitis B patients:A Meta-analysis
Lu XIE ; Yanan LIU ; Guangwei LIU ; Pengyu LI ; Xinning HU ; Qiujia KANG ; Huijun GUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(7):1334-1342
Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence rate of low-level viremia(LLV)in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and related influencing factors,and to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for effective intervention and prevention of LLV in clinical practice.Methods This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline,with a PROSPERO registration number of CRD42023455304.CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane library were searched for observational studies on LLV and related influencing factors in CHB patients published up to July 21,2023.Stata 16.0 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.Results A total of 12 articles were included,with a total sample size of 3408 cases,among whom there were 1181 patients with LLV.The meta-analysis showed that the incidence rate of LLV was 32.8%(95%confidence interval[CI]:27.6%—38.3%)in treatment-experienced CHB patients.High HBsAg quantification(odds ratio[OR]=2.107,95%CI:1.782—2.491,P<0.001),positive HBeAg(OR=3.258,95%CI:2.629—4.038,P<0.001),high HBV DNA level at baseline(OR=1.286,95%CI:1.157—1.430,P<0.001),and history of entecavir treatment(OR=3.089,95%CI:1.880—5.074,P<0.001)were risk factors for LLV;duration of antiviral therapy≥3 years(OR=0.175,95%CI:0.093—0.331,P<0.001)and high alanine aminotransferase level at baseline(OR=0.985,95%CI:0.978—0.992,P<0.001)were protective factors against LLV.The sensitivity analysis showed no significant change in effective value,suggesting that the results of the meta-analysis were relatively stable.The funnel plot of the studies included was basically symmetrical,and the results of the Egger's test and the Begg's test suggested that there was no obvious publication bias in the articles included.Conclusion Clinicians should guide decision making based on the influencing factors for LLV and related clinical evidence,so as to reduce long-term clinical risks and avoid adverse outcomes.
10.Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture with kyphotic deformity in the elderly (version 2024)
Jian CHEN ; Qingqing LI ; Jun GU ; Zhiyi HU ; Shujie ZHAO ; Zhenfei HUANG ; Tao JIANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Xiaojian CAO ; Yongxin REN ; Weihua CAI ; Lipeng YU ; Tao SUI ; Qian WANG ; Pengyu TANG ; Mengyuan WU ; Weihu MA ; Xuhua LU ; Hongjian LIU ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Xiaozhong ZHOU ; Baorong HE ; Kainan LI ; Tengbo YU ; Xiaodong GUO ; Yongxiang WANG ; Yong HAI ; Jiangang SHI ; Baoshan XU ; Weishi LI ; Jinglong YAN ; Guangzhi NING ; Yongfei GUO ; Zhijun QIAO ; Feng ZHANG ; Fubing WANG ; Fuyang CHEN ; Yan JIA ; Xiaohua ZHOU ; Yuhui PENG ; Jin FAN ; Guoyong YIN
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(11):961-973
The incidence of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (OTLVF) in the elderly is gradually increasing. The kyphotic deformity caused by various factors has become an important characteristic of OTLVF and has received increasing attention. Its clinical manifestations include pain, delayed nerve damage, sagittal imbalance, etc. Currently, the definition and diagnosis of OTLVF with kyphotic deformity in the elderly are still unclear. Although there are many treatment options, they are controversial. Existing guidelines or consensuses pay little attention to this type of fracture with kyphotic deformity. To this end, the Lumbar Education Working Group of the Spine Branch of the Chinese Medicine Education Association and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized the experts in the relevant fields to jointly develop Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with kyphotic deformity in the elderly ( version 2024), based on evidence-based medical advancements and the principles of scientificity, practicality, and advanced nature, which provided 18 recommendations to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment.

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