1.Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers and Compounds on Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Review
Xiaonan YAN ; Jigao LI ; Ruixiang YANG ; Ruilin LIU ; Quan ZHOU ; Zhen LI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):289-298
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease with synovitis as the main manifestation, which often causes joint swelling and pain or even deformity. It is considered to be an incurable lifelong disease. Although the current Western medicine treatment can alleviate the progression of the disease, it has the clinical limitations of liver injury, cardiovascular complications, and other adverse reactions, along with easy recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and has the advantages of individualized treatment and fewer adverse reactions. It can effectively relieve the symptoms of joint swelling and pain in RA patients and slow down the progression of bone destruction, which has attracted wide concern in the medical community. Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is an important intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune regulation, and other biological behaviors, and plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of RA. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and compounds can inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), regulate immune response, and thus exert an effect in the treatment of RA. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic induction and overview. Therefore, by searching the relevant literature in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases from 2009 to 2024, this study described the mechanism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of RA and summarized the research progress of TCM monomers and compounds in regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in RA intervention. The study aims to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of RA with TCM and the research and development of new drugs.
2.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.
3.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
4.Polypeptide-based Nanocarriers for Oral Targeted Delivery of CAR Genes to Pancreatic Cancer
Feng XIN ; Jian REN ; Zhao-Zhen LI ; Quan FANG ; Rui-Jing LIANG ; Lan-Lan LIU ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):431-441
ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.
5.Analysis of Serum Metabolic Biomarkers in Adult Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease and Degenerative Osteoarthritis in Qinghai Province.
Jia le XU ; Qiang LI ; Chuan LU ; Xin ZHOU ; Yan Mei ZHAO ; Jian Ling WANG ; Ji Quan LI ; Li MA ; Zhi Jun ZHAO ; Ke Wen LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1173-1177
6.Efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab in treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Teng ZHANG ; Quan WANG ; Wengang LI ; Xuezhang DUAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):69-74
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) and related prognostic factors. MethodsA total of 42 patients with uHCC who underwent SBRT combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab in Department of Radiation Oncology, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, from March to December 2022 were enrolled. The prescribed dose of planning target volume was 36 — 50 Gy in 5 — 6 fractions for continuous irradiation, followed by the regimen of sintilimab and bevacizumab. Each course of treatment was 3 weeks until the presence of tumor progression or serious adverse events. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS) rate and progression-free survival (PFS) rate, and the log-rank test was used for comparison between groups; the Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the influencing factors for prognosis. ResultsThe median follow-up time was 21.6 months, with an objective response rate of 69%, a disease control rate of 85.7%, a median PFS of 10.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.7 — 13.0), and a median OS of 23.3 months (95%CI: 14.7 — 31.8). Most adverse events were grade 1 — 2 events, and there were no fatal adverse events. At 6 — 8 weeks after treatment, the AFP response group had a significantly better OS than the non-AFP response group (not reached vs 11.8 months, P=0.007). The multivariate analysis showed that AFP response was associated with the good prognosis of patients (hazard ratio=0.31, 95%CI: 0.13 — 0.75, P=0.009). ConclusionFor patients with uHCC, SBRT combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab can improve survival with a manageable safety profile, and a >50% reduction in AFP at 6 — 8 weeks after treatment can be used as a potential prognostic indicator.
7.Effect of Yifei Jianpi Prescription on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Lung Immune Inflammatory Response in Rats Based on STAT1/IRF3 Pathway
Hongjuan YANG ; Yaru YANG ; Yujie YANG ; Zhongbo ZHU ; Quan MA ; Yanlin WU ; Hongmei LI ; Xuhui ZHANG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):146-155
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 (STAT1)/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group, and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group, dexamethasone group (0.5 mg·kg-1), and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose (12 mg·kg-1), medium-dose (6 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (3 mg·kg-1) groups, with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily, and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days, flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight, spleen weight, and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in lung tissues, while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IL-6, and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly increased IgM levels (P<0.01), significantly elevated content of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly decreased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was evident, with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood, increased proportions of NK cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratios (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA, significantly decreased IgM levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in BALF, and significantly increased IL-10 levels (P<0.01). Lung tissue damage was alleviated, thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced, and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1, IRF3, IFN-α, and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.
8.Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of primary Sjögren syndrome
Jigao LI ; Ruilin LIU ; Zihua WANG ; Hejun WANG ; Peipei SU ; Quan ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):619-623
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of RTX (trial group) versus placebo (control group) in the treatment of pSS were searched from the Cochran Library, PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, VIP, CNKI, Wanfang, and other databases during the inception to February 2024. After literature screening and quality evaluation, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS Seven RCTs were finally included, involving a total of 518 patients. Results of meta-analysis showed that European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) score [MD=-1.17, 95%CI(-1.52, -0.82), P<0.000 01] and oral dryness visual analogue scale (VAS) score [MD=-3.97, 95%CI (-5.08, -2.86), P<0.000 01] in the trial group were significantly lower than the control group; unstimulated salivary flow rate [SMD=0.64, 95%CI(0.41, 0.87), P<0.000 01] and Schirmer score [MD=0.19, 95%CI(0.18, 0.20), P<0.000 01] were significantly higher than the control group. There was no statistical significance in response rate [RD=0.10, 95%CI(-0.04, 0.23), P=0.16], fatigue VAS score [MD=-12.50, 95%CI(-35.14, 10.15), P=0.28], European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren syndrome patient reported index (ESSPRI) score [MD=0.33, 95%CI(-0.53, 1.18), P=0.46], Short-form 36 health survey physical component summary (SF36-PCS) score [MD=0.90, 95%CI(-2.97, 4.78), P=0.65], SF-36 mental component summary (SF36-MCS) score [MD=0.11, 95%CI(-0.41, 0.63), P=0.68], total salivary gland ultrasound score [SMD=-1.91, 95%CI(-4.01, 0.19), P=0.07] or the incidence of adverse drug reactions [OR=1.15,95%CI(0.62,2.13),P=0.66] between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS RTX has advantages in the improvement of ESSDAI score, unstimulated salivary flow rate, Schirmer score and oral dryness VAS score in pSS patients, and has a good safety profile. However, it did not exhibit significant improvement in fatigue VAS score, ESSPRI score, SF36-PCS score, SF36-MCS score or response rates.
9.Coinfection with coxsackievirus A6 and B1 in a Syrian hamster animal model
Jinghan HOU ; Suqin DUAN ; Hongjie XU ; Wenting SUN ; Mingxue LI ; Yanyan LI ; Weihua JIN ; Lixiong CHEN ; Quan LIU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Fengmei YANG ; Zhanlong HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):30-40
Objective To establish an animal model of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)in Syrian hamsters coinfected with coxsackievirus A6(CVA6)and coxsackievirus B1(CVB1).Methods 42 Syrian hamsters were divided into a CVA6 infection group,CVB1 infection group,CVA6 and CVB1 coinfection group and control group.A HFMD model was established by nasal instillation of virus solution and phosphate-buffered saline.Clinical and physiological indicators and detoxification status were monitored and recorded for 15 d,and animals were selected on day 7(D7)after infection for histopathology and viral antigen and nucleic acid testing.Results Hamsters in the single-infection and coinfection groups showed clinical symptoms similar to human HFMD.White blood cell,neutrophil,and lymphocyte result were characteristic of viral infection.Both viral nucleic acids were detected in throat swabs,feces,blood,and tissues and both viruses were isolated from fecal samples.Pathological damage and positive co-localization of CVA6 and CVB1 viral antigen proteins and nucleic acids were found in brain and other tissues.Conclusions Nasal instillation of a CVA6 and CVB1 mixture can successfully coinfect Syrian hamsters,replicate herpes infection similar to human HFMD,and cause pathological viral myocarditis and encephalitis damage.The result showed that the coinfection group was more seriously affected than the single-infection group,with worse clinical symptoms,increased viral replication,and obvious tissue pathological damage.This study provides a reference for further basic and clinical research into human enterovirus coinfection.
10.Influencing factors and risk analysis of anxiety and depression in occupational population
Yuling CHEN ; Jingxuan MA ; Yajia LAN ; Ning LI ; Hongjian WANG ; Liming QUAN
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(1):44-48
Objective:To identify and evaluate the important risk factor set of anxiety and depression in occupational population, establish a risk prediction model, and provide scientific basis for making targeted mental health protection plan and promoting the mental health of workers.Methods:In August 2016, a cluster random sampling method was used to investigate 807 employees who underwent physical examination in a hospital as research objects. The simplified Chinese version of the core job content questionnaire, Athens Insomnia Scale, AIS-5 and Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90) were used for the Occupational stress, insomnai and negative emotional symptom investigation. Chi-square and Fisher exact probability method were used for data analysis, and Bayesian network was used for model construcion and analysis.Results:The score of occupational stress was 0.88±0.15, and the incidence of occupational stress was 18.09% (146/807). AIS-5 scores were (3.03±2.82), and the incidence of insomnia was 15.99% (129/807). Depression (16.89±5.73) scores, anxiety (12.36±4.11) scores. Depression (16.89±5.73) score, anxiety (12.36±4.11) score, the detection rate was 8.55% (69/755), 7.31% (59/762). Gender, illness, education, insomnia and occupational stress were correlated with depression ( P<0.01), while education, illness, insomnia and anxiety were correlated ( P<0.05). When both occupational stress and insomnia existed, the detection rate of depression was the highest (0.4006) . Conclusion:Insomnia was a valid predictor of anxiety and depression, suggesting that occupational groups should pay attention to sleep quality and managers should rationalize work tasks in order to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.

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