1.Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Tang-containing Serum in Improving 5-FU Sensitivity by Inhibiting Glycolysis in Colorectal Cancer Cells Based on CDK16/MYC Pathway
Rong CAI ; Shang WANG ; Fuqing CHENG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Zuowei HU ; Yunhai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):1-9
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanisms by which serum containing Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT) inhibits glycolysis and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells based on the cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16)/MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) pathway. MethodsHCT-116/5-FU cells were treated with different concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of GQT-containing serum. Cell viability and 5-FU sensitivity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations of 5-FU and GQT for subsequent experiments were determined. Cell proliferation and apoptosis under individual 5-FU, GQT, and combined 5-FU + GQT treatments were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. Glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and lactate levels were measured by colorimetric assays. Expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, CDK16, MYC, and phosphorylated MYC were detected by Western blot. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was used to examine the protein interaction between CDK16 and MYC, and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment was applied to assess the effect of CDK16 overexpression on MYC protein stability. ResultsCCK-8 assays showed that 2.5 mg·L-1 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. In HCT-116/5-FU cells, significant inhibition was observed only at 5 mg·L-1 5-FU (P<0.05), which was used for model establishment. Compared with 5-FU alone, addition of 5% GQT-containing serum significantly suppressed HCT-116/5-FU cell viability (P<0.05), with stronger inhibition at higher serum concentrations. Thus, 5% GQT-containing serum was used in subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 5-FU, GQT, and 5-FU + GQT treatments all significantly reduced cell proliferation (P<0.05) and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). The 5-FU + GQT combination showed superior inhibition of proliferation compared with 5-FU or GQT alone (P<0.01), accompanied by more pronounced reductions in glucose consumption, ATP production, and lactate generation (P<0.01). Additionally, compared with control, 5-FU, and GQT groups, the 5-FU + GQT group exhibited stronger suppression of MYC and its phosphorylated forms (P<0.01) and greater inhibition of glycolytic enzymes, including hexokinase 2 (HK2), 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) (P<0.01). CDK16, MYC, and MYC phosphorylation expression levels were significantly downregulated in the 5-FU + GQT group compared with the 5-FU group (all P<0.01). MYC protein stability decreased in a time-dependent manner in the 5-FU + GQT group (P<0.05), which was rescued by CDK16 overexpression (P<0.05). ConclusionGQT significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCT-116/5-FU cells to 5-FU, potentially by inhibiting CDK16 and thereby reducing MYC-mediated glycolysis.
2.Mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Tang-containing Serum in Improving 5-FU Sensitivity by Inhibiting Glycolysis in Colorectal Cancer Cells Based on CDK16/MYC Pathway
Rong CAI ; Shang WANG ; Fuqing CHENG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Zuowei HU ; Yunhai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):1-9
ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanisms by which serum containing Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT) inhibits glycolysis and enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells based on the cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16)/MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) pathway. MethodsHCT-116/5-FU cells were treated with different concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of GQT-containing serum. Cell viability and 5-FU sensitivity were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations of 5-FU and GQT for subsequent experiments were determined. Cell proliferation and apoptosis under individual 5-FU, GQT, and combined 5-FU + GQT treatments were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining and annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, respectively. Glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and lactate levels were measured by colorimetric assays. Expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, CDK16, MYC, and phosphorylated MYC were detected by Western blot. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was used to examine the protein interaction between CDK16 and MYC, and cycloheximide (CHX) treatment was applied to assess the effect of CDK16 overexpression on MYC protein stability. ResultsCCK-8 assays showed that 2.5 mg·L-1 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. In HCT-116/5-FU cells, significant inhibition was observed only at 5 mg·L-1 5-FU (P<0.05), which was used for model establishment. Compared with 5-FU alone, addition of 5% GQT-containing serum significantly suppressed HCT-116/5-FU cell viability (P<0.05), with stronger inhibition at higher serum concentrations. Thus, 5% GQT-containing serum was used in subsequent experiments. Compared with the control group, 5-FU, GQT, and 5-FU + GQT treatments all significantly reduced cell proliferation (P<0.05) and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). The 5-FU + GQT combination showed superior inhibition of proliferation compared with 5-FU or GQT alone (P<0.01), accompanied by more pronounced reductions in glucose consumption, ATP production, and lactate generation (P<0.01). Additionally, compared with control, 5-FU, and GQT groups, the 5-FU + GQT group exhibited stronger suppression of MYC and its phosphorylated forms (P<0.01) and greater inhibition of glycolytic enzymes, including hexokinase 2 (HK2), 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) (P<0.01). CDK16, MYC, and MYC phosphorylation expression levels were significantly downregulated in the 5-FU + GQT group compared with the 5-FU group (all P<0.01). MYC protein stability decreased in a time-dependent manner in the 5-FU + GQT group (P<0.05), which was rescued by CDK16 overexpression (P<0.05). ConclusionGQT significantly enhances the sensitivity of HCT-116/5-FU cells to 5-FU, potentially by inhibiting CDK16 and thereby reducing MYC-mediated glycolysis.
3.Quantitative analysis and distribution comparison of salidroside and its liposomes in mouse serum,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and lung tissue
Rong WANG ; Ni ZHAO ; Guoquan LI ; Yafeng WANG ; Shen’ao LI ; Jiaming LAI ; Hao CAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1998-2002
OBJECTIVE Establish a quantitative analysis method for salidroside (Sal) in mouse serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue, and compare the distribution differences of Sal and its liposomes. METHODS Using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), Welch Xtimate C18 was used as the chromatographic column, with methanol-formic acid aqueous solution (formic acid volume fraction: 0.1% for serum and BALF detection, 0.2% for lung tissue detection) as the mobile phase, flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, detection wavelength of 275 nm, column temperature of 30 ℃, and injection volume of 10 μL. Serum, BALF, and lung tissue homogenate samples were precipitated with methanol for protein analysis. Twelve mice were randomly divided into Sal group and Sal liposome group, and the concentrations of Sal in serum, BALF, and lung tissue were detected after intragastric administration corresponding liquid medicine at a dose of 300 mg/kg (calculated as Sal) for 0.5 h. RESULTS The linear ranges of Sal in serum, BALF, and lung tissue were 1.56-200.00 μg/mL, 1.56-100.00 μg/mL, and 6.24-400.00 μg/g, respectively (all r=0.999 9), with intra-day RSD of 1.35%-3.87%, 1.10%-2.75%, and 1.90%-3.86%, respectively; the inter-day RSD of 3.38%-5.11%, 2.22%- 4.36%, and 2.41%-4.73%, respectively. The relative accuracies were 97.95%-101.61%, 98.29%-101.82%, and 97.41%- 106.94%, respectively. The stability RSDs were all less than 6%. Compared with the Sal group, the Sal liposome group significantly increased the concentration of Sal in BALF of mice (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the concentration of Sal in serum and lung tissue (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The HPLC method established in this study is suitable for quantitative analysis of Sal in mouse serum, BALF, and lung tissue. Sal liposomes have a tendency to distribute towards the alveolar cavity during early administration.
4.Analysis of screening myopia and its influencing factors among children and adolescents in Tianhe District, Guangzhou during 2021-2024
ZENG Xia, LIN Yinglin, SUN Shihong, LI Biao, LEI Ying, LIN Rong, CAI Wenfeng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1091-1095
Objective:
To investigate the annual trend and influencing factors of screening myopia prevalence among children and adolescents in Tianhe District, Guangzhou from 2021 to 2024, so as to provide a scientific basis for optimizing targeted and precise regional myopia prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
From 2021 to 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was adopted to recruit 10 132 students ranging from senior kindergarten to senior high school from fixed monitoring sites for myopia screening. Additionally, a questionnaire survey on myopia related factors was administered to 7 115 students in grade 4 and above. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to analyze the annual changing trends and interaction effects, and mixed effects models were performed for sensitivity analysis.
Results:
The screening myopia prevalence among children and adolescents in Tianhe District from 2021 to 2024 was 58.9%, 57.3%, 56.8%, and 54.7%, respectively, and showed a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=9.06, P <0.05). The prevalence rates among senior kindergarten, primary school, junior high school, regular senior high school, and vocational high school students were 8.7%, 40.7%, 74.3%, 86.7%, and 75.6%, respectively (χ 2= 2 493.11, P <0.05). The prevalence was significantly higher in female students (60.9%) than in male students (53.3%) ( χ 2= 59.22 , P <0.05). GEE analysis showed that male students ( OR =0.59), primary school students ( OR =0.45), those who spent less than 6 hours per day sitting indoors ( OR =0.78), and those who used electronic devices for no more than 2 hours per day ( OR = 0.25 ) all had lower risks of screening myopia (all P <0.05). Students in regular high schools ( OR =2.01), those who engaged in activities inside the classroom during breaks ( OR =1.55), those who engaged in activities outside the classroom but within the school building during breaks ( OR = 1.46), those who never or only occasionally maintained proper reading and writing postures ( OR =1.32), those with less than 2 hours of daily outdoor activity ( OR =1.86), those with both parents being myopic ( OR =2.48), those with only the father being myopic ( OR =1.50), and those with only the mother being myopic ( OR =1.63) all had higher risks of screening detected myopia (all P <0.05). Interaction effect analysis revealed annual heterogeneity in the effects of daily outdoor activity time ≥2 h and daily electronic device use time >2 h on screening myopia prevalence (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The screening myopia prevalence among children and adolescents in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, demonstrates a continuous downward trend. The impacts of daily outdoor activity duration and electronic device usage time on screening myopia exhibit annual heterogeneity. Dynamic and targeted myopia prevention and control strategies should be formulated in accordance with regional demographic features and environmental changes.
5.Clinical outcomes of cyclosporine combined with lacrimal plug in the treatment of dry eye in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Lin AN ; Qiuhong WEI ; Jingjing CAI ; Chengwen YANG ; Rong ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):128-133
AIM: To analyze the clinical outcomes of cyclosporine combined with lacrimal plug in the treatment of dry eye in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.METHODS: The clinical data of 60 patients(120 eyes)who were admitted to the ophthalmology department and rheumatology and immunology department of Baoding No.1 Central Hospital and were diagonosed with siogren's syndrome dry eye after multidisciplinary consultation from June 2022 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients received regular treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome, and they were divided into three groups according to treatment methods: A, B and C, with 20 cases(40 eyes)in each group. The group A received 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eyedrops, the group B received 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eyedrops plus 0.05% cyclosporine eyedrops, and the group C received 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eyedrops plus 0.05% cyclosporine eyedrops combined with binocular lacrimal plugs. The ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, conjunctival hyperemia score, tear film breakup time(BUT), tear meniscus height(TMH), corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score and tear secretion of the three groups of patients were compared before and at 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment. The contents of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in tears were detected before and at 12 wk after treatment.RESULTS: At 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, the scores of OSDI, conjunctival hyperemia score and FL in the three groups of patients were lower than those before treatment, and the BUT, TMH and tear secretion were higher than those before treatment(all P<0.001). The OSDI score of the group C was lower than that of the group A and B, and the group B was lower than the group A(all P<0.001). The BUT, TMH and tear secretion of the group C were higher than those of the group A and B, with the group B higher than the group A(all P<0.001). At 12 wk after treatment, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in the tears of the three groups of patients were lower than those before treatment, with the group C lower than the group A and B, and the group B lower than the group A(all P<0.001). There was no statistical significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups of patients(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The combined use of cyclosporine and lacrimal plug is safe and effective in improving the clinical symptoms of patients with moderate and severe dry eye, promoting the function of tear film and cornea, increasing tears secretion, and reducing the level of tear inflammatory factors.
6.Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy on liver cancer: the past, the present, and the future
Jingqin MA ; Linhong ZHANG ; Minjie YANG ; Jiabin CAI ; Ying FANG ; Rong LIU ; Xudong QU ; Lingxiao LIU ; Zhiping YAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):3-8
Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy (90Y-SIRT) is a treatment technique that delivers radioactive microspheres precisely to the arterial vascular bed of neoplasms, utilizing beta radiation to administer a high local dose of radiation to the neoplasm tissues. This technology has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with unresectable pirmary liver cancers and liver metastases. This article systematically reviews the development history and clinical application status of 90Y-SIRT in the treatment of liver cancer, and looks forward to future development directions.
7.Comparison of outcomes between enhanced workflows and express workflows in robotic-arm assisted total hip arthroplasty.
Xiang ZHAO ; Xiang-Hua WANG ; Rong-Xin HE ; Xun-Zi CAI ; Li-Dong WU ; Hao-Bo WU ; Shi-Gui YAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(10):987-993
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the differences in clinical efficacy between enhanced workflows and express workflows in robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty(THA).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 46 patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA between November 2020 and May 2021. They were divided into the enhanced workflows group and the express workflows group based on the surgical methods. There were 20 patients in the enhanced workflows group, including 11 males and 9 females;aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of (67.30±7.52) years old. The BMI ranged from 18.24 to 24.03 kg·m-2 with an average of(23.80±3.01) kg·m-2. There were 26 patients in the express workflows group, including 12 males and 14 females;aged from 57 to 84 years old with a mean age of (67.58±7.29) years old, and their BMI ranged from 19.72 to 30.08 kg·m-2 with an average of (24.41 ±2.92) kg·m-2. The operation time, hospital stay, and perioperative complications of the patients were recorded. The postoperative acetabular prosthesis anteversion angle, abduction angle, limb length, and offset distance data were measured. The Harris hip score at the latest follow-up was recorded.
RESULTS:
All patients completed the surgery as planned and were followed up, with the follow-up period ranging from 47 to 54 months with a mean of (49.78±1.85) months and the length of hospital stay ranging from 2 to 11 days with an average of (6.57±1.82 ) days. The operation time of enhanced workflows group was (93.41±16.41) minutes, which was longer than that of the express workflow groups (75.19±18.36) minutes, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In enhanced workflows group, the postoperative acetabular anteversion angle was (19.20±4.46)°, the limb length discrepancy was (-1.55±9.13) mm, and changes of the offset was (-5.15±6.77) mm. The corresponding values in express workflows group were (20.46±3.29)°, (2.19±4.39) mm, and (-2.39±4.34) mm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in these indicators between the two groups(P>0.05). One patient in the enhanced workflows group developed deep venous thrombosis after surgery. No cases of dislocation or periprosthetic infection. At the latest follow-up, all patients had well-positioned prostheses without loosening. Harris hip score was (90.50±1.67) points in enhanced workflows group and (90.73±2.36) points in the express workflows group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
The clinical efficacy of robot assisted total hip arthroplasty technology is satisfactory. The enhanced workflows will increase the surgical time. For patients with normal anatomical hip joint disease, this study did not find significant advantages in joint stability and functional scoring for the enhanced workflows.
Humans
;
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Middle Aged
;
Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Workflow
;
Treatment Outcome
8.Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate viability, DNA synthesis and DNA damage of spermatogonial stem cells and improves reproductive capacity.
Tian-Long LIAO ; Cai-Mei HE ; Di XIAO ; Zhi-Rong ZHANG ; Zuping HE ; Xiao-Ping YANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):543-549
Icariin is a pure compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, and it helps the regulation of male reproduction. Nevertheless, the role and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in mediating male germ cell development remain to be clarified. Here, we have demonstrated that Icariin promoted proliferation and DNA synthesis of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance iron (SPRi) and molecular docking (MOE) assays revealed that phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was an important target of Icariin in mouse SSCs. Mechanically, Icariin decreased the expression level of PDE5A. Interestingly, hydrogen peroxides (H 2 O 2 ) enhanced the expression level of phosphorylation H2A.X (p-H2A.X), whereas Icariin diminished the expression level of p-H2A.X and DNA damage caused by H 2 O 2 in mouse SSCs. Finally, our in vivo animal study indicated that Icariin protected male reproduction. Collectively, these results implicate that Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate mouse SSC viability and DNA damage and improves male reproductive capacity. This study thus sheds new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian SSCs and offers a scientific basis for the clinical application of Icariin in male reproduction.
Male
;
Animals
;
Flavonoids/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5/drug effects*
;
DNA Damage/drug effects*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Spermatogonia/drug effects*
;
Reproduction/drug effects*
;
Adult Germline Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
DNA Replication/drug effects*
9.Change of plasma level of valine and its relationship with developmental quotient in children with autism.
Xinjie XU ; Xiaoe CAI ; Fanchao MENG ; Bo LONG ; Xin YOU ; Rong ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):277-283
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the differences of plasma valine level between autistic and healthy children, and to explore the relationship between plasma valine level and developmental quotient in children with autism.
METHODS:
In this study, a total of 29 autistic children and 30 typically developing children of the same age range were recruited as the autistic group and the control group. The childhood autism rating scale (CARS) was used to assess autistic core symptoms and severity in the autistic children. Children's developmental quotient was evaluated by Gesell developmental schedules (GDS), and plasma valine level was measured by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The correlation between plasma valine level and developmental quotient scores in the autistic group was analyzed.
RESULTS:
The plasma level of valine in the autism group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). Children in the autism group got significantly lower scores in the adaption, gross motor, fine motor, language function and personal/social function subscales in GDS than in the control group (P < 0.000 1). Plasma valine level in the autism group showed significant positive correlations with scores of the fine motor (r=0.441, P < 0.05) and personal/social function (r=0.437, P < 0.05) subscales in GDS, but showed no significant correlations with scores of the adaption, gross motor and language function subscales in GDS (P>0.05). According to the criteria of CARS, children in the autism group were subdivided into the mild to moderate subgroup and the severe subgroup based on the severity of the autistic symptoms. Compared with children in the mild to moderate subgroup, children in the severe subgroup got significantly lower scores in the adaption, fine motor, language function and personal/social function subscales in GDS (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two subgroups in gross motor scores and plasma valine level (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
The level of valine in plasma of autistic children is relatively lower, and there is a certain relationship between plasma valine level and the fine movement and personal/social function among children with autism.
Humans
;
Autistic Disorder/physiopathology*
;
Child
;
Male
;
Female
;
Valine/blood*
;
Child Development
;
Child, Preschool
;
Case-Control Studies
10.Chinese Medicine for Treatment of COVID-19: A Review of Potential Pharmacological Components and Mechanisms.
Qian-Qian XU ; Dong-Dong YU ; Xiao-Dan FAN ; He-Rong CUI ; Qian-Qian DAI ; Xiao-Ying ZHONG ; Xin-Yi ZHANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Liang-Zhen YOU ; Hong-Cai SHANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(1):83-95
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease that has been prevalent since December 2019. Chinese medicine (CM) has demonstrated its unique advantages in the fight against COVID-19 in the areas of disease prevention, improvement of clinical symptoms, and control of disease progression. This review summarized the relevant material components of CM in the treatment of COVID-19 by searching the relevant literature and reports on CM in the treatment of COVID-19 and combining with the physiological and pathological characteristics of the novel coronavirus. On the basis of sorting out experimental methods in vivo and in vitro, the mechanism of herb action was further clarified in terms of inhibiting virus invasion and replication and improving related complications. The aim of the article is to explore the strengths and characteristics of CM in the treatment of COVID-19, and to provide a basis for the research and scientific, standardized treatment of COVID-19 with CM.
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
;
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects*
;
COVID-19/therapy*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*
;
Animals


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail