1.The characteristics and mechanism of dynamic changes of different components in microenvironment in regulating the progression of liver fibrosis
Huilan ZHAO ; Zongxu LIU ; Shumin LI ; Zhifeng WANG ; Minghui LIU ; Qian SHENG ; Kunbin KE ; Xinan SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):755-760
The liver has diverse functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and immune defense, and the maintenance of hepatic microenvironment homeostasis is crucial for overall bodily health. The hepatic microenvironment consists of the components such as parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and non-cellular components. Chronic inflammatory responses induced by various etiological factors may promote the formation and progression of liver fibrosis. During the dynamic progression of liver fibrosis, from the early to advanced stages, various components within the hepatic microenvironment undergo a series of changes, which can promote the malignant progression of liver fibrosis. An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying such changes in each component of the liver fibrosis microenvironment is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and discovering potential treatment strategies.
2.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
3.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Sepsis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Zhu LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Jing YAN ; Jinchan PENG ; Mingyao XU ; Liqun LI ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):314-322
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria. In addition to the manifestations of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and primary infection lesions, critical cases often have manifestations of organ hypoperfusion. The morbidity and mortality of sepsis have remained high in recent years, which seriously affect the quality of life of the patients. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complicated, in which uncontrollable inflammation is a key mechanism. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a key role in mediating inflammation in sepsis. The available therapies of sepsis mainly include resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive drugs, intensive insulin therapy, and organ support, which show limited effects of reducing the mortality. Therefore, finding new therapeutic drugs is a key problem to be solved in the clinical treatment of sepsis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway via multiple pathways, multiple effects, and multiple targets to inhibit inflammation and curb the occurrence and development of sepsis, which has gradually become a hot spot in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Moreover, studies have suggested that TCM has unique advantages in the treatment of sepsis. TCM can regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and control apoptosis in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Despite the research progress, a systematic review remains to be performed regarding the TCM treatment of sepsis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. After reviewing relevant papers published in recent years, this study systematically summarizes the relationship between PI3K/Akt pathway and sepsis and the role of TCM in the treatment of sepsis, aiming to provide new ideas for the potential treatment of sepsis and the development of new drugs.
5.Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases
Yuxin LIU ; Minghao DONG ; Yunhui CHU ; Luoqi ZHOU ; Yunfan YOU ; Xiaowei PANG ; Sheng YANG ; Luyang ZHANG ; Lian CHEN ; Lifang ZHU ; Jun XIAO ; Wei WANG ; Chuan QIN ; Daishi TIAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(10):1140-1150
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo, CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.
6.Oncogene goosecoid is transcriptionally regulated by E2F1 and correlates with disease progression in prostate cancer
Yue GE ; Sheng MA ; Qiang ZHOU ; Zezhong XIONG ; Yanan WANG ; Le LI ; Zheng CHAO ; Junbiao ZHANG ; Tengfei LI ; Zixi WU ; Yuan GAO ; Guanyu QU ; Zirui XI ; Bo LIU ; Xi WU ; Zhihua WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(15):1844-1856
Background::Although some well-established oncogenes are involved in cancer initiation and progression such as prostate cancer (PCa), the long tail of cancer genes remains to be defined. Goosecoid ( GSC) has been implicated in cancer development. However, the comprehensive biological role of GSC in pan-cancer, specifically in PCa, remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of GSC in PCa development. Methods::We performed a systematic bioinformatics exploration of GSC using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression, Gene Expression Omnibus, German Cancer Research Center, and our in-house cohorts. First, we evaluated the expression of GSC and its association with patient prognosis, and identified GSC-relevant genetic alterations in cancers. Further, we focused on the clinical characterization and prognostic analysis of GSC in PCa. To understand the transcriptional regulation of GSC by E2F transcription factor 1 ( E2F1), we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Functional experiments were conducted to validate the effect of GSC on the tumor cellular phenotype and sensitivity to trametinib. Results::GSC expression was elevated in various tumors and significantly correlated with patient prognosis. The alterations of GSC contribute to the progression of various tumors especially in PCa. Patients with PCa and high GSC expression exhibited worse progression-free survival and biochemical recurrence outcomes. Further, GSC upregulation in patients with PCa was mostly accompanied with higher Gleason score, advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Mechanistically, the transcription factor, E2F1, stimulates GSC by binding to its promoter region. Detailed experiments further demonstrated that GSC acted as an oncogene and influenced the response of PCa cells to trametinib treatment. Conclusions::GSC was highly overexpressed and strongly correlated with patient prognosis in PCa. We found that GSC, regulated by E2F1, acted as an oncogene and impeded the therapeutic efficacy of trametinib in PCa.
7.Carthamus tinctorius L.extract ameliorates alcoholic liver disease by modulating PI3K/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway
Wen-Xuan WANG ; Xiang-Lei FU ; Man QI ; Fu-Rong FAN ; Fu-Rong ZHU ; Yuan-Chuang WANG ; Kai-Yue ZHANG ; Min LIU ; Sheng-Hui CHU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1137-1145
Aim To investigate the effects of Cartham-us tinctorius L.extract(CTLE)on oxidative stress,lipid metabolism,and apoptosis levels of mice with al-cohol-induced liver injury and its mechanism of action.Methods The mouse model of alcohol-associated liver disease was established by chronic alcohol feeding and acute alcohol gavage.Mice were randomly divided into four groups.During the modeling period,the state changes of mice were observed every day,and their weight was recorded.At the end of modeling,blood and liver tissues were collected from each group of mice.The blood of mice was analyzed biochemically,and HE staining and Oil Red O staining were used to evaluate further the degree of pathological damage in the liver of mice.Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)and Western blot were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of p-PI3K,PI3K,p-Akt,Akt,p-mTOR,mTOR,p-FoxO1,FoxO1,p-FoxO3a,FoxO3a,p-FoxO4,FoxO4,BCL and BAX factors.Results Compared to the model group,the CTLE administration group showed improved hepatic patho-logical injury and reduced lipid deposition.The bio-chemical indexes in serum and liver,such as ALT,AST,TG,TC,and MDA levels were reduced,while GSH and SOD levels increased.Regulating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway resulted in increased production of SOD,which reduced damage and apoptosis caused by reactive oxygen species(ROS).Conclusions CTLE can exert anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effects through the PI3K/Akt/FoxO pathway and attenuates alcoholic liver injury in mice,providing new ideas for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease and the develop-ment of related drugs.
8.Mechanism of action and experimental validation study of liver cancer treatment by Zheng Gan Decoction using bioinformatics
Tian-Li SONG ; Yi-Min WANG ; Xu LIU ; Sheng HUANG ; Hai-Xia LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1383-1391
Aim To invepredict the mechanism of ac-tion and targets of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Zheng Gan Decoction against hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics,and to experimen-tally verify the mechanism of anticancer action of Zheng Gan Decoction against DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model.Methods The compounds of CZLF were collected from TCMSP and HERB Herbal Histology Database,and the potential targets of CZLF were predicted from Uniprot Protein Database,and the disease targets of hepatocellular carcinoma were searched with the help of OMIM,TTD,and Gene Cards databases,and then Venny analysis was per-formed on the targets of the disease-drugs,and then the protein-drug interactions(PI)of CZLF were mapped by String database,which was used for the study.After that,we used String database to draw pro-tein-protein interaction(PPI)network,R 4.1.3 soft-ware and Metascape database to enrich gene ontology(GO)and analyze KEGG signaling pathway for the core intersected targets,and finally,we used Cyto-scape 3.8.2 software for visualization to construct"compound-pathway-target-disease".Lastly,Cytoscape 3.8.2 software was used to visualize and construct a"compound-pathway-target-disease"network diagram,which was finally verified by Western blot experiment.Results Bioinformatics results showed that there were 171 common targets between Zheng Gan Decoction and diseases,and Zheng Gan Decoction might exert its an-ticancer effect through the main active ingredients such as lignans,quercetin,β-glutosterol,ivy saponin,etc.,as well as through the core protein targets such as CASP3,BCL2,AKT1,IL6,etc.,and the modula-tion of the Hippo signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt sig-naling pathway.The results of animal experiments showed that the expression content of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3,BCL-2 and Bax was detected by Western blot,and the expression of Bax and caspase-3 proteins was up-regulated and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was down-regulated in the treatment group of Zheng Gan Decoction.Conclusions This study sug-gests that Zheng Gan Decoction may inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and promote the apop-tosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating the apoptosis-related proteins of caspase-3,Bcl-2,and Bax,so as to achieve the effect of anti-hepatocellular carcinoma.
9.Expert consensus on integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine diagnosis and treatment for osteoporotic fractures
Dong-Liang WANG ; Fan-Fu FANG ; Chang-Sheng LIU ; Jia-Can SU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(3):242-250
Osteoporotic fractures represent the most severe complications of osteoporosis,characterized by insidious onset,high mortality and disability rates,and a steadily increasing incidence,imposing a significant socioeconomic burden.Western medicine has advantages in diagnosis and surgical interventions,while traditional Chinese medicine excels in holistic manage-ment and the restoration of bodily equilibrium.The integration of both traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and western medicine emerges as an effective therapeutic strategy for osteoporotic fractures.In order to propagate the concept of integrated diagnosis and treatment,foster the advancement of integrated medical techniques for osteoporotic fractures,and establish standardized and nor-mative protocols for disease prevention,diagnosis,and treatment,a consensus expert group,led by Geriatric Branch of Chinese Geriatrics Society,the Young Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Association,Osteoporosis Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Physician Association,and Osteoporosis Professional Committee of the Shanghai Society of Inte-grated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,was established.This group engaged in deliberations and formulated the"Ex-pert Consensus on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporotic Fractures"elu-cidating the concept of integrated medicine and offering recommendations in the domains of prevention,diagnosis,and treatment,with the aspiration of ameliorating the prognosis of osteoporotic fractures and enhancing the quality of life for these patients.
10.Intraoperative slide rail CT assistance in percutaneous sacroiliac joint screws for the treatment of pelvic posterior ring injury
Bin SHENG ; Yi-Wei WANG ; Yu-Si WANG ; De-Long LIU ; Zhan-Yu YANG ; Rui GUAN ; Chao LIU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(5):438-444
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of intraoperative slide rail CT combined with C-arm X-ray assis-tance and just C-arm for percutaneous screw in the treatment of pelvic posterior ring injury.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the patient data of 76 patients with posterior pelvic ring injury admitted to the Department of Orthopedic Trauma from December 2018 to February 2022.Among them,39 patients in the CT group were treated with C-arm combined with slide rail CT-assisted inline fixation including 23 males and 16 females with an average age of(44.98±7.33)years old;and the other 37 patients in the C-arm group were treated with intraline fixation treatment under only C-arm fluoroscopy in-cluding 24 males and 13 females with an average age of(44.37±10.82)years old.Among them,42 patients with anterior ring fractures were treated with percutaneous inferior iliac spines with internal fixation(INFIX)or suprapubic support screws to fix the anterior pelvic ring.Postoperative follow-up time,operation time,complications of the two groups were compared.Results of Matta reduction criteria,Majed efficacy evaluation,the CT grading and the rate of secondary surgical revision were com-pared.Results The nailing time of(32.63±7.33)min in CT group was shorter than that of(52.95±10.64)min in C-arm group(t=-9.739,P<0.05).The follow-up time between CT group(11.97±1.86)months and C-arm group(12.03±1.71)months were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The postoperative complication rates between two groups were not statistically significant(x2=0.159,P>0.05).Results of Matta reduction criteria(Z=2.79,P<0.05),Majeed efficacy evaluation(Z=2.79,P<0.05),CT grading(Z=2.83,P<0.05)in CT group were better than those in C-arm group(P<0.05);the secondary surgical revision rate in the CT group was significantly lower than that in the C-arm group(x2=5.641,P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with traditional C-arm fluoroscopy,intraoperative slide rail CT combined with C-arm assisted percutaneous sacroiliac joint screw placement surgery has the characteristics of short operation time,high accuracy and safety,and significant decrease in postoperative sec-ondary revision rate,and is one of the effective methods for re-establishing the stability of the posterior ring of pelvic fracture.

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