1.Herbal Textual Research on Bambusae Succus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Ming YANG ; Zhiping CHEN ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Conglong XU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):231-239
This article systematically reviews and examines the historical evolution of Bambusae Succus as a medicinal material, covering aspects such as nomenclature, origin, geographical distribution, harvesting and processing methods, quality assessment, therapeutic effects and indications, by consulting ancient herbal texts, medical compendia, and modern literature. The aim is to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Research indicated that Bambusae Succus was first documented in the Shennong Bencaojing during the Han dynasty, with Zhuli being the standard name used throughout history, alongside aliases like Zhuzhi, Zhuyou and Huoquan. Historically, the primary source of Bambusae Succus has been Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis(Danzhu), although other species such as Pleioblastus amarus and Bambusa emeiensis have also been used medicinally. Ancient records predominantly noted its origin in Yizhou(present-day Chengdu and surrounding areas in Sichuan) and the Wuling region(between present-day Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces), while contemporary sources are mainly from regions south of the Yangtze River and southwestern China. Traditionally, Bambusae Succus was harvested from bamboo that had grown for exactly one year, today, it can be collected year-round without strict age requirements. Ancient preparation methods included direct fire roasting or dry distillation, whereas modern industrial production employs dry distillation, reflux extraction, and percolation. In terms of quality evaluation, ancient texts considered a sweet taste to be superior, while today, clarity and transparency are prioritized. Historically, Bambusae Succus was characterized as sweet and cold nature, targeting the lung and stomach meridians, with uses evolving from clearing heat and resolving phlegm to nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. Modern descriptions classify it as sweet, bitter, and cold in nature, affecting the heart, liver, and lung meridians, with functions including clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and facilitating orifices. It is indicated for conditions such as stroke with phlegm confusion, lung heat with phlegm congestion, convulsions, epilepsy, excessive phlegm in febrile diseases, high fever with thirst, irritability during pregnancy, and tetanus, with more clearly defined applications. Based on the results of the research, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Bambusae Succus, the one-year-old Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis, which has been highly praised throughout history, should be selected as the source material. Industrial production should adopt the dry distillation method. Furthermore, in-depth research should be conducted on the modern technological characterization of the traditional quality control indicator of sweet taste, and reasonable modern quality control standards should be established.
2.The role of bile acid dynamics in inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Si-Rui Yu ; Run Sun ; Mei-Ya Shi ; Mei Yang ; Kun Chen ; Qiong Pan ; Ling Zhao ; Ming-Yue Wu ; Jin Chai
Liver Research 2026;10(1):35-50
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is higher among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Emerging evidence indicates that the development of MASLD in patients with IBD may occur independently of traditional metabolic risk factors, suggesting a unique pathophysiological mechanism distinct from conventional MASLD pathways. Bile acids (BAs), which act as critical signaling molecules in enterohepatic circulation, play an essential role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis through bidirectional gut–liver axis communication. These molecules are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators in the progression of both MASLD and IBD. While previous studies have characterized the dynamics of BA in blood or fecal samples under both conditions, a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic profiles and the associated interactions within the gut–liver axis is still lacking. This review synthesizes current evidence from studies employing BA metabolomics to investigate IBD and MASLD. By focusing on BA signatures, we summarize conserved alterations between these two conditions and their potential mechanisms of disease progression. Our review advances understanding of BA-mediated pathways in IBD and MASLD, providing a foundation for assessing their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of MASLD in patients with IBD.
3.Enhanced radiotheranostic targeting of integrin α5β1 with PEGylation-enabled peptide multidisplay platform (PEGibody): A strategy for prolonged tumor retention with fast blood clearance.
Siqi ZHANG ; Xiaohui MA ; Jiang WU ; Jieting SHEN ; Yuntao SHI ; Xingkai WANG ; Lin XIE ; Xiaona SUN ; Yuxuan WU ; Hao TIAN ; Xin GAO ; Xueyao CHEN ; Hongyi HUANG ; Lu CHEN ; Xuekai SONG ; Qichen HU ; Hailong ZHANG ; Feng WANG ; Zhao-Hui JIN ; Ming-Rong ZHANG ; Rui WANG ; Kuan HU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):692-706
Peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals targeting integrin α5β1 show promise for precise tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, current peptide-based radioligands that target α5β1 demonstrate inadequate in vivo performance owing to limited tumor retention. The use of PEGylation to enhance the tumor retention of radiopharmaceuticals by prolonging blood circulation time poses a risk of increased blood toxicity. Therefore, a PEGylation strategy that boosts tumor retention while minimizing blood circulation time is urgently needed. Here, we developed a PEGylation-enabled peptide multidisplay platform (PEGibody) for PR_b, an α5β1 targeting peptide. PEGibody generation involved PEGylation and self-assembly. [64Cu]QM-2303 PEGibodies displayed spherical nanoparticles ranging from 100 to 200 nm in diameter. Compared with non-PEGylated radioligands, [64Cu]QM-2303 demonstrated enhanced tumor retention time due to increased binding affinity and stability. Importantly, the biodistribution analysis confirmed rapid clearance of [64Cu]QM-2303 from the bloodstream. Administration of a single dose of [177Lu]QM-2303 led to robust antitumor efficacy. Furthermore, [64Cu]/[177Lu]QM-2303 exhibited low hematological and organ toxicity in both healthy and tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, this study presents a PEGibody-based radiotheranostic approach that enhances tumor retention time and provides long-lasting antitumor effects without prolonging blood circulation lifetime. The PEGibody-based radiopharmaceutical [64Cu]/[177Lu]QM-2303 shows great potential for positron emission tomography imaging-guided targeted radionuclide therapy for α5β1-overexpressing tumors.
4.Thermal proteome profiling (TPP) reveals NAMPT as the anti-glioma target of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid PF403.
Fangfei LI ; Zhaoxin ZHANG ; Qinyan SHI ; Rubing WANG ; Ming JI ; Xiaoguang CHEN ; Yong LI ; Yunbao LIU ; Shishan YU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2008-2023
Glioma is difficult to treat due to the unique tumor microenvironment and blood-brain barrier. (13aS)-3-Hydroxyl-6,7-dimethoxyphenanthro[9,10-b] indolizidine (PF403), a phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid, has been identified as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma. However, the anti-glioma mechanism of PF403 in vivo has not been conclusively verified and must be further elucidated. Hence, a strategy without chemical modification was applied to identify the target of PF403. In this study, we identified nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) as the target of PF403 by using thermal proteome profiling (TPP). Moreover, microscale thermophoresis (MST), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments confirmed that NAMPT exhibits good affinity for PF403. Direct and indirect enzyme activity assays revealed that PF403 inhibited the catalytic activity of NAMPT, leading to a decrease in the concentration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in U87 cells. X-ray diffraction and amino acid spot mutation experiments revealed that PF403 primarily relies on the formation of pi-pi interactions with residue Tyr188 to maintain binding with NAMPT (PDB code 8Y55). After NAMPT was knocked down with lentivirus, PF403 lost or partially lost its antitumor activity at the cellular and animal levels. These findings suggest that PF403 exerts antitumor activity by directly targeting NAMPT.
5.Preferences for achievements transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)Preparation among medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing
Yi-xuan CHEN ; Xue-feng SHI ; Wan-jin YANG ; Xin-qi GENG ; Han-lin NIE ; Ming-li MA ; Xiao-wei NIU ; Yao-qi WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(11):66-73
Objective:To analyze the preferences of medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing regarding the achievements transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations,and to provide a reference for formulating incentive policies.Methods:233 medical staff from five TCM hospitals in Beijing were taken as the research objects,and surveyed with a questionnaire designed based on the discrete choice experiment(DCE).Mixed logit models and latent class models were then used to analyze their transformation preferences.Results:The mixed Logit model revealed that seven key attributes significantly influenced medical staff's preferences for the achievements transformation of traditional Chinese medicine preparations(P<0.05).Latent class analysis identified three distinct preference groups among respondents:an organization-dependent group(27.0%),a pro-transformation group(61.4%),and a conservative group(11.6%).Conclusions:Medical Staff preferred transformation conditions that increased monthly income;utilized"human use+re-experimentation";involved the hospital's achievements transformation department as the entity;were funded by the hospital;offered a 70%profit share;enabled promotion three years earlier,and assigned patents to the hospital.The study recommends implementing diverse incentive measures and developing differentiated strategies tailored to the distinct Medical Staff categories to facilitate the transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations into new drugs.
6.Application of expanded carrier screening for autosomal recessive monogenic diseases in 1384 patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Ming SHI ; Xin KANG ; Lei WANG ; Chen ZHANG ; Yujie ZHANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Yang SHI ; Guanbin XU
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):1020-1024
Objective:To explore the guiding significance of Expanded Carrier Screening (ECS) for the fertility process of individuals undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Dalian.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the ECS results of patients who visited the Dalian Maternal and Child Health Care Center (Group) from January 2023 to June 2024. The study included the screening of 155 monogenic diseases and the ART status of carrier couples.Results:Among the 1 384 patient samples, 490 carriers were identified, yielding a detection rate of 35.41% (490/1 384). A total of 100 diseases and 91 pathogenic genes were detected. The most frequently identified disease was autosomal recessive hearing loss type 4 (SLC26A4), with a carrier rate of 3.54% (49/1384). For the 490 carriers, their partners were recalled for testing and, 322 partners participated. Eight high-risk couples were identified, accounting for 2.48% (8/322). Among the 322 couples, 4 used artificial insemination by husband (AIH, 1.24%, 4/322), 166 used in vitro fertilization (IVF, 51.55%, 166/322), 139 used intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, 43.17%, 139/322), and 1 underwent preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M, 0.31%, 1/322). Twelve couples (3.73%, 12/322) did not undergo ART, were not pregnant, or chose gamete donation. Among the eight high-risk couples, three underwent IVF, four underwent ICSI, and one underwent PGT-M. One couple conceived through ICSI, and the fetus was followed up. Amniotic fluid Sanger sequencing revealed that the fetus had compound heterozygous mutations in the PAH gene, with two suspected pathogenic variants at c.532G>A and c.1174T>A. One couple undergoing PGT-M currently has one retrieved oocyte and zero usable blastocysts. The embryo carries a paternal mutation and is aneuploid.Conclusions:This study not only identified the common pathogenic diseases in Dalian, providing a reference for clinical treatment, but also validated the critical significance of ECS for individuals undergoing ART.
7.Graph Neural Networks and Multimodal DTI Features for Schizophrenia Classification: Insights from Brain Network Analysis and Gene Expression.
Jingjing GAO ; Heping TANG ; Zhengning WANG ; Yanling LI ; Na LUO ; Ming SONG ; Sangma XIE ; Weiyang SHI ; Hao YAN ; Lin LU ; Jun YAN ; Peng LI ; Yuqing SONG ; Jun CHEN ; Yunchun CHEN ; Huaning WANG ; Wenming LIU ; Zhigang LI ; Hua GUO ; Ping WAN ; Luxian LV ; Yongfeng YANG ; Huiling WANG ; Hongxing ZHANG ; Huawang WU ; Yuping NING ; Dai ZHANG ; Tianzi JIANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(6):933-950
Schizophrenia (SZ) stands as a severe psychiatric disorder. This study applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data in conjunction with graph neural networks to distinguish SZ patients from normal controls (NCs) and showcases the superior performance of a graph neural network integrating combined fractional anisotropy and fiber number brain network features, achieving an accuracy of 73.79% in distinguishing SZ patients from NCs. Beyond mere discrimination, our study delved deeper into the advantages of utilizing white matter brain network features for identifying SZ patients through interpretable model analysis and gene expression analysis. These analyses uncovered intricate interrelationships between brain imaging markers and genetic biomarkers, providing novel insights into the neuropathological basis of SZ. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of graph neural networks applied to multimodal DTI data for enhancing SZ detection through an integrated analysis of neuroimaging and genetic features.
Humans
;
Schizophrenia/pathology*
;
Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Brain/metabolism*
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
White Matter/pathology*
;
Gene Expression
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Nerve Net/diagnostic imaging*
;
Graph Neural Networks
8.Amoenucles A-F, novel nucleoside derivatives with TNF-α inhibitory activities from Aspergillus amoenus TJ507.
Yeting ZHANG ; Zhengyi SHI ; Chunhua ZHAO ; Lanqin LI ; Ming CHEN ; Yunfang CAO ; Fengqing WANG ; Bo TAO ; Xinye HUANG ; Jieru GUO ; Changxing QI ; Weiguang SUN ; Yonghui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):111-118
Amoenucles A-F (1-6), six previously undescribed nucleoside derivatives, and two known analogs (7 and 8) were isolated from the culture of Aspergillus amoenus TJ507. Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and chemical reactions. Notably, 3 and 4 represent the first reported instances of nucleosides with an attached pyrrole moiety. Of particular significance, the absolute configuration of the sugar moiety of 1-4 was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and a hydrolysis reaction, presenting a potentially valuable method for confirming nucleoside structures. Furthermore, 1, 2, and 5-8 exhibited potential tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitory activities, which may provide a novel chemical template for the development of agents targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Aspergillus/chemistry*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors*
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Molecular Structure
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Nucleosides/isolation & purification*
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Crystallography, X-Ray
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Animals
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Humans
;
Mice
;
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
9.Association between Organochlorine Exposures and Lung Functions Modified by Thyroid Hormones and Mediated by Inflammatory Factors among Healthy Older Adults.
Xiao Jie GUO ; Hui Min REN ; Ji Ran ZHANG ; Xiao MA ; Shi Lu TONG ; Song TANG ; Chen MAO ; Xiao Ming SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):144-153
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the mechanistic of organochlorine-associated changes in lung function.
METHODS:
This study investigated 76 healthy older adults in Jinan, Shandong Province, over a five-month period. Personal exposure to organochlorines was quantified using wearable passive samplers, while inflammatory factors and thyroid hormones were analyzed from blood samples. Participants' lung function was evaluated. After stratifying participants according to their thyroid hormone levels, we analyzed the differential effects of organochlorine exposure on lung function and inflammatory factors across the low and high thyroid hormone groups. Mediation analysis was further conducted to elucidate the relationships among organochlorine exposures, inflammatory factors, and lung function.
RESULTS:
Bis (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (BCIE), was negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC, -2.05%, 95% CI: -3.11% to -0.97%), and associated with changes in inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-13 in the low thyroid hormone group. The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of IL-2 (15.63%, 95% CI: 0.91% to 44.64%) and IL-13 (13.94%, 95% CI: 0.52% to 41.07%) in the association between BCIE exposure and FVC.
CONCLUSION
Lung function and inflammatory factors exhibited an increased sensitivity to organochlorine exposure at lower thyroid hormone levels, with inflammatory factors potentially mediating the adverse effects of organochlorines on lung function.
Environmental Exposure
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Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/metabolism*
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China
;
Ethyl Ethers/metabolism*
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Environmental Monitoring
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Thyroid Hormones/blood*
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Lung/physiology*
;
Inhalation Exposure/statistics & numerical data*
;
Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data*
;
Air Pollutants/metabolism*
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Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
10.Comprehensive Analysis of Oncogenic, Prognostic, and Immunological Roles of FANCD2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Potential Predictor for Survival and Immunotherapy.
Meng Jiao XU ; Wen DENG ; Ting Ting JIANG ; Shi Yu WANG ; Ru Yu LIU ; Min CHANG ; Shu Ling WU ; Ge SHEN ; Xiao Xue CHEN ; Yuan Jiao GAO ; Hongxiao HAO ; Lei Ping HU ; Lu ZHANG ; Yao LU ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Ming Hui LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):313-327
OBJECTIVE:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sensitive to ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death that occurs in most tumor types. However, the mechanism through which ferroptosis modulates HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the oncogenic role and prognostic value of FANCD2 and provide novel insights into the prognostic assessment and prediction of immunotherapy.
METHODS:
Using clinicopathological parameters and bioinformatic techniques, we comprehensively examined the expression of FANCD2 macroscopically and microcosmically. We conducted univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the prognostic value of FANCD2 in HCC and elucidated the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of FANCD2 in oncogenesis by promoting iron-related death.
RESULTS:
FANCD2 was significantly upregulated in digestive system cancers with abundant immune infiltration. As an independent risk factor for HCC, a high FANCD2 expression level was associated with poor clinical outcomes and response to immune checkpoint blockade. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that FANCD2 was mainly involved in the cell cycle and CYP450 metabolism.
CONCLUSION
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively elucidate the oncogenic role of FANCD2. FANCD2 has a tumor-promoting aspect in the digestive system and acts as an independent risk factor in HCC; hence, it has recognized value for predicting tumor aggressiveness and prognosis and may be a potential biomarker for poor responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis*
;
Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis*
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Immunotherapy
;
Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group D2 Protein/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*


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