1.Flos Buddlejae self-heating steam eye mask combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops in the treatment of dry eye disease
Zhaodan TAN ; Qian LI ; Yan SHI ; Kangyuan HU ; Jin HUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(2):96-102
Objective To assess the clinical efficacy of sodium hyaluronate (0.3%) eye drops combined with herbal self-heating steam eye mask in the treatment of dry eye disease. Methods A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 patients diagnosed with dry eye at the ophthalmic clinic of a Grade A, Class Ⅲ hospital in Shanghai from June 2023 to September 2024. Specifically, patients were randomly divided into control group and study group. Patients in the control group were treated with sodium hyaluronate (0.3%) eye drops for six weeks; while in the study group, patients received the eye drops combined with the herbal self-heating steam eye mask mainly containing powders of Flos Buddlejae. Subsequently, comparisons and analysis were performed before and after treatment between the two groups in the clinical symptom questionnaire score traditional Chinese medicine (TCM syndrome score),the Chinese dry eye questionnaire score and determination of tear film fluorscein breakup time (FBUT), and curative effect. Results The quality control standard of the herbal powder in the self-heating steam eye mask was established through TLC and HPLC, and good heating behavior of the herbal self-heating steam eye mask was ascertained heating temperature (43±5)℃; heating duration (≥20 min), meeting requirements of the product quality control. After treatment for 6 weeks, FBUT was increased, while TCM syndrome score and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire score were both decreased in the study group (P<0.001). Besides, compared with the control group, TCM syndrome score and the Chinese dry eye questionnaire score were much lower, while the FBUT were higher in the study group (P<0.001). Moreover, the overall response rate in the study group (81.7%) was much better than that in the control group (25.9%). Conclusion The combination of sodium hyaluronate (0.3%) eye drops with herbal self-heating steam eye mask could be applied to the clinical treatment of dry eye disease due to its good clinical effects on relieving dry eye symptoms.
2.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
3.Mechanism of MEK/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway Modulated by Mimenghua Prescription on Inflammatory Response in Dry Eye Animal Model
Shi TAN ; Pei LIU ; Yuan ZHONG ; Sainan TIAN ; Pengfei JIANG ; Genyan QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):211-221
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of Mimenghua prescription in modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory responses in a dry eye animal model. MethodsA total of 60 C57BL/6J mice (eight weeks old, half male and half female) were used in the experiment. Ten mice were randomly selected as the blank control group, while the remaining 50 were exposed to a controlled dry system and received instillation of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the eyes for four weeks to establish a dry eye mouse model. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Mimenghua prescription groups with low dose (4.83 g·kg-1), medium dose (9.67 g·kg-1), and high dose (19.34 g·kg-1). The mice in the model group received an equal volume of normal saline via gavage for four weeks. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received instillation of sodium hyaluronate eye drops twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The tear secretion volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were evaluated once every two weeks. After four weeks of administration, mice were euthanized, and their lacrimal gland tissues and corneas were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess histopathological morphology. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the contents and expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, ERK, and interleukin (IL)-1β in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues of the mice in each group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. ResultsThe Mimenghua prescription groups and the sodium hyaluronate group exhibited significantly increased tear secretion volume (P<0.05) and prolonged TBUT (P<0.05) after treatment. Ocular surface damage of mice was visibly recovered. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal gland and corneal tissues were significantly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription group with high dose (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that IL-1β levels were highest in the model group but significantly reduced in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05). Both ELISA and Real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05), but markedly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05), suggesting that Mimenghua prescription can decrease the expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues. ConclusionMimenghua prescription can reduce inflammatory responses, increase tear secretion, prolong TBUT, and promote corneal recovery by inhibiting the MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK signaling pathways in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues.
4.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
7.Mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pill promoting tendon-bone healing by regulating cell crosstalk through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Peng ZHANG ; Honglüe TAN ; Xiaotao SHI ; Xiao WANG ; Peizhao WANG ; Yanhao YUAN ; Renkun ZHAO ; Guorui CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1722-1727
OBJECTIVE To explore the mecha nism by which Liuwei dihuang pill promotes tendon-bone healing by regulating the interaction between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages through Wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS BMSCs were co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of 1∶4 and divided into control group, 10% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, Wnt/ β -catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) group, and 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group. After 48 hours of cell co-culture and 14 days of osteogenic induction, the CD86 and CD206 positive cell rates in macrophages, the proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area in BMSCs, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and oncostatin M (OSM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), OSM, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), β -catenin in cells were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between LRP5 and β -catenin protein expression with OCN, RUNX2, OSM protein expression, and CD206 positive cell rate, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the CD86 positive cell rates in the 10% drug-containing serum group and the 20% drug-containing serum group were significantly reduced, while the CD206 positive cell rate, proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area, OCN level, OSM level, ALP activity, and mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, LRP5, β -catenin were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the 20% drug-containing serum group, the changes in the above indicators in the 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). The protein expression of LRP5 and β -catenin was positively correlated with the pro tein expression of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, and CD206 positive cell rate. CONCLUSIONS Liuwei dihuang pill can activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway, induce M2 polarization of macrophages and secretion of OSM, promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of BMSCs, and synergistically promote tendon-bone healing.
8.Mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pill promoting tendon-bone healing by regulating cell crosstalk through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Peng ZHANG ; Honglüe TAN ; Xiaotao SHI ; Xiao WANG ; Peizhao WANG ; Yanhao YUAN ; Renkun ZHAO ; Guorui CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1722-1727
OBJECTIVE To explore the mecha nism by which Liuwei dihuang pill promotes tendon-bone healing by regulating the interaction between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages through Wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS BMSCs were co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of 1∶4 and divided into control group, 10% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, Wnt/ β -catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) group, and 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group. After 48 hours of cell co-culture and 14 days of osteogenic induction, the CD86 and CD206 positive cell rates in macrophages, the proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area in BMSCs, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and oncostatin M (OSM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), OSM, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), β -catenin in cells were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between LRP5 and β -catenin protein expression with OCN, RUNX2, OSM protein expression, and CD206 positive cell rate, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the CD86 positive cell rates in the 10% drug-containing serum group and the 20% drug-containing serum group were significantly reduced, while the CD206 positive cell rate, proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area, OCN level, OSM level, ALP activity, and mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, LRP5, β -catenin were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the 20% drug-containing serum group, the changes in the above indicators in the 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). The protein expression of LRP5 and β -catenin was positively correlated with the pro tein expression of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, and CD206 positive cell rate. CONCLUSIONS Liuwei dihuang pill can activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway, induce M2 polarization of macrophages and secretion of OSM, promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of BMSCs, and synergistically promote tendon-bone healing.
9.The mechanism of magnoflorine in inhibiting colon cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiment
Lulu TAN ; Lina ZHU ; Shujin ZHANG ; Yuxuan WANG ; Huimei LI ; Yuke WANG ; Jiayi HOU ; Qilong FENG ; Jianyun SHI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1021-1031
ObjectiveTo explore the function and related molecular mechanisms of magnoflorine against colon cancer via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro cell experiments. MethodsIn this study, the canonical SMILES of magnoflorine was obtained from the PubChem database, and the potential targets of magnoflorine were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction database, while the disease targets of colon cancer were obtained from the DisGeNET, GeneCards and OMIM databases. The intersecting targets between magnoflorine's predicted targets and colon cancer disease targets were taken, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed. The DAVID online database was employed to conduct Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses on core targets. The top five key targets screened were docked with magnoflorine using AutoDock software. Finally, cellular experiments including CCK-8 assays, EdU experiments, cell scratch assays, and Transwell assays were conducted to validate the results from network pharmacology and molecular docking. Results44 key targets of magnoflorine in resisting colon cancer were acquired. The molecular docking results showed that magnoflorine had a strong binding activity with the core target signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the top five of the PPI network. Cellular experiments confirmed that magnoflorine could inhibit the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells by suppressing the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. ConclusionMagnoflorine may inhibit the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells by regulating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
10.Optimization of flow rate and orientation of outflow graft at implantation for patients with left ventricular assist device.
Yongyi WANG ; Li SHI ; Shijun HU ; Xiao TAN ; Tianli ZHAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(3):457-468
OBJECTIVES:
A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an electromechanical device used to assist cardiac blood circulation, which can be employed for the treatment of end-stage heart failure and is most commonly placed in the left ventricle. Despite enhancing perfusion performance, the implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) transforms the local intraventricular flow and thus may increase the risk of thrombogenesis. This study aims to investigate fluid-particle interactions and thromboembolic risk under different LVAD configurations using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models, focusing on the effects of outflow tract orientation and blood flow rates.
METHODS:
A patient-specific end-diastolic 3D reconstruction model was initially constructed in stereo lithography (STL) format using Mimics software based on CT images. Transient numerical simulations were performed to analyze fluid-particle interactions and thromboembolic risks for LVAD with varying outflow tract orientations under 2 flow rates (4 L/min and 5 L/min), using particles of uniform size (2 mm), and a blood flow rate optimization protocol was implemented for this patient.
RESULTS:
When the LVAD flow rate was 5 L/min, helicity and flow stagnation of the blood flow increased the particle residence time (RT) and the risk of thrombogenesis of the aortic root. The percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk was up to 20.33%. When the LVAD flow rate was 4 L/min, blood turbulence in the aorta was reduced, the RT of blood particles was shortened, and then the percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk decreased to 10.54%. When the LVAD blood flow rate was 5 L/min and the direction of the outflow pipe was optimal, the RT of blood particles was shortened, and then the percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk decreased to 11.22%. A 18-month follow-up observation of the patient revealed that the LVAD was in good working order and the patient had no complications related to the implantation of LVAD.
CONCLUSIONS
Implantation of LVAD results in a higher risk of cerebral infarction; When implanting LVAD with the same outflow tract direction, optimizing flow velocity and outflow tract can reduce the risk of cerebral infarction occurrence.
Heart-Assist Devices/adverse effects*
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Humans
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Heart Failure/physiopathology*
;
Blood Flow Velocity
;
Thromboembolism/prevention & control*
;
Models, Cardiovascular
;
Heart Ventricles/physiopathology*
;
Imaging, Three-Dimensional


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