1.TCM Treatment of Sarcopenia Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yan CHEN ; Ting DAI ; Changsheng GUO ; Zhihai FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):316-326
Sarcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disease characterized by the gradual decline of muscle mass,strength,and function,and its occurrence and development are related to multiple factors,involving several signaling pathways. Among them,the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway,as a key pathway regulating cellular growth,survival,and metabolism,plays an important role in the formation and development of sarcopenia. Its abnormal activation or deactivation may lead to an imbalance in muscle protein metabolism,resulting in muscle atrophy and reduction. Modern medicine is still in the exploratory stage of treatment for sarcopenia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),with its multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics,has shown increasing advantages in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. In recent years,various monomers, extracts,and compound formulas of TCM have been proven to effectively prevent and treat sarcopenia by promoting muscle cell protein synthesis,reducing protein degradation,inhibiting cell apoptosis and inflammatory response,and improving mitochondrial function. This paper reviewed the improvement effects of TCM on sarcopenia based on the PI3K/Akt pathway and explored its specific action mechanisms, aiming to provide new insights for the treatment of sarcopenia with TCM.
2.Xuefu Zhuyutang Ameliorates Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease via AMPK Signaling Pathway
Ming HAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Lingya KONG ; Jun DAI ; Ting ZHANG ; Zhihong MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):1-12
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang (XFZYT) for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) through integrated network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was utilized to predict the core components, key therapeutic targets, and signaling pathways of XFZYT in the treatment of MAFLD. For animal experiments, a rat model of MAFLD was established by feeding a high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. Intervention was then administered with low-dose (2 g·kg-1) and high-dose (4 g·kg-1) XFZYT for 2 weeks. Biochemical assays were performed to measure the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the serum were measured. The same way was adopted to measure the levels of TC and TG in the liver tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Histopathological evaluations included hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for liver tissue morphology, Oil Red O staining for lipid deposition, and dihydroethidium (DHE) probe staining for reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and p-NF-κB in the liver tissue. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of the serum was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis predicted 155 potential targets of XFZYT for MAFLD treatment, with core targets including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), TNF, and IL-6. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment primarily implicated the AMPK signaling pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited dyslipidemia, hepatic function impairment, pronounced hepatic lipid deposition, and inflammatory manifestations, with elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL, and MDA (P<0.05), reduced HDL and GSH levels plus decreased SOD and CAT activities (P<0.05), downregulated protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and p-AMPK (P<0.05), and upregulated protein level of p-NF-κB (P<0.05) in the liver tissue. Compared with the model group, XFZYT intervention groups showed significant amelioration of dyslipidemia and hepatic function impairment, markedly reduced hepatic lipid deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL, and MDA (P<0.05), increased HDL and GSH levels plus enhanced SOD and CAT activities (P<0.05), upregulated protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and p-AMPK (P<0.05), and downregulated protein level of p-NF-κB (P<0.05). Serum metabolomics revealed 511 differentially expressed metabolites (231 upregulated and 280 downregulated) between normal and model groups, while XFZYT groups versus model group showed 94 differential metabolites (51 upregulated and 43 downregulated). Among them, 11 metabolites displayed the most significant alterations, with enriched pathways including glycerolipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and insulin resistance, multiple of which demonstrated AMPK association. ConclusionXFZYT alleviates MAFLD by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway and associated metabolic networks.
3.Resuscitation effect of novel lyophilized platelets combined with lactated Ringer's solution in rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion
Chenglin DAI ; Wenqiong DU ; Ting TANG ; Haoyang YANG ; Liyuan CHEN ; Dongzhaoyang ZHANG ; Xin ZHONG ; Renqing JIANG ; Can CHEN ; Yijun JIA ; Zhaowen ZONG ; Bo HU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):756-765
Objective To evaluate the resuscitation efficacy of novel lyophilized platelets(LP,thrombin-stimulated platelets)combined with lactated Ringer's(LR)solution in rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion.Methods Fifty rabbits were randomly assigned to 5 groups(Groups A,B,C,D and E,n=10).After all rabbits were anesthetized with 3%pentobarbital sodium at a dose of 1 mL/kg,soft tissue injury was inflicted in the left lower limb.The blood loss from the soft tissue injury was quantified after gauze hemostasis.The right lower limb was subjected to femoral artery catheterization,followed by blood withdrawal equivalent to 26%of the total blood volume of the rabbit.The rabbits were then vertically immersed in 3%artificial seawater,with the water level reaching above the xiphoid process,and were retrieved in 15 min later.Resuscitation strategies were applied to the rabbits from different group:Group A(no resuscitation),Group B(resuscitation with LR solution),Group C(resuscitation with LR solution and fresh platelets),Group D(resuscitation with LR solution and LP),and Group E(resuscitation with LR solution and novel LP).Coagulation function test,routine blood test,blood gas analysis,and thromboelastography were conducted at baseline and at 1,2 and 4 h after injury.Results The LP and rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion were successfully prepared.At 1 h after injury,the mean arterial pressure(MAP)of Groups C,D and E(infused with platelet preparations)was significantly higher than that of Group A(without resuscitation,P<0.05);the lactate(Lac)content of Group C was obviously lower than that of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the base excess(BE)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels of Groups C,D and E were notably lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);and the prothrombin time(PT)of Group A was significantly longer than that of before injury(P<0.05).At 2 h after injury,the MAP of Groups C and D was significantly higher than that of Groups A and B,and that of Group E was notably higher than that of Group A(P<0.05);the Lac content of Groups C and E was obviously lower than that of Groups A and B,while that of Group D was also lower than that of Group A(P<0.05);the BE and BUN levels of Groups C,D and E were remarkably lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the maximum amplitude(MA)value of Group C was higher than that of Group A,while the value of Groups A and D at this time was significantly lower than the corresponding value before injury(P<0.05);and the activated partial clotting time(APTT)of Groups A and D was statistically longer than the corresponding baseline time(P<0.05).At 4 h after injury,the MAP of Groups C,D,and E was higher than that of Groups A and B,and that of Group B was higher than that of Group A(P<0.05);the Lac and BUN levels of Groups C,D,and E were lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the BE level of Groups C and D were lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the MA value of Groups B,C,and E were higher than those of Group A(P<0.05),while the MA value and APTT value of Groups A and D were significantly lower than their corresponding baseline values(P<0.05).Conclusion For rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion,the novel LP combined with LR solution can significantly increase the MAP level,reduce Lac content,and sustainably maintain blood clot firmness and coagulation function.
4.Simultaneous Determination of Ten Kinds of Neonicotinoid Residues in Water for Aquaculture by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Li-Sha MA ; Yi YIN ; Lin-Ting WEI ; Qi SHAN ; Xiao-Xin DAI ; Shu-Gui LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(8):1352-1361,中插96-中插99
A solid-phase extraction-ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(SPE-UPLC-MS/MS)method was established for simultaneous determination of 10 kinds of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in aquaculture water.Based on the chemical properties of neonicotinoid pesticides and the matrix characteristics of aquaculture water,suitable temporary storage methods for water samples and appropriate solid-phase extraction columns were selected,and the extraction conditions(including elution solvents and sample loading volumes)were optimized.The method employed acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution(containing 0.1%formic acid)as the mobile phase and an Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction column combined with PSA as a dispersive sorbent for sample purification.The method exhibited good linearity in detection of neonicotinoid in concentration range of 0.2-50 ng/mL(R2>0.99797),with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/L and a quantification limit of 1 ng/L,which were significantly lower than the maximum acceptable method detection limits(9-500 ng/L)for neonicotinoid insecticides in water published by the European Commission.In pond water,rice-fish water,and seawater,the average recoveries of the 10 target analytes were 74.6%-114.1%,with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.3%to 9.6%.Using this method,actual sample tests were conducted on the Pearl River water,Zhaoqing pond water,and Qingyuan rice-fish aquaculture water.The total concentration of five neonicotinoid pesticides in the Pearl River water ranged from 154.8 to 246.6 ng/L,the total concentration of four neonicotinoid pesticides in the Zhaoqing pond water was 95.0-176.1 ng/L,and the total concentration of three neonicotinoid pesticides in the Qingyuan rice-fish aquaculture water was 2.3-11.7 ng/L.This method was simple in operation,highly sensitive,and had strong resistance to interference.It was suitable for detection of trace neonicotinoid pesticides in aquaculture water and could provide technical support for construction of a green aquaculture environment and resolution of international trade disputes.
5.Mediating role of job engagement of burn unit nurses between mental elasticity and resilience
Xinhang DAI ; Ting YU ; Yuan WANG ; Aiai ZHANG ; Yaxin LI ; Ping FENG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(9):951-956
Objective To explore the relationships of job engagement with mental elasticity and resilience in the nurses of burn unit,so as to provide references for the construction of stable nursing team.Methods A total of 159 nurses who were selected from 16 burn centers in 9 provinces and cities such as Shanghai and Jiangsu by convenience sampling from January to April 2024 were enrolled in this study.General data questionnaire,work engagement scale,psychological resilience scales,and medical staff resilience scales were used.Results The total scores of job engagement,mental elasticity and resilience were 34.25±8.59,67.77±12.70,and 74.62±10.51,respectively.The total score and the scores of all dimensions of job engagement were positively correlated with mental elasticity and resilience(P<0.01).Univariate analysis showed that the working years,the number of late night shifts,and children affected the job engagement of the nurses(P<0.05).The optimal scale analysis showed that the number of late night shifts,mental elasticity and stress scores were the main factors affecting the job engagement(P<0.01).The structural equation model showed that both mental elasticity and resilience could directly predict the job engagement,and the path coefficient was 0.372 and 0.387(P<0.01).Mental elasticity indirectly acted on the job engagement through stress resistance,the indirect effect was 0.248,and the mediation effect accounted for 30.8%of the total effect.Conclusion The mental elasticity and resilience of nurses can be improved by optimizing the allocation of human resources and the scheduling structure,so as to increase the job engagement and further stabilize the burn care team.
6.Mitochondrial Quality Control Regulating Pathogenesis of Sarcopenia and Its Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Ting DAI ; Yan CHEN ; Changsheng GUO ; Jing GAO ; Xiaodong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):279-286
Sarcopenia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle strength and quality, often accompanied by adverse outcomes such as falls, loss of function and weakness. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is complex, and studies have shown that dysfunction due to impaired mitochondrial quality control is an important pathological factor in the occurrence and development. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been widely favoured for regulating mitochondrial homeostasis and preventing sarcopenia by virtue of its multi-target and multi-pathway advantages. They can play a role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia by regulating the mitochondrial quality control system to inhibit the occurrence of mitochondrial oxidative stress, regulate the balance of mitochondrial dynamics, inhibit mitochondrial autophagy, promote mitochondrial biosynthesis, resist the occurrence of mitochondrial apoptosis, and maintain the mitochondrial calcium and protein homeostasis. Based on this, the paper reviewed the relationship between mitochondrial quality control and sarcopenia, as well as the mechanism of TCM in intervening the mitochondrial quality control system to treat sarcopenia, in order to provide a new idea for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia by TCM and to a theoretical basis for the clinical research on TCM intervention in sarcopenia.
7.Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology reveals mechanism of Jiaotai Pills in treating depression.
Guo-Liang DAI ; Ze-Yu CHEN ; Yan-Jun WANG ; Xin-Fang BIAN ; Yu-Jie CHEN ; Bing-Ting SUN ; Xiao-Yong WANG ; Wen-Zheng JU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1340-1350
This study aims to explore the mechanism of Jiaotai Pills in treating depression based on metabolomics and network pharmacology. The chemical constituents of Jiaotai Pills were identified by UHPLC-Orbitrap Exploris 480, and the targets of Jiaotai Pills and depression were retrieved from online databases. STRING and Cytoscape 3.7.2 were used to construct the protein-protein interaction network of core targets of Jiaotai Pills in treating depression and the "compound-target-pathway" network. DAVID was used for Gene Ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the core targets. The mouse model of depression was established with chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) and treated with different doses of Jiaotai Pills. The behavioral changes and pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed. UHPLC-Orbitrap Exploris 120 was used for metabolic profiling of the serum, from which the differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways were screened. A "metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene" network was constructed for the integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. A total of 34 chemical components of Jiaotai Pills were identified, and 143 core targets of Jiaotai Pills in treating depression were predicted, which were mainly involved in the arginine and proline, sphingolipid, and neurotrophin metabolism signaling pathways. The results of animal experiments showed that Jiaotai Pills alleviated the depression behaviors and pathological changes in the hippocampus of the mouse model of CUMS-induced depression. In addition, Jiaotai Pills reversed the levels of 32 metabolites involved in various pathways such as arginine and proline metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and porphyrin metabolism in the serum of model mice. The integrated analysis showed that arginine and proline metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, and porphyrin metabolism might be the key pathways in the treatment of depression with Jiaotai Pills. In conclusion, metabolomics combined with network pharmacology clarifies the antidepressant mechanism of Jiaotai Pills, which may provide a basis for the clinical application of Jiaotai Pills in treating depression.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Depression/genetics*
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Mice
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Network Pharmacology
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Metabolomics
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Male
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Disease Models, Animal
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Humans
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Antidepressive Agents
8.Potential pharmacodynamic substances and mechanism of Zhizi Houpu decoction in treating insomnia based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS and network pharmacology
Huifen WU ; Yanqiu GU ; Kunmiao FENG ; Dan JIA ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Xiaofei CHEN ; Ting HAN
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(10):1267-1277
Objective To establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTOF-MS)method for identifying the active ingredients of Zhizi Houpu decoction,and to predict its material basis and mechanism of anti-insomnia effects using network pharmacology.Methods The chemical components of Zhizi Houpu decoction were identified according to UHPLC-QTOF-MS ion fragmentation rule combined with compound library and literature review.Components with oral bioavailability(OB)≥30%and drug-like properties(DL)≥0.18 were selected to construct the Zhizi Houpu decoction-active ingredients-target network.The STRING database and the Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)were used to screen key target proteins.Subsequently,enrichment analysis was performed for biological processes,molecular functions,cellular components,and signaling pathways.Results A total of 107 chemical components were identified,including 35 compounds related to insomnia and 11 anti-insomnia targets such as AKT serine/threonine kinase 1,tumor protein 53,and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2.Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis indicated that Zhizi Houpo decoction may exert its effects through cellular components such as the presynaptic membrane,dendrite,and plasma membrane,by participating in biological processes like chemical synaptic transmission,G protein signaling pathway,and neuron apoptosis,and by regulating molecular functions such as G protein-coupled serotonin receptor activity.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that its anti-insomnia effects were mainly concentrated in pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,calcium signaling pathway,serotonergic synapse,and cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway.Conclusion The anti-insomnia effect of Zhizi Houpo decoction is the result of a synergistic action involving multiple components,multiple targets,and multiple pathways.Its material basis and mechanism of action are primarily related to regulating biological processes such as neurotransmitter metabolism,synaptic function,neuronal apoptosis,and inflammatory response.
9.A spinal neural circuit for electroacupuncture that regulates gastric functional disorders.
Meng-Ting ZHANG ; Yi-Feng LIANG ; Qian DAI ; He-Ren GAO ; Hao WANG ; Li CHEN ; Shun HUANG ; Xi-Yang WANG ; Guo-Ming SHEN
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(1):56-65
OBJECTIVE:
Acupuncture therapies are known for their effectiveness in treating a variety of gastric diseases, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. This study tested the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints Zhongwan (RN12) and Weishu (BL21) for managing gastric motility disorder (GMD) and investigated the underlying mechanisms involved.
METHODS:
A GMD model was used to evaluate the impact of EA on various aspects of gastric function including the amplitude of gastric motility, electrogastrogram, food intake, and the rate of gastric emptying. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to explore the activation of spinal neurons by EA, specifically examining the presence of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-positive neurons and fibers emanating from acupoints RN12 and BL21. The stimulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, the inhibition of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, and their collective effects on the activity of sympathetic nerves were examined.
RESULTS:
EA at RN12 and BL21 significantly improved gastric motility compromised by GMD. Notably, EA activated spinal neurons, with CTB-positive neurons and fibers from RN12 and BL21 being detectable in both the dorsal root ganglia and the spinal dorsal horn. Further analysis revealed that EA at these acupoints not only stimulated GABAergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn but also suppressed sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, effectively reducing excessive activity of sympathetic nerves triggered by GMD.
CONCLUSION
EA treatment at RN12 and BL21 effectively enhances gastric motility in a GMD model. The therapeutic efficacy of this approach is attributed to the activation of spinal neurons and the modulation of the spinal GABAergic-sympathetic pathway, providing a neurobiological foundation for the role of acupuncture in treating gastric disorders. Please cite this article as: Zhang MT, Liang YF, Dai Q, Gao HR, Wang H, Chen L, Huang S, Wang XY, Shen GM. A spinal neural circuit for electroacupuncture that regulates gastric functional disorders. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 56-65.
Electroacupuncture
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Animals
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Male
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Acupuncture Points
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Stomach Diseases/physiopathology*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Gastrointestinal Motility
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Rats
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Gastric Emptying
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Neurons
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Spinal Cord
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Stomach/physiopathology*
10.Advancements and applications in radiopharmaceutical therapy.
Shiya WANG ; Mingyi CAO ; Yifei CHEN ; Jingjing LIN ; Jiahao LI ; Xinyu WU ; Zhiyue DAI ; Yuhan PAN ; Xiao LIU ; Xian LIU ; Liang-Ting LIN ; Jianbing WU ; Ji LIU ; Qifeng ZHONG ; Zhenwei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):641-657
Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including 223Ra, 90Y, Lutetium-177 (177Lu), 212Pb, and Actinium-225 (225Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans
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Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Radioisotopes/therapeutic use*
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Animals

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