1.Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Immune Cystitis: A Case Report
Jing YU ; Ling LI ; Wenfang CHEN ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):396-402
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors, and their related immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have attracted increasing attention. This study reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a case of immune cystitis in a patient with hepatobiliary tract malignant tumor after treatment with pembrolizumab. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to frequent urination, urgency of urination and dysuria for 1 month. Previous repeated anti-infection treatments were ineffective. Combined with medical history, laboratory tests, imaging findings, cystoscopy and pathological results, the patient was clinically diagnosed with ICIs-associated immune cystitis (Pembrolizumab) ultimately. The patient's symptoms significantly improved after treatment with glucocorticoids. This case reindicates that clinicians need to improve awareness of ICI-related urinary system irAEs. Early identification and timely intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
4.Research progress on the mechanism of action and clinical application of Shenqi dihuang decoction in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Jiajie LI ; Jiaqi WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Zezhu LI ; Yaping WANG ; Guirong ZHANG ; Heguo YAN ; Jiabao LIAO ; Weibo WEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1085-1091
Diabetic nephropathy(DN) is a common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes. In recent years, the classical herbal formula Shenqi dihuang decoction has demonstrated unique advantages in the clinical treatment of DN. This article conducts a systematic review of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of Shenqi dihuang decoction in the treatment of DN. It reveals that the mechanism by which this formula improves DN involves multi-target synergistic regulation. For instance, Shenqi dihuang decoction exerts multiple pharmacological effects by regulating signaling pathways including phosphatidy linostiol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, AMP-activated protein kinase/silent information regulator 1/forkhead box O1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathways.These effects include regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, improving insulin resistance, modulating cell death (apoptosis/autophagy/ferroptosis/pyroptosis), and preventing renal fibrosis. Existing clinical studies indicate that Shenqi dihuang decoction and its modified formulas, alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods, can significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce proteinuria, and delay renal function decline in patients with DN. These effects are superior to those of Western medicines such as irbesartan, valsartan, and empagliflozin, and the treatment demonstrates good safety. Future research should leverage systems biology and artificial intelligence technologies to further elucidate the integrated mechanisms in the treatment of DN by Shenqi dihuang decoction, thereby advancing the precision and standardization of its clinical application.
5.Prenatal diagnosis of 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome in a three-generation family: Clinical-genetic characteristics and literature review.
Yifan LIAO ; Yidong WEN ; Xiaoqin DENG ; Cimo WANG ; Zhirong SHANG ; Jinghong YANG ; Jiabing LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):57-63
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic etiology for a pregnant woman with a history of multiple adverse pregnancies and assess the phenotype-genotype correlation of 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome in her family.
METHODS:
Amniotic fluid sample was taken from a pregnant woman for whom non-invasive prenatal screening indicated chromosome 22 abnormalities in the fetus. Peripheral blood samples from the woman, her brother and parents were collected for high-throughput low-depth whole genome sequencing (CNV-seq). A pedigree traceability analysis of the results was conducted in conjunction with analysis of clinical manifestation. Relevant literature (from establishment to March 2025) was systematically searched. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Mianyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No.: Lun Shen [2024]009).
RESULTS:
CNV-seq revealed that the fetus had harbored a 6.02 Mb duplication at 22q11.21q11.23. Karyotyping confirmed it as 46,X?dup(22)(q11.2). Pedigree verification demonstrated that the pregnant woman, her brother and mother had all carried the same duplication. Phenotypic analysis of the affected family members showed classic features of 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome, including hypernasal speech, low nasal bridge, congenital heart disease, and cognitive impairment. A total of 44 cases with full information (including three patients from this pedigree) were included in the analysis. The penetrance of 22q11.2 duplication was approximately 29.5% (13/44), and 52.3% (23/44) of the cases had inherited the variant from a phenotypically normal parent.
CONCLUSION
This study has identified the genetic basis for the woman's recurrent adverse pregnancies and phenotypic abnormalities in her family members. The scoliosis identified in her younger brother has not been previously reported, thereby may enrich the clinical phenotype of this syndrome. For fetuses identified with a 22q11.2 microduplication, detailed fetal imaging is recommended, and genetic counseling should be provided to the couples.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Prenatal Diagnosis/methods*
;
Chromosome Duplication/genetics*
;
Male
;
Pedigree
;
DiGeorge Syndrome/diagnosis*
;
Adult
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Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22/genetics*
;
Abnormalities, Multiple
6.Effects and mechanisms of isoginkgetin on osteoclastogenesis
Guangwei WEN ; Yinghao ZHEN ; Taikeng ZHENG ; Shuyi ZHOU ; Guoye MO ; Tengpeng ZHOU ; Haishan LI ; Yiyi LAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1348-1358
BACKGROUND:During bone remodeling,bone formation and bone resorption are spatially and temporally coordinated,involving intricate interactions between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.Isoginkgetin,a flavonoid found in Ginkgo biloba,has a wide range of anticancer activity and anti-reactive oxygen species activity;however,the effect of isoginkgetin on osteoclast differentiation is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect and mechanism of action of isoginkgetin on osteoclastogenesis.METHODS:In vitro studies were performed on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,and cell counting kit-8 cytotoxicity assay was used to detect the effect of isoginkgetin on cell viability of bone marrow-derived macrophages.Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were used to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.Network pharmacology and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the processes and targets of the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation of osteoclasts.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the expression of genes and proteins related to osteoclast differentiation,reactive oxygen species,and PI3K/AKT pathways.Fluorescent probes were used to detect cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels.Flow cytometry technology was used to detect reactive oxygen species levels in cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacology results showed that isoginkgetin affected osteoporosis mainly through the PI3K-AKT pathway and cellular response to drugs and hypoxia,and GSK3β,ESR1,MCL1 and CCNA2 were the key targets.(2)Cell counting kit-8 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that isoginkgetin at 8 μmol/L had the most significant inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro,and F-actin results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited osteoclast cytoskeletal actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner.(3)Molecular dynamics simulations showed that isoginkgetin bound well to osteoclastogenesis marker proteins(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).Western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that isoginkgetin inhibited the expression of osteoclastogenesis marker proteins and genes(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).(4)Western blot results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and suppressed osteoclastogenesis by activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway.(5)The results of reactive oxygen species assay showed that isoginkgetin significantly reduced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,and inhibited the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.
7.Exercise improves microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Fan WEN ; Yang XIANG ; Huan ZHU ; Yanfang TUO ; Feng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1225-1235
BACKGROUND:Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.In recent years,exercise has been used as an intervention therapy for microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.However,few studies have systematically explored the influence of factors,such as"exercise type,exercise intensity and amount of exercise,"on microvascular function in patients.To some extent,this limits the formulation of precise exercise prescriptions to improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and the comparison of study results.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of exercise type,intensity,frequency and amount of exercise on microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and to make suggestions on exercise prescription.METHODS:The first author used computer to search the studies on the improvement of microvascular function in type 2 diabetes patients involving exercise in CNKI,WanFang,PubMed and other databases.The search terms were"diabetes mellitus,type 2 diabetes mellitus,microcirculation,microvascular reactivity,microvessels,capillaries,vasodilation,blood perfusion volume,endothelial cells,shear stress,exercise,aerobic exercise,resistance exercise,high-intensity exercise"in Chinese and English.The articles were screened by a quick glance at the article titles and abstracts to exclude those that were not closely related to the topic,and finally 60 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.Aerobic exercise lasting 12-24 weeks,3-5 times/week,exercise time>30 minutes and intensity between 40%and 59%reserve oxygen intake can significantly improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.On the basis of aerobic exercise,systemic resistance exercise 2-3 times a week(50%-85%1RM,every other day)or pressure resistance exercise can obtain better intervention effects.(2)In addition,exercise can improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes in a"dose-effect"manner,and patients can get better results from the intervention by increasing the amount of exercise,while maintaining safety.(3)The mechanism of exercise improving microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes is mainly related to promoting the release of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor from endothelial cells and inhibiting the release of endothelin1.
8.Current Status,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
9.Mechanisms of Qiaobai cold compress solution in improving acne vulgaris based on transcriptomics and experiment
Zhenjiang XIE ; Weina ZHU ; Liangliang CAO ; Fuqiong ZHOU ; Shupan ZHANG ; Bingwen ZHOU ; Yinsheng CHEN ; Wen LI ; Ying ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):425-430
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Qiaobai cold compress solution (QBCS) improves acne vulgaris (AV) based on transcriptomics and animal experiments. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a blank control group ( n =6) and a modeling group ( n =30). AV models were established in the modeling group by topical application of oleic acid to the inner surface of both ears, combined with subcutaneous injection of Cutibacterium acnes suspension into the auricle. Successfully modeled rats were further divided into the model group, positive control group (Tretinoin cream, 0.045 g/kg), and QBCS low-, medium-, high-dose groups [3.55, 7.11, 14.22 g/kg (calculated by the amount of crude drug) ] , with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each d rug group were treated with the corresponding drugs once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the final administration, changes in the appearance of the ears and histopathological changes in the ear tissues were observed, and serum levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, were measured. Auricular tissues from the blank control group, model group and QBCS medium-dose group were collected for transcriptome sequencing. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, followed by validation using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rats in all QBCS groups showed alleviated auricular acne symptoms, with reduced epidermal thickening, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of TNF-α (except for the QBCS low-dose group), IL-6 (except for the QBCS low-dose group) and IL-1β were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). A total of 590 DEGs were identified (blank control group vs. model group), and 596 DEGs were identified (model group vs. QBCS medium-dose group). Above DEGs (blank control group vs. model group) were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, etc. Validation experiments showed that, compared with model group, low-, medium- and high-dose of QBCS reduced, to varying degrees, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, TLR2, interferon-γ and CXC chemokine ligand 8 in the auricular tissues of AV rats, increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma and tumor protein 53, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 protein as well as the expressions of TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88(MyD88) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QBCS can alleviate auricular inflammation and skin lesions in AV rats. This effect may be related to inhibition of the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the expression of downstream inflammatory factors such as TNF-α.
10.Effects of Huanglian Jiedutang on Neutrophil Infiltration in Brain of MCAO Mice via Regulation of Chemokine Expression in Exosomes
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wei SHAO ; Kunjing LIU ; Liyang DONG ; Dan CHEN ; Wenxiu XU ; Chuanzun WANG ; Wen WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):42-53
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang can inhibit neutrophil infiltration in the brains of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice by regulating the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. MethodsA total of 130 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham-operated group, MCAO model group, Huanglian Jiedutang group (6 g·kg-1), and Ginaton group (21.6 mg·kg-1), with 10 mice in the Ginaton group and 40 mice in each of the remaining three groups. Mice in the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group were administered the corresponding drugs by oral gavage once daily at a volume of 0.15 mL·(10 g)-1 for 7 consecutive days, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of saline via the same route. After 7 days, MCAO surgery was performed. The distal and proximal ends of the right common carotid artery (CCA) were ligated, a small incision was made between the two ligatures, and a silicone rubber-coated monofilament with a rounded tip was inserted into the lumen to occlude the CCA. The filament was left in place for 1 h to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model. At 24 h after modeling, mice were evaluated. Neurological function was assessed using the Longa score. Cerebral infarct volume was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Cerebral blood flow was observed by laser speckle imaging. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in brain tissues. Exosomes were isolated from mouse plasma and brain tissues by ultracentrifugation and molecular size exclusion and identified by electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and protein blotting. Long-chain RNA libraries of exosomes were constructed and sequenced. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the protein expression of inflammatory factors and neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from brain tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the neutrophil-specific protein myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the brains of mice in each group. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed decreased neurological function scores (P<0.01), obvious cerebral infarction (P<0.01), reduced cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), neuronal necrosis in the brain, and decreased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Huanglian Jiedutang group and the Ginaton group showed increased neurological function scores (P<0.05), reduced cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01), restored cerebral blood flow (P<0.01), reduced necrotic cells in the brain, and increased numbers of Nissl bodies (P<0.01). In the Huanglian Jiedutang group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL3 in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, CXCL2, and CXCL10 in exosomes from brain tissues were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and MPO-positive rates and mean optical density values in brain tissues were decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuanglian Jiedutang can effectively regulate the expression of neutrophil-related chemokines in exosomes from plasma and brain tissues of MCAO mice, thereby reducing neutrophil infiltration in the brain and achieving therapeutic effects.

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