1.Reflections on Status Quo and Development Pathways of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Transfer in Context of Digital-intelligent Transformation
Jie ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Guangwei ZHENG ; Huayu ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Xishui PAN ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):235-240
As a distinctive resource of Chinese civilization, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technology transfer faces significant opportunities under the background of digital and intelligent transformation, while also being constrained by unique challenges such as the complexity of its theoretical system, lengthy industrial chains, and multidimensional policy restrictions, resulting in a "high-value-high-threshold" paradox. At present, TCM technology transfer is deeply trapped in a "threefold reluctance" dilemma, i.e., unwillingness to transfer, inability to transfer, and lack of capacity to transfer. Specifically, the disconnection between scientific research evaluation systems and market demand leads to low conversion rates of research achievements, unclear ownership and compliance risks suppress innovation incentives, and the absence of professional services intensifies supply-demand mismatches. This article systematically analyzes the specific characteristics of TCM technology transfer and proposes a breakthrough pathway centered on full-chain digital and intelligent transformation. By integrating technologies such as intelligent sorting systems, blockchain-based traceability, and AI diagnostic models, the TCM ecosystem spanning "cultivation-production-service" can be reconstructed. In terms of standardization, promoting the progression from "experience-based data conversion" to "data standardization" and further to "intelligent standardization" is advocated to resolve quality control challenges. For example, a "three-no-one-full" certification system can strengthen quality trust. Policy coordination should focus on optimizing mechanisms for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, while exploring intellectual property securitization and risk-sharing models to stimulate research momentum. In terms of internationalization, reliance on the Belt and Road Initiative platform to promote the export of geo-authentic medicinal material brands and standards is recommended to build a dual-driven model of "technology plus culture". Looking ahead, through the construction of national-level databases, the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent, and the mutual recognition of international standards, a new paradigm of "scientific intelligent manufacturing" can be formed, providing systematic solutions for the modernization of TCM and global health governance.
2.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
3.Fibroblast Growth Factors in Parkinson’s Disease: Multi-target Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involving Neuroinflammation, Cellular Stress, and Ferroptosis
Hui WANG ; Zi-Gui ZHOU ; Teng-Teng HAN ; Chang-Zhi YANG ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):855-874
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the pathological accumulation ofα‑synuclein. Although extensive progress has been made in elucidating its pathogenesis, current therapeutic approaches remain largely symptomatic, and effective disease-modifying treatments are still unavailable. Increasing evidence indicates that PD is driven by the interaction of multiple pathological processes, including neuroinflammation, iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired protein homeostasis, which together contribute to neuronal vulnerability and degeneration. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) comprise a family of 22 ligands that play important roles in neural development, stress responses, metabolic regulation, and the maintenance of nervous system homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that several FGF family members, such as FGF1, FGF2, FGF9, and FGF21, exert neuroprotective effects in cellular and animal models of PD. These effects include the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, iron homeostasis, cellular stress adaptation, and neuronal survival. Compared with therapeutic strategies targeting a single pathogenic pathway, FGFs appear to influence multiple disease-related processes, suggesting their potential relevance to the complex pathophysiology of PD. Experimental evidence indicates that altered FGF signaling may contribute to dopaminergic neuron dysfunction through the coordinated regulation of several interconnected mechanisms. FGFs have been reported to modulate neuroinflammation by affecting the activation of microglia and astrocytes, thereby influencing the inflammatory environment in the central nervous system. In addition, FGFs are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis and ferroptosis, partly through antioxidant signaling pathways associated with NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4. Moreover, FGFs can alleviate ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by activating intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, AMPK-PGC-1α, as well as SIRT1-dependent programs, which support cellular energy metabolism and redox balance. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomic studies further suggest that FGF signaling is not limited to neuron-intrinsic mechanisms but also involves interactions among different glial cell types. Altered FGF ligand-receptor communication between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes has been observed in PD models and is associated with increased susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These findings indicate that the biological effects of FGFs are influenced by cell type and disease stage and may vary under different pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the roles of FGF family members in PD, with a focus on their involvement in iron homeostasis dysregulation and ferroptosis, neuroinflammation, cellular stress responses, and neuronal protection and regeneration. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide a clearer understanding of how FGFs participate in PD pathogenesis and to offer a theoretical basis for future studies exploring their potential value in disease-modifying therapeutic strategies.
4.Short-term and long-term outcomes of acute severe ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: a multicenter study with pre- and post-biologics comparison
Wei-Chen LIN ; Chun-Chi LIN ; Wen-Hung HSU ; Feng-Fan CHIANG ; Chen-Wang CHANG ; Tzu-Chi HSU ; Deng-Chyang WU ; Horng-Yuan WANG ; Jau-Min WONG ; Shu-Chen WEI
Intestinal Research 2026;24(1):117-128
Background/Aims:
Data from Asia regarding the short-term and long-term outcomes for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) are limited. We assessed the outcomes of ASUC, identified the risk factors for colectomy, and compared colectomy rates between the pre-biologics and post-biologics eras in Taiwan.
Methods:
The patients with an ASUC diagnosis between January 2013 and March 2022 at 5 tertiary medical centers were retrospectively analyzed.
Results:
In total, 98 patients were enrolled, with 68.4% diagnosed in the post-biologics era. In 78.6% of the ASUC patients initially received intravenous steroid therapy, for which the success rate was 74.1%. As for rescue therapy, 15 patients (93.8%) received biologics and 1 (6.3%) received cyclosporin. Biologics rescue therapy had a 93.3% success rate. One (1%) mortality due to septic shock occurred. The colectomy rate for index ASUC admission was 11.2%. Patients receiving colectomy were predominantly male (P= 0.012) and at older age (P= 0.016). Higher C-reactive protein (P= 0.035), lower albumin (P= 0.017), and hemoglobin (P= 0.023) levels were associated with colectomy risk. During a median follow-up of 24 months, 13 patients (15.1%) had recurrent ASUC and 23.1% of patients received colectomy. The accumulated colectomy rate at 3 years did not differ between the pre- and post-biologics eras (16.1% vs. 13.4%, P= 0.270).
Conclusions
This is the first Asian study on ASUC to compare colectomy rates between the prebiologics and post-biologics eras, revealing no significant difference. The recurrent ASUC had a higher colectomy rate than the index ASUC.
5.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
6.Effects of honey-processed Astragalus on energy metabolism and polarization of RAW264.7 cells
Hong-chang LI ; Ke PEI ; Wang-yang XIE ; Xiang-long MENG ; Zi-han YU ; Wen-ling LI ; Hao CAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):459-470
In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed
7.Outcome of endovascular aortic repair under digital subtraction angiography in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection
Jian-qiang WU ; Zheng WANG ; Zhi WEN ; Ming-wu TIAN ; Jing LYU ; Chang-xue WU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(1):28-32
Objective To investigate the outcome of endovascular aortic repair under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD). Methods A total of 104 TBAD patients admitted to our hospital from October 2019 to October 2022 were selected,of which 52 patients treated with best medication treat (BMT) were included into the BMT group,and 52 patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair under DSA on the basis of BMT were included into the combination group. The acute physiological and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score,serum inflammatory indicators,liver and kidney function indicators,and coagulation function indicators before and after treatment,and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Results The APACHE Ⅱ score,liver and kidney function indicators and inflammatory factors after treatment in the combination group were lower than those before treatment and in the BMT group (P<0.05). The combination group had more significant changes of coagulation function indicators after treatment than those before treatment and in the BMT group (P<0.05). The hospital stay of the combination group was shorter than that of the BMT group (P<0.05). Conclusion Endovascular aortic repair under DSA for TBAD can reduce inflammatory response,improve liver and kidney functions and coagulation function,and shorten the hospital stay,which has a better therapeutic effect than conservative drug treatment.
8.Baicalein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α pathway.
Wen-Yan ZHOU ; Jian-Kui DU ; Hong-Hong LIU ; Lei DENG ; Kai MA ; Jian XIAO ; Sheng ZHANG ; Chang-Nan WANG
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):560-575
OBJECTIVE:
Baicalein has been reported to have wide therapeutic effects that act through its anti-inflammatory activity. This study examines the effect and mechanism of baicalein on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC).
METHODS:
A thorough screening of a small library of natural products, comprising 100 diverse compounds, was conducted to identify the most effective drug against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes. The core target proteins and their associated signaling pathways involved in baicalein's efficacy against LPS-induced myocardial injury were predicted by network pharmacology.
RESULTS:
Baicalein was identified as the most potent protective agent in LPS-exposed H9C2 cardiomyocytes. It exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell injury and inflammation. In the LPS-induced septic mouse model, baicalein demonstrated a significant capacity to mitigate LPS-triggered myocardial deficits, inflammatory responses, and ferroptosis. Network pharmacological analysis and experimental confirmation suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit α (HIF1-α) is likely to be the crucial factor in mediating the impact of baicalein against LPS-induced myocardial ferroptosis and injury. By combining microRNA (miRNA) screening in LPS-treated myocardium with miRNA prediction targeting HIF1-α, we found that miR-299b-5p may serve as a regulator of HIF1-α. The reduction in miR-299b-5p levels in LPS-treated myocardium, compared to the control group, was reversed by baicalein treatment. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and dual-luciferase reporter gene analyses together identified HIF1-α as the target of miR-299b-5p in cardiomyocytes.
CONCLUSION
Baicalein mitigates SIC at the miRNA level, suggesting the therapeutic potential of it in treating SIC through the regulation of miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α/ferroptosis pathway. Please cite this article as: Zhou WY, Du JK, Liu HH, Deng L, Ma K, Xiao J, Zhang S, Wang CN. Baicalein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):560-575.
Flavanones/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics*
;
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Cardiomyopathies/etiology*
;
Cell Line
;
Sepsis/complications*
9.Unmet Need for Palliative Care in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Populations
Yi-Lun WANG ; Wan-Ju LEE ; Tsung-Yen CHANG ; Shih-Hsiang CHEN ; Chia-Chi CHIU ; Yi-Wen HSIAO ; Yu-Chuan WEN ; Tang-Her JAING
Clinical Pediatric Hematology-Oncology 2025;32(1):19-22
Background:
Delivering a poor prognosis to patients and their families is critically challenging in pediatric populations. The application of palliative care (PC) provides a bridge between accepting the occurrence of mortality and offering lifelong support.However, little is known about the specifics of PC. This study aims to explore the unmet need for PC in pediatric populations.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of mortality cases in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Statistical tests, including Chi-square and Student’s t-tests, were applied to determine the differences between early and late intervention groups in terms of the timing of PC introduction.
Results:
During the study period, 41 patients were included. Their median age was 11.8 years (IQR, 7.6-15.9). The majority of the disease statuses were refractory or relapsing (R/R). The incidence of memento application was significantly higher in the early intervention group (47.6% vs. 10%, P=0.0081). Vital signs variations tended to be end-of-life (EoL) indicators in this study.
Conclusion
The early introduction of PC encourages families to accompany their beloved child. EoL signs in the pediatric population include vital sign variations. With the presence of relevant EoL signs, clinical physicians can apply PC earlier to meet the needs.
10.Application of cold atmospheric plasmas in prevention and treatment of military training injuries
Heping LI ; Dingxin LIU ; Yunen LIU ; Xue WEN ; Hengxin ZHAO ; Jishen ZHANG ; Xiang LI ; Peifang CONG ; Hailu WANG ; Wei WEI ; Yiyun LIU ; Qi CHANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(1):8-14
Military training represents one of the most essential activities for troops during peacetime,of which the prevention and treatment of training-induced injuries are a very important part.Recent findings of research suggest that cold atmospheric plasma(CAP)exhibits a distinctive and multifaceted superiority in terms of broad-spectrum sterilization,rapid blood coagulation and healing promotion for wounds.Consequently,CAP has good prospects of applications in diverse fields such as clinical medicine,emergency rescue and military medicine.Based on a review of the research progress in plasma medicine,the applicability of CAP in the prevention and treatment of military training injuries was discussed in this paper by focusing on the urgent issues related to military training injury,including the typical application scenarios and methods for CAP,the safety and effectiveness of plasma trauma prevention and treatment,and the key issues facing the prevention and treatment of military training injuries.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail