1.Research progress of red light therapy for dry eye and visual fatigue
Yutong XIE ; Siyu JIA ; Jiamin GAO ; Ruofan LIU ; Meiling LI ; Jiangying LI ; Xi LUO ; Xiaonan LI ; Rong YAN ; Hongbo LI
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):636-640
Dry eye disease(DED)is a common ocular surface disorder worldwide, primarily characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), decreased tear film stability, ocular discomfort, and visual impairment. In recent years, factors such as the widespread use of digital devices,the aging population, and environmental changes have contributed to a significant increase in its global prevalence, making it a major public health concern. Red light therapy(RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT)or photobiomodulation(PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-energy red or near-infrared light to irradiate tissues. It exerts photobiomodulatory effects to promote cellular repair and functional recovery. This therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in treating various ocular conditions. Its broader clinical application could improve therapeutic outcomes, alleviate patient discomfort and financial burden, and reduce the consumption of healthcare resources, thereby yielding significant socio-economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the multifaceted mechanisms and application prospects of RLT in managing DED, including its anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of meibomian gland function, promotion of conjunctival goblet cell repair, and alleviation of visual fatigue, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for its clinical adoption.
2.Based on 16S rDNA Technology and TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway, Molecular Mechanism of Shenling Baizhusan Resistance to Diarrhea Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rats Was Investigated
Tengfei LYU ; Jingyu WANG ; Mingyue XIE ; Bin XI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):13-22
ObjectiveBased on 16S rDNA technology and molecular biology methods, the molecular mechanism of Shenling Baizhusan in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) was investigated. MethodsThe 42 SD rats with SPF were randomly divided into no control group, SLBZS-H, medium (SLBZS-M), low (SLBZS-L) dose group, positive control group and model group, with 7 rats in each group. The rat model of IBS-D was prepared by ice-cold senna (0.45 g∙mL-1) gavage (10 mL∙kg-1) combined with restraint stress for 14 consecutive days. After successful modeling, the corresponding drugs were given to each group with a gavage volume of 10 mL∙kg-1: The positive group was administered with 2.36 , 1.18, 0.59 g∙mL-1 of Shenling Baizhusan in the Positive group and the Model group with the same volume of normal saline for 14 d. The general condition of the rats: Weight, feces, mental state and death were observed and recorded. The body weight, abdominal wall retraction reflex score (AWR) and loose stool rate of rats in each group were measured before (the first day), after the model (day 14) and after treatment (day 28). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological characteristics of colon tissues of experimental animals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitatively analyze the concentration of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral blood of experimental animals. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of key proteins of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in rat colon tissue. 16S rDNA technology was used to detect the structural changes of intestinal microbiota in rats. ResultsCompared with Control, the colon of the Model group showed partial mucosal epithelial shedding and inflammatory cell infiltration. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and 5-HT in serum increased (P<0.05), the protein expressions of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in colon tissue increased (P<0.05), the diversity indices of Richness, Chao1, abundance-based coverage estimator(ACE) and Shannon decreased (P<0.05), and the phylum Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, The relative richness of Bacteroides-H, Lactobacillus and Ligilactobacillus decreased (P<0.05), while the relative richness of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Prevotella increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the colonic structure and organization of the SLBZS-H group, SLBZS-M group, SLBZS-L group and Positive group were clearer, and only a small number of inflammatory cells were present in some areas, and the serum contents of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.05), TLR2, TLR4, The protein expressions of MyD88 and NF-κB decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the diversity indices of Richness, Chao1, ACE and Shannon in the SLBZS-H, SLBZS-M and SLBZS-L groups increased (P<0.05), and the richness of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria increased (P<0.05). The richness of Proteobacteria and Prevotella decreased (P<0.05), and the abundance of Prevotella decreased (P<0.05), Bacteroides-H, Muribaculum, Lactobacillus and salivarius in the Positive group salivarius (P<0.05). ConclusionShenling Baizhusan can effectively treat IBS-D, and its molecular mechanism may be to play a therapeutic role by improving intestinal flora and inhibiting the TLRS/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory response.
3.Establishment and Evaluation of Diabetic Macrovascular Atherosclerosis Model with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Ting LUO ; Qingzhi LIANG ; Xi PENG ; Yi SU ; Hongyan XIE ; Chunguang XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):86-98
ObjectiveTo explore the establishment of a rat model of diabetic macrovascular atherosclerosis (DMA) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome induced by high-fat diet, streptozotocin (STZ), and Yin-depleting herbs, and to evaluate its biological characteristics. MethodsForty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=30). Except for the blank group, rats in the model group were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (30 mg·kg-1) to establish a diabetic model. Twenty-four successfully modeled diabetic rats were randomly divided into a model group (n=7), a Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome group (n=8), and a counter-syndrome group (n=9). Except for the model group, rats received intragastric administration of Yin-depleting herbs (1.2 g·kg-1) for 8 weeks. The counter-syndrome group was further treated with Shenqi compound formula (1.69 g·kg-1) for an additional 8 weeks. General condition and body weight were recorded, and syndrome-related indicators were assessed, including precordial temperature, skin moisture content, grip strength, open-field test performance, and tongue appearance. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fasting blood glucose, blood lipids, hemorheological parameters, and coagulation function were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Vascular ultrasound and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate vascular lesions. ResultsIn terms of syndrome manifestations, compared with the blank group, body weight increased rapidly during the first 5 weeks in the model, Qi and Yin deficiency, and counter-syndrome groups. After STZ injection combined with Yin-depleting herbal administration at week 5, body weight decreased significantly (P<0.01) and continued to decline until the end of the experiment. Rats exhibited decreased activity, irritability, coarse and yellowish fur with obvious shedding, polydipsia, polyphagia, frequent urination, and dry stools, which were most pronounced in the Qi and Yin deficiency group. Grip strength decreased, peak activity time occurred earlier, total distance in the open-field test was reduced, and residence time was prolonged. Precordial temperature decreased (P<0.01), while paw temperature increased (P<0.05), and skin moisture and oil content were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). In terms of disease-related indicators, compared with the blank group, fasting blood glucose was significantly increased (>16.7 mmol·L-1) in the model and Qi and Yin deficiency groups, and blood lipid levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). Vascular-related factors ET-1, MCP-1, VCAM-1, and VEGF were significantly increased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while IGF-1 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Pathological examination of the aortic valve showed valvular thickening and structural disorganization. Carotid artery examination revealed discontinuity of the intima, foam cell accumulation beneath the intima, disordered smooth muscle arrangement, and widened intercellular spaces. Compared with the model group, ET-1, MCP-1, and VEGF levels were significantly decreased in both the Qi and Yin deficiency group and the counter-syndrome group. The reductions in ET-1 and MCP-1 were more pronounced in the Qi and Yin deficiency group (P<0.01), while the decrease in VCAM-1 was more significant in the counter-syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the Qi and Yin deficiency group showed significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and prothrombin time (PT) (P<0.01). The erythrocyte deformability index (TK), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, erythrocyte electrophoresis index, and whole blood low-shear viscosity all showed increasing trends. Vascular ultrasound revealed reduced arterial blood flow velocity, increased vascular resistance, and intimal thickening without plaque formation. The aortic intima showed no obvious overall thickening, with only occasional localized thickening and foam cell presence, and carotid artery injury was observed. ConclusionA rat model of DMA with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome was successfully established using high-fat diet feeding combined with STZ injection and Yin-depleting herbal administration. Shenqi compound formula effectively alleviated Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, regulated glucose and lipid metabolism, improved hemorheological and coagulation function, reduced vascular lesion severity, and demonstrated potential for early prevention and treatment of DMA.
4.Chinese expert consensus on salvage esophagectomy for esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Zhaoxian LIN ; Yang HU ; Lei XIAN ; Yun LI ; Jinbo ZHAO ; Xiaobin HOU ; Shuangping ZHANG ; Sunkui KE ; Changying GUO ; Songping XIE ; Haitao WEI ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):977-987
Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) has become a cornerstone in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer; however, local control remains suboptimal, and persistent lesions or locoregional recurrences after treatment are not uncommon. For patients without distant metastases but with local failure, whether surgical intervention can still offer curative potential remains a major clinical dilemma. Salvage esophagectomy (SE) offers potential long-term survival for selected patients, but this procedure is performed in the context of severe fibrosis, impaired local blood supply, and obscured anatomical planes following chemoradiotherapy, resulting in significantly higher perioperative risk compared to primary esophagectomy. Consequently, controversies exist regarding patient selection, preoperative restaging, choice of surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management. In recent years, with the refinement of restaging modalities such as PET/CT, the accumulation of experience in high-volume centers, and emerging evidence from clinical studies, the clinical role of SE has gradually shifted from a "high-risk salvage measure" to a "selective curative strategy aimed at achieving long-term survival in carefully selected patients". Nevertheless, standardized guidelines for patient selection, technical approaches, and perioperative management are still lacking. Based on current evidence and clinical experience, experts organized by the Integrated Esophageal Cancer Committee of Chinese Anti-Cancer Association systematically reviewed key issues regarding SE, including its definition, indications, preoperative evaluation, choice of surgical approach, lymphadenectomy, gastrointestinal reconstruction, and perioperative management, and formulated a Chinese expert consensus. This consensus aims to provide guidance for standardized assessment, appropriate referral, individualized surgical decision-making, and optimized perioperative management of patients with locoregional failure after dCRT. Ultimately, this will increase the likelihood of R0 resection, reduce the risk of severe complications, and promote the safer, more judicious, and standardized implementation of SE in high-risk scenarios.
5.Study on inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinoma recurrence and promotion of tissue repair via a dual-network hydrogel-microneedle
CHU Mengxian ; YE Xiuwen ; XIE Xi ; LIAO Jinfeng
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(8):757-770
Objective:
To investigate the therapeutic effect of a dual-network hydrogel-microneedle (MN) on inhibiting oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) recurrence and promoting tissue repair, thereby providing a foundation for the clinical treatment of OSCC.
Methods:
A Schiff base hydrogelformed between chitosan (CS) and poly(ethylene glycol) dibenzaldehyde (PEG-CHO), combined witha coordination-crosslinked hydrogel formed between sodium alginate (SA) and Cu²+, were jointly integrated to form the CS/PEG-CHO/SA/Cu²+ (CPSC) dual-network hydrogel base. The hydrogel formulation was optimized based on characterization by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheology, and swelling tests. Subsequently, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and gold nanorod (GNR) were incorporated into the CPSC hydrogel to fabricate an MN loaded with 5-FU/GNR (FG). The mechanical strength and dissolution behavior of FG MNs were characterized, and their photothermal performance was evaluated under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation using thermal imaging. The mouse fibroblast cell line L929 cells and the human oral mucosal epithelial-derived cell line GMSM-K cells were co-cultured with FG MNs for 2 and 4 days, respectively, and cell viability was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and dead/live staining. Separately, the human tongue OSCC cell line Cal-27 cells were divided into four groups: a control group (cultured in complete medium), 5-FU MN group (co-cultured with 5-FU-loaded MNs), GNR MN+ NIR group (co-cultured with GNR-loaded MNs followed by NIR irradiation at 0.4 W/cm2 for 5 min), and FG MN+ NIR group (co-cultured with FG MNs followed by identical NIR irradiation). After 24 and 48 h of co-culture, Cal-27 cell viability was assessed using both CCK-8 assay and dead/live staining. All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. A subcutaneous Cal-27-derived OSCC postoperative recurrence model was established in BALB/c nude mice. The mice were divided into four groups: a control group, 5-FU MN group, GNR MN+ NIR group, and FG MN+ NIR group. Mice in the control group received no intervention, while the other groups were treated with the corresponding MN patches. Additionally, the GNR MN+ NIR and FG MN+ NIR groups received NIR irradiation (0.4 W/cm2, 5 min). Tumors were excised and their volumes measured on day 7, and tumor recurrence and wound healing were assessed on day 14.
Results:
A dual-network hydrogel-MN was successfully constructed, demonstrating favorable mechanical and dissolution properties. Upon NIR irradiation for 5 min, the temperature rapidly increased to 48.4°C, reaching the threshold for effective tumor ablation. CCK-8 and dead/live staining results showed that FG MNs exhibited no cytotoxicity toward L929 and GMSM-K cells, indicating good cytocompatibility. However, Cal-27 cell viability in the chemotherapy-photothermal combination group was lower than that in the other three groups, with a statistical difference (P<0.0001). In the nude mouse model, subcutaneous Cal-27 tumors were resected 7 days post-implantation. No statistical difference in tumor volume was observed among groups at this timepoint, confirming successful model establishment. By postoperative day 14, the control group displayed complete tumor recurrence with unhealed wounds, while the 5-FU and GNR MN+ NIR groups showed mild recurrence and partial wound healing. The FG MN+ NIR group demonstrated superior efficacy in both inhibiting tumor recurrence and promoting tissue repair compared with all other groups, with a statistical difference (P<0.0001).
Conclusion
The dual-network hydrogel-MN system effectively suppresses postoperative recurrence of Cal-27-derived subcutaneous OSCC and promotes tissue repair through chemo-photothermal combined therapy.
6.Correlation Between Gut Microbiota Characteristics and Immunotherapy Efficacy in Patients with Advanced Microsatellite Stable Gastrointestinal Tumors
Yanfei LIU ; Ting GE ; Xi XIE ; Yujie ZHOU ; Min CHENG ; Yan ZHANG ; Guang FU ; Hongyan JIN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(8):600-608
Objective To investigate the correlation between gut microbiota characteristics and immunotherapy efficacy in patients with advanced microsatellite stable (MSS) advanced gastrointestinal tumors. Methods Thirty patients with advanced MSS gastrointestinal tumors, including fourteen cases of gastric cancer and sixteen cases of colorectal cancer, who were admitted from November 1, 2022, to July 31, 2025 were enrolled. All patients underwent gut microbiota testing and received corresponding interventions on the basis of the results, followed by treatment with antiangiogenic agents combined with immunotherapy. Some patients additionally received probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation. The primary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess potential prognostic factors. Results Among the thirty patients, no complete response was observed. Two cases of partial response (PR), twelve cases of stable disease, and sixteen cases of progressive disease were recorded. The ORR was 6.7%, and the DCR was 46.7%. The median PFS was 6.4 months, and the median OS was 8.3 months. Both PR patients were classified as having a medium risk of gut microbiota dysbiosis and exhibited a Bacteroides-dominated enterotype. Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor type, liver metastasis, and bone metastasis were potential prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Conclusion Patients with a medium risk of gut dysbiosis may exhibit a relatively favorable response to immunotherapy, suggesting that gut microbiota status could serve as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment efficacy in advanced MSS gastrointestinal tumors.
7.Effect of Zhinao Capsules on Mild and Moderate Sleep Disorders in Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Syndrome of Spleen-kidney Deficiency and Combined Phlegm and Stasis
Hu XI ; Wenming YANG ; Wenting XIE ; Yue YANG ; Shu ZHAI ; Hao LI ; Yulong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):171-180
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhinao capsules in the treatment of mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo, controlled clinical trial design was adopted, and 60 Alzheimer's disease patients aged 50-85 years with mild and moderate sleep disorders due to spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis were included. According to the randomized numble table method, the patients were assigned into a treatment group and a control group (30 in each group, with 29 patients in the treatment group and 28 patients in the control group finally completing the trial). The treatment group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with Zhinao capsules, and the control group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with the simulant of Zhinao capsules for 12 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), smart bracelet sleep monitoring, epworth sleeping scale (ESS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and traditional Chinese medicine symptoms were scored. Furthermore, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were measured. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the total response rate of clinical efficacy assessment in the treatment group reached 89.7%, which was significantly higher than that (21.4%) in the control group (Z=-5.14, P<0.01). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores declined in both groups (P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased total score and seven component scores of the PSQI scale (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed increases in the duration of deep sleep, light sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, and total sleep at night and decreases in the time to fall asleep, the number of awakenings from sleep at night, and the time for sporadic daytime naps (P<0.01). The control group did not show significant changes in the duration of light sleep, time to fall asleep, and number of awakenings from sleep at night. Moreover, the treatment group outperformed the control group in terms of the indicators above (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased scores of ESS, ADL and its subscales physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS), and Instrumental Activities of daily living scale (IADLs) and increased score of MMSE and levels of BDNF and GABA (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in PSMS between the two groups, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group in terms of the rest of the above indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01). Patients in neither groups complained of uncomfortable symptoms. ConclusionZhinao capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. Zhinao capsules can significantly reduce PSQI, ESS, and ADL scores, increase the MMSE score and the expression of BDNF and GABA, effectively optimize the structure of sleep, improve the intelligence, and enhance the ability of daily life, without causing uncomfortable symptoms. The mechanism may be related to the increase in the expression of sleep/wake-related neurotransmitters.
8.Effect of Zhinao Capsules on Mild and Moderate Sleep Disorders in Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Syndrome of Spleen-kidney Deficiency and Combined Phlegm and Stasis
Hu XI ; Wenming YANG ; Wenting XIE ; Yue YANG ; Shu ZHAI ; Hao LI ; Yulong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):171-180
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Zhinao capsules in the treatment of mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo, controlled clinical trial design was adopted, and 60 Alzheimer's disease patients aged 50-85 years with mild and moderate sleep disorders due to spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis were included. According to the randomized numble table method, the patients were assigned into a treatment group and a control group (30 in each group, with 29 patients in the treatment group and 28 patients in the control group finally completing the trial). The treatment group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with Zhinao capsules, and the control group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined with the simulant of Zhinao capsules for 12 weeks. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), smart bracelet sleep monitoring, epworth sleeping scale (ESS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and traditional Chinese medicine symptoms were scored. Furthermore, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were measured. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the total response rate of clinical efficacy assessment in the treatment group reached 89.7%, which was significantly higher than that (21.4%) in the control group (Z=-5.14, P<0.01). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores declined in both groups (P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased total score and seven component scores of the PSQI scale (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed increases in the duration of deep sleep, light sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, and total sleep at night and decreases in the time to fall asleep, the number of awakenings from sleep at night, and the time for sporadic daytime naps (P<0.01). The control group did not show significant changes in the duration of light sleep, time to fall asleep, and number of awakenings from sleep at night. Moreover, the treatment group outperformed the control group in terms of the indicators above (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the treatment group showed decreased scores of ESS, ADL and its subscales physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS), and Instrumental Activities of daily living scale (IADLs) and increased score of MMSE and levels of BDNF and GABA (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in PSMS between the two groups, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group in terms of the rest of the above indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01). Patients in neither groups complained of uncomfortable symptoms. ConclusionZhinao capsules have significant clinical efficacy in treating patients with mild and moderate sleep disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients with the syndrome of spleen-kidney deficiency and combined phlegm and stasis. Zhinao capsules can significantly reduce PSQI, ESS, and ADL scores, increase the MMSE score and the expression of BDNF and GABA, effectively optimize the structure of sleep, improve the intelligence, and enhance the ability of daily life, without causing uncomfortable symptoms. The mechanism may be related to the increase in the expression of sleep/wake-related neurotransmitters.
9.Key mechanisms of hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma and related prevention and control strategies
Luze XIE ; Yaxuan XI ; Guangwen CAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1782-1789
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a population-attributable fraction of 57.1% for HCC globally and 76.1% for HCC in China. Identifying the early molecular mechanisms of HBV-driven hepatocarcinogenesis can facilitate precise HCC prevention. Persistent HBV replication, HBV mutation, HBV integration, and the synergistic interplay among them are the main mechanisms of HBV-driven hepatocarcinogenesis. HBV replication activates and sustains a chronic hepatic inflammatory microenvironment, providing conditions for accumulation of viral mutations; under the conditions of chronic inflammation, inflammatory factors cause the imbalance between apolipoprotein B messenger RNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3B and uracil-DNA glycosylase, which promotes HBV mutations and human genomic mutations and enhances the carcinogenic effect of HBV mutations, and the inflammatory microenvironment can promote dedifferentiation of mutated cells and acquisition of stemness; HBV genome integration can cause “gate-keeper” mutations including telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation, thereby triggering chromosomal instability and epigenetic reprogramming. The three events of HBV replication, mutation, and integration work synergistically under the evolutionary principle of “variation-selection-adaptation” and jointly drive the development and progression of HCC. The high-risk HBV mutation profile, circulating HBV integration fragments, and the TERT promoter mutations can be used to guide precision HCC prevention via antiviral prophylaxis and assist in early screening and monitoring of postoperative recurrence, which provides a scientific basis for refining stratified prevention and control strategies against HCC.
10.Yishen Tongluo Prescription Ameliorates Oxidative Stress Injury in Mouse Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease via Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway
Yifei ZHANG ; Xuehui BAI ; Zijing CAO ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Jingyi TANG ; Junyu XI ; Shujiao ZHANG ; Shuaixing ZHANG ; Yiran XIE ; Yuqi WU ; Zhongjie LIU ; Weijing LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):41-51
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yishen Tongluo prescription in protecting mice from oxidative stress injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) signaling pathway. MethodsSpecific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). The DKD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The mice in the modeling group were randomized into a model group, a semaglutide (40 μg·kg-1) group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose (18.2, 9.1, 4.55 g·kg-1, respectively) Yishen Tongluo prescription groups, with 10 mice in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Blood glucose and 24-h urine protein levels were measured, and the kidney index (KI) was calculated. Serum levels of creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic acid-silver methenamine, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure the levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of factors in the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group, the DKD model group showed rises in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with glomerular hypertrophy, renal tubular dilation, thickened basement membrane, mesangial expansion, and collagen deposition. Additionally, the model group showed elevated levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, lowered levels of GSH and T-AOC, up-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and down-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the semaglutide group and the medium- and high-dose Yishen Tongluo prescription groups showed reductions in blood glucose, 24-h urine protein, KI, SCr, BUN, and ALT levels, along with alleviated pathological injuries in the renal tissue. In addition, the three groups showed lowered levels of β2-MG, NGAL, KIM-1, L-FABP, NOS, and 8-OHdG, elevated levels of GSH and T-AOC, down-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1, and up-regulated expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GCLC (P<0.05). ConclusionYishen Tongluo prescription exerts renoprotective effects in the mouse model of DKD by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway, mitigating oxidative stress, and reducing renal tubular injuries.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail