1.Erchentang Ameliorates SiO2-induced Lung Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorders via Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Jun LU ; Xinyi ZHU ; Ziyi LIU ; Jixia HU ; Jialu CHEN ; Rong XIAO ; Zhibin WANG ; Chang LIU ; Fangguo LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):32-42
ObjectiveTo observe the protective effect of Erchentang (ECT) on SiO2-induced lung injury in rats and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsA rat model of lung injury was established by a single intratracheal instillation of 50 mg·mL-1 SiO2 suspension. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control, model, low and high-dose (4.5 g·kg-1·d-1 and 9 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) ECT, and dexamethasone (0.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). All the groups were treated for 4 consecutive weeks. Histopathological alterations in the lung tissue were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the lung tissue were measured through biochemical assays. The expression of key molecules in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway was determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay. The primary active components of ECT were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and their binding affinity to Nrf2/HO-1 was assessed by molecular docking. Untargeted metabolomics of the lung tissue was performed based on UPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and correlation analysis was performed to identify differential metabolites and parameters closely associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight gain, an increase in lung index, increased MDA content, weakened SOD and GSH-Px activities in the lung tissue, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and protein levels of HO-1 and GPX4, and an up-regulated protein level of Keap1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Treatment with ECT attenuated the SiO2-induced decline in body weight (P<0.05), alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and silicotic nodule formation in alveoli, and reduced the MDA content and enhanced the SOD and GSH-Px activities in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). UPLC-MS/MS and molecular docking revealed that core components of ECT, such as hesperidin and glycyrrhizic acid, displayed strong binding affinity to Nrf2/HO-1. Molecular biological experiments demonstrated that ECT promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2, up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of HO-1 and GPX4, and down-regulated Keap1 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis indicated that ECT reversed the SiO2-induced aberrant expression of metabolites, including linoleic acid and glutamine (P<0.05, P<0.01). Correlation analysis showed that Nrf2 and HO-1 were positively correlated with SOD and GSH-Px (P<0.05, P<0.01), but negatively correlated with glutamine and serine (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionECT may activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway through its core active components, thereby regulating oxidative stress and metabolic disorders to ameliorate SiO2-induced lung injury in rats. This study provides experimental evidence for ECT in the prevention and treatment of occupational lung injury.
2.Hydrogen and Methane Breath Test: The Asian Neurogastroenterology andMotility Association Monograph
Yinglian XIAO ; Kewin T H SIAH ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Benjamin Wei Rong TAY ; Kee Huat CHUAH ; Victoria TAN ; Yen Po WANG ; Yingxuan CHEN ; Ling LIU ; Uday C GHOSHAL ; Justin C Y WU ; Xiaohua HOU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):150-171
Despite of the widespread use of hydrogen and methane breath test, the variability in testing protocols, gas measurement techniques, and interpretation criteria continues to challenge the reproducibility and comparability across centers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association hence presents the first Asian monograph guiding application and interpretation of breath test. The monograph was formulated according to the framework of indications, preparatory process, performance, and interpretation of results, as well as future direction for research.
3.Fluorescence Suppression Method of Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Skin and Cosmetics Analysis
Yun-Xia CHEN ; Jia-Rong WANG ; Jian-Yu ZHU ; Shi-Wen LIN ; Ya-Nan LIU ; Xiao-Yue MA ; Guang-Cheng XI ; Juan LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1914-1926
Owing to its inherent advantages—such as being non-destructive, rapid, highly molecule-specific, and minimally interfered with by moisture—Raman spectroscopy has been widely adopted in the fields of skin barrier function assessment, monitoring the transdermal penetration of active cosmetic ingredients, and the identification and quality control of cosmetic products. Despite these strengths, the practical application of this technique faces a significant bottleneck: the strong fluorescence background generated by endogenous skin components and exogenous cosmetic additives. Endogenous skin substances, such as structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), metabolic coenzymes (e.g., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and pigments (e.g., melanin), together with exogenous cosmetic constituents like organic colorants, chemical sunscreens, and fragrances, often possess strong absorption and emission characteristics. When excited by lasers, these components produce a fluorescence background that can be 106 to 108 times stronger than the Raman scattering signals, effectively masking the inherently weak vibrational fingerprint information. In recent years, driven by the rapid development of optoelectronic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms, fluorescence suppression strategies have evolved from isolated, single-method approaches into comprehensive, multi-level synergistic systems. These systems are categorized into three distinct tiers: sample preparation, signal acquisition, and data processing. At the sample preparation level, techniques such as photobleaching and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are employed to eliminate or bypass the generation of fluorescence at the source. At the signal acquisition level, instrumental improvements—including the use of long-wavelength near-infrared excitation (typically 785 nm or 1 064 nm), confocal spatial filtering, and shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS)— are utilized to physically isolate Raman signals from the fluorescence background. Furthermore, at the data processing level, numerical baseline correction methods such as polynomial fitting, penalized least squares (e.g., airPLS, arPLS), wavelet transform, and derivative algorithms are increasingly integrated into the analytical pipeline to extract Raman spectral features from mixed signals without increasing hardware costs or acquisition time. This review provides a systematic categorization and critical evaluation of these fluorescence suppression methods, detailing their underlying principles, technical advantages, and inherent limitations in diverse experimental setups. By focusing on critical application scenarios—including skin barrier assessment, percutaneous absorption monitoring, the routine quality control of cosmetics, and the emerging field of portable on-site detection—this paper explores the current state of technique selection and optimization. Finally, the article discusses future development trends, emphasizing the necessity of constructing adaptive, tiered suppression strategies, developing intelligent and automated data processing algorithms, and promoting the integration of portable, multi-modal diagnostic devices. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive technical reference to facilitate the transition of Raman spectroscopy from a specialized laboratory tool into a routine, robust analytical platform for advancements in skin science and cosmetic research.
4.Impacts of LncRNA XIST on proliferation,apoptosis and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells by regulating miR-337/ADAM28
Jiayi LI ; Zhen XIAO ; Xuelin CHEN ; Xingyan ZHANG ; Rong QI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(5):623-629
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of LncRNA XIST on proliferation,apoptosis and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)cells by regulating miR-337/ADAM28.Methods:qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of XIST,miR-337,ADAM28 mRNA in TSCC tissues and cells.The expression of ADAM28,CyclinD1,MMP-9,MMP-14,Caspase-3 and Bax proteins was detected by Western blot.MTT assay was applied to detect cell activity.Transwell method was applied to detect the invasion ability of cells.Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.The double luciferase reporter gene experiment was applied to verify the targeting relationship between miR-337 and LncRNA XIST,miR-337 and ADAM28.Results:Compared with the adja-cent tissues,the expression of XIST and ADAM28 mRNA in TSCC increased,the expression of miR-337 decreased(P<0.05).Compared with human normal oral mucosa cell HOK,the expression of XIST and ADAM28 in human TSCC cell lines increased,the expression of miR-337 decreased(P<0.05).Silencing XIST reduced the expression of CyclinD1,MMP-9 and MMP-14,up-regula-ted the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins,restrained the proliferation and invasion of CAL27 cells,and induced apoptosis.Inhibition of miR-337 expression reversed the silencing XIST on the proliferation and invasion of CAL27 cells,as well as the promo-ting effect on apoptosis.The double luciferase reporter gene experiment showed that XIST targeted down-regulation of miR-337,and miR-337 targeted negative regulation of ADAM28 expression.Conclusion:LncRNA XIST down-regulates miR-337 expression,up-regulates the expression of ADAM28,induces the proliferation and invasion of TSCC cells,and inhibits cell apoptosis.
5.Epidemiological characteristics and related factors of multimorbidity of common diseases among children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in Guangdong Province
Meng LI ; Shaojun SHEN ; Qiuxia CHEN ; Rong LIU ; Xiao YANG ; Chengshu YANG ; Yi XING ; Yabin QU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(3):277-285
Objective:To investigate the multimorbidity of myopia and obesity, as well as myopia and malnutrition, among children and adolescents aged 7-18 in Guangdong Province and analyze their epidemiological characteristics and related factors.Methods:A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select 274 939 children and adolescents aged 7-18 from 21 cities in Guangdong Province in 2023. Physical examination information such as height, weight, distance vision, and diopter, as well as questionnaire survey information on dietary behavior, physical activity, screen behavior, sleep time, etc., were collected to analyze the current status and trends of multimorbidity between myopia and obesity, myopia and malnutrition. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of multimorbidity.Results:The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, myopia and malnutrition in children and adolescents aged 7-18 in Guangdong Province in 2023 were 4.43% and 6.40%, respectively. The multimorbidity rates for males were 5.44% and 6.88%, respectively, which were higher than those for females, about 3.31% and 5.88% (both P<0.001). The multimorbidity rates of urban students were 5.03% and 6.73%, respectively, which were higher than those of county students at 4.03% and 6.18% (both P<0.001). The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, myopia and malnutrition increased with the increase of academic stage (all P<0.001). The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, as well as myopia and malnutrition, fluctuated with age, with the first decrease occurring at the age of 12. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared to children and adolescents aged 7-18 who had daily after-school tutoring <2 hours, daily screen time <2 hours, did not consume sugary drinks every day, sleep time that could meet health requirements daily, and exercised≥60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-physical activity ≥60 minutes for at least 3 days per week, those who had daily after-school tutoring ≥2 hours ( OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26), daily screen time ≥2 hours ( OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16), consumed sugary drinks every day ( OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.11-1.30), daily sleep time that could not meet the health requirements ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23), and no exercise per week ( OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18) had a higher risk of multimorbidity of myopia and obesity. Compared to children and adolescents who exercised≥60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-physical activity ≥60 minutes for at least 3 days per week, those who exercised <3 days per week ( OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.34) had a higher risk of multimorbidity of myopia and malnutrition. Conclusion:The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, as well as myopia and malnutrition, in children and adolescents aged 7-18 in Guangdong Province are relatively low and fluctuate with age. Physical activity, screen time, consumption of sugary drinks, and sleep time may be associated with these multimorbidities.
6.Effect of HSYA on LCN2-induced iron death of HT22 cells and its mechanism based on SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Meng-wei RONG ; Cun-yan DAN ; Tian-qing XIA ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Chen-xiang JI ; Bao-guo XIAO ; Cun-gen MA ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2097-2105
Aim To explore the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on lipocalin 2(LCN2)-induced fer-roptosis in HT22 cells and the related mechanism.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlu-sion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model by the suture method.The rats were randomly divided into the Sham group,the MCAO/R group,and the MCAO/R+HSYA group.The infarct area was measured by TTC staining,and the degree of neurological deficit was evaluated by the Z-Longa scoring method.The expressions of LCN2 and 24P3R in brain tissues were detected by Western blot.LCN2 protein was added to HT-22 cells,and the cells were divided into the normal group,the LCN2 group,and the LCN2+HSYA group.The optimal con-centration of LCN2-induced neuronal ferroptosis was screened by LDH assay and Western blot,and the ex-pression levels of ferritin,FPN1,GPX4,SLC7A11,COX2,and 24P3R were detected.LCN2 was knocked down by siRNA transfection,and the expressions of GPX4 and ferritin were detected.The contents of glu-tathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),GPX4,and Fe2+were determined by colorimetry,and the expres-sion of GPX4 was detected by immunofluorescence.The binding force between HSYA and LCN2 was ana-lyzed by molecular docking technology.Results Ani-mal experiments showed that HSYA could reduce the cerebral infarction area and decrease the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats.Compared with the sham group,the levels of LCN2 and 24P3R increased in the MCAO/R group,while HSYA inhibited their ex-pressions.Cell experiments showed that the optimal concentration of LCN2 to induce ferroptosis in HT22 cells was 2 μmol·L-1.After knocking down LCN2 by siRNA transfection,compared with the LCN2 group,the expression levels of GPX4 and ferritin in the siLCN2 group increased significantly.Compared with the nor-mal group,the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH in the LCN2 group decreased signifi-cantly,while the concentration of Fe2+,and the expres-sions of MDA,COX2,and 24P3R increased.HSYA could increase the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH,reduce the contents of Fe2+and MDA,and inhibit the expressions of COX2 and 24P3R.Molecular docking showed that the binding en-ergy between HSYA and LCN2 was-8.0 kJ·mol-1.Conclusion HSYA can inhibit LCN2-induced ferrop-tosis in HT22 cells through the SLC7A11/GPX4 signa-ling pathway.
7.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
8.Mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction reducing inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis based on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Min-chao FENG ; Kun-rong LIU ; Ying BAN ; Pan SU ; Chuan-feng XUAN ; Xiao-yi HUANG ; De-wen LI ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):978-984
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qingjie Huagong decoction in modulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis(AP)mice.Methods Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into Blank group,Model group,Ustekin group,and Qingjie Hua-gong decoction group,with six mice in each group.The AP model was prepared by using rain frogin.Serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α lev-els were detected by ELISA;the pancreatic pathology was detected by HE staining;the expressions of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNAs were de-tected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed obvious pathological damage to the pancreas,with significantly higher serum α-AMS,PN-LP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01),and significantly higher levels of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the Qingjie Huagong decoction group and the ustekin group improved the histopathological changes in the pancreas of AP mice,decreased the serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,and down-reg-ulated the expression levels of pancreatic PI3K,AKT,NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Qingjie Huagong decoction may inhibit the inflammatory response and protect pancreat-ic tissues by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Development and application of an auxiliary device based on embedded microcontroller system for venipuncture
Jing YANG ; Jun JI ; Xiujun CHEN ; Zhihan SHANG ; Wenhui ZHAI ; Ning WANG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(10):159-162
Objective:To design an auxiliary device based on embedded microcontroller system for venipuncture,which can adjust posture,so as to resolve the problem that occurs failure in puncture due to insufficient exposure of the puncture site in various scenarios.Methods:The device consisted of a support component,an air ring,a component with lifting and angle adjustment,and a pedestal.By advanced embedded microcontroller technique,it can precisely regulate the posture of the support structure of patient's limbs,and fully expose the targeted puncture site,and create more favorable conditions for nurses in performing punctures.A total of 2,482 patients who underwent blood collection at emergency department of the 305th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from September to October 2024 were selected.The 1,204 patients were enrolled in September were divided into control group(without using the auxiliary device for venipuncture),and the 1,278 patients were enrolled in October were divided into observation group(using the auxiliary device for venipuncture).The puncture's one-time success rates of junior nurses(experience≤3 years)for both groups were compared.Each group respectively selected 150 patients by using the random number table method to conduct investigate,and satisfaction scores for success rate of puncture,and comfort degree of puncture for position,as well as the pain,process and efficiency,were investigated Results:The puncture's one-time success rates of junior nurses for the patients of control and observation groups were respectively 85.05%and 89.36%,with a statistically significant difference(x2=10.35,P<0.05).The satisfaction scores of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(t=-5.529,P<0.05).Conclusion:This device is simple and convenient in operation,and has favorable stability.It is beneficial to adjust position and exposure puncture site for patients who undergo peripheral venipuncture.It can improve puncture's success rate and patients'satisfaction.
10.Chemical constituents from Inula japonica and their anti-asthmatic activity
Yan ZHANG ; Yan-rong GUO ; Su-ping YU ; Shu-ling WANG ; Xiao-song CHEN ; Yu-xia HAN ; Ming-hao PENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3283-3289
AIM To study the chemical constituents from Inula japonica Thunb.and their anti-asthmatic activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel and Sephadex LH-20,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The effect of compounds on the release rate of β-Hex was evaluated by substrate coloration method.RESULTS Twenty-three compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrodontic acid(1),vitexin(2),alternariol(3),globuxanthone(4),1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone(5),hydroxyhydrolapachol(6),isoscopoletin(7),elephanmollen(8),benzoylcholine(9),hoconobiflavone(10),clovandiol(11),hydroxydihydrobovolide(12),5,7-dihydroxycoumarin(13),scopoletin(14),orlichenol glucoside(15),urolignoside(16),9-angeloyloxythymol(17),6,3′,4′-trihydroxyaurone(18),flufuran(19),sweroside(20),guajadial(21),5,7,4′-trimethoxy-4-phenylcoumarin(22),dibutylphthalate(23).After intervention with compounds 9 and 16,the release rates of β-Hex were(56.64±2.37)%and(58.07±2.29)%,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-23 are isolated from Ⅰ.japonica for the first time.Compounds 9 and 16 have anti-asthmatic activity.

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