1.Extraction of tetralones and quinic acids from Cyclocarya paliurus
Yu YE ; Siyang FANG ; Xiao LI ; Lei WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Ke PAN ; Zhiqi YIN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):314-321
Chemical constituents of n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract from the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja were studied. Ten compounds were purified by silica gel, MCI, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Based on the physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data, these compounds were identified as (4S)-4,8-dihydroxy-α-tetralone-5-[6′-(3′′,5′′-dimethoxy-(E)-p-coumaroyl)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (4S)-4,8-dihydroxy-α-tetralone-5-[6′-(E)-feruloyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (1S,3R,4S,5R)-4,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (3), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (4), (3R,5R)-3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (5), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3-O-caffeoyl-5-O-p-coumaroyl quinic acid methyl ester (6), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3-O-p-coumaroy-4-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (7), (1R,3R,4S,5R)-3-O-caffeoyl-4-O-p-coumaroy quinic acid methyl ester (8), (3R,5R)-3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid methyl ester (9) and (1S,3R,4R,5R)-4-O-caffeoyl-5-O-feruloyl quinic acid methyl ester (10). Among them, compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 3–10 were isolated from the genus Cyclocarya for the first time.
2.Influence of Footwear on Foot Comfort of Workers Engaged in Prolonged Standing Occupations: A Systematic Review
Lu-ping KANG ; Tai-sheng GONG ; Xiao-hong QUAN ; Chen ZHANG
Safety and Health at Work 2026;17(1):24-32
Prolonged standing work can lead to various lower limb health issues. Footwear, as a convenient and noninvasive intervention, plays a key role in foot protection. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of footwear characteristics on foot comfort among workers engaged in prolonged standing occupations. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted until March 2025 for experimental and observational studies; the review is registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420251003253).Given the diversity of study designs, participant characteristics, and outcome measures, results were synthesized narratively, organizing findings by footwear design factors. The synthesis indicated that soft soles reduce foot impact and fatigue but offer limited support, whereas hard soles enhance stability but may cause localized pressure and discomfort. Sole hardness should balance cushioning and support based on activity: hard soles for standing and soft soles for walking. Insole hardness must be carefully considered as semirigid arch supports can cause discomfort. Most insoles improve pressure distribution by adjusting arch loading, and some enhance intrinsic foot muscles by promoting toe engagement, reducing leg swelling. Custom orthotic insoles outperform standard ones in comfort and balance. Future research should promote interdisciplinary collaboration with footwear designers to explore key design parameters and establish a scientific framework for protective footwear.
3.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
4.Guidelines for establishing animal models of rheumatoid arthritis with cold dampness obstruction pattern and damp heat obstruction pattern (2024 Version)
Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Changhong XIAO ; Shenghao TU ; Jianning SUN ; Shijun XU ; Xia MAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):174-180
Rheumatoid arthritis belongs to arthralgia in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, with cold dampness obstruction pattern (CDO) and damp heat obstruction pattern (DHO) as the main pattern types. Fine therapeutic effects have been obtained in clinical practice following the differentiation of CDO and DHO. However, suitable animal models are not available currently. For adapting to the clinical diagnosis, as well as carrying out basic research of integrated Chinese and Western medicine and preclinical study on new Chinese medicine in a better way, the “Guidelines for Establishing Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Cold Dampness Obstruction Pattern and Damp Heat Obstruction Pattern” (referred to as “Guidelines”) were compiled by our research group in cooperation with renowned experts in clinical, pharmaceutical, zoological, and methodological research fields. According to the theory of disease and syndrome integration, experts standardized the establishment methods for animal models of rheumatoid arthritis with CDO and DHO. The Guidelines were compiled via the nominal group method according to the principle of evidence coming in main place, consensus as the auxiliary, and experience as the references. Contents such as animal species, arthritis induction methods, external stimulation conditions, and assessment indicators were specified in the Guidelines based on the comprehensive evaluation of pathogenesis homology, behavioral phenotypic consistency, and drug therapy predictability between animal models and human diseases. The Guidelines will be applicable to the research on syndromes in rheumatoid arthritis, elucidation of acting mechanism, and development of new medicine, and provide reference for standardizing other types of animal models with the integration of disease and syndrome, to promote the modernization of Chinese medicine research.
5.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
6.The expression and mechanistic study of Y‑box binding protein‑1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Yi ZHANG ; Xiao YU ; Wei SHAO ; Xin CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):524-532
ObjectiveTo analyze the expression level and clinical significance of Y‑box binding protein‑1(YB1) in tissues and cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MethodsBioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of YB1 in OSCC tissues, and the prognosis and survival analysis were performed. The effects of YB1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells were evaluated by CCK-8, scratch assay and Transwell assay, and the expression changes of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers after YB1 knockdown were detected by Western blot. ResultsBioinformation analysis showed that the expression level of YB1 in OSCC samples was higher than that in normal samples (P0.001), and its expression was correlated with gender (P=0.022) and tumor differentiation degree (P0.001). Kaplan-Meier plotter survival analysis showed that the survival rate of YB1 was low (Log-rank P=0.012). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and qRT-PCR experiments verified that the expression level of YB1 in OSCC tissues was higher than that of normal tissues. The results of cell experiments showed that knockdown of YB1 inhibited the malignant biological behaviors such as proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Western blot results showed that the knockdown of YB1 could reduce the protein expression levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT, and inhibit EMT. ConclusionYB1 is highly expressed in tissues and cells in OSCC, and reveals the important role of the YB1/PI3K/AKT axis in the process of EMT of OSCC, which is expected to become a new tumor marker for early diagnosis and treatment and prognosis evaluation of OSCC.
7.Experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in Treating Acute Mastitis from the Perspective of "Membrane Collaterals"
Fang ZHANG ; Dongyang DENG ; Xiao LIU ; Rong WEI ; Ling WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1148-1152
This paper summarizes Professor LIU Shangyi's clinical experience in treating acute mastitis based on the "membrane collaterals" theory. It is considered that constraint and stagnation of the membrane collaterrals is the primary pathogenic factor, with damp, heat, phlegm, and stasis being the secondary manifestations. If untreated, the condition can progress to heat toxin injuring the membrane. In treatment, the emphasis is diffusing and unblocking membrane collaterals, unblocking breast and relieving constraint. The clinical course of the disease can be divided into three stages including the early stage with mild constraint heat, the middle stage with escalating toxic heat, and the later stage with a decline of pathogens but deficiency of healthy qi. In correspondence, self-made Tongru Formula (通乳方) for diffusing membrane and venting constraint, self-made Toumo Jiedu Formula (透膜解毒方) for unblocking membrane and relieving toxin, and Tuoli Xiaodu Powder (托里消毒散) with modifications for restoring membrane and rectifying healthy qi should be used, respectively.
8.Shaoyaotang Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating miR-155-5p
Ruoru HUANG ; Bo ZOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiqian YU ; Qi CHENG ; Youwei XIAO ; Jiachun XIONG ; Yan GONG ; Dongshen WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):61-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and study the molecular mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the treatment of UC by regulating miR-155-5p. MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were selected and assigned via the random number table method into 6 groups (n=8): A blank control group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.39 g·kg-1) group, a Shaoyaotang (31.08 g·kg-1) group, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor (baricitinib, 10 mg·kg-1) group, and a Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor (baricitinib 10 mg·kg-1 + Shaoyaotang 31.08 g·kg-1) group. After successful modeling of UC by gavage of 3% dextran sulphate sodium solution, each group received corresponding drug intervention for 7 days. Shaoyaotang and mesalazine were administered by gavage, and baricitinib by intraperitoneal injection. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium, and blood was collected for determination of white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Mice were then sacrificed for measurement of colon length. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe colonic pathological changes and perform pathological scoring. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the relative expression of miR-155-5p in the colonic tissue, and Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of JAK1, phosphorylated JAK1 (p-JAK1), suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and phosphorylated STAT1 (p-STAT1). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased disease activity index (DAI) score and pathological score, shortened colon, upregulated relative expression of miR-155-5p and protein levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1, downregulated protein level of SOCS1 in the colonic tissue, prolonged time of erythrocyte sedimentation, and increased white blood cell count (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups exhibited improvements in the above indicators (P<0.01). Moreover, the Shaoyaotang group showed better therapeutic effects than the mesalazine group in regulating miR-155-5p expression, related protein levels, DAI score, and colonic pathological score (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang may downregulate miR-155-5p to relieve its inhibition on SOCS1, thereby suppressing the excessive activation of the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and ultimately alleviating intestinal inflammatory damage.
9.Shaoyaotang Regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis
Dongsheng WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenjing QUAN ; Wanqing XIONG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):69-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis, as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.42 g·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (11.1, 22.2, 44.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After successful modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated DAI score (P<0.01), reduced colon length and colon weight (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased colon length and colon weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Efficacy of Zishen Huoxue Formula in treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer
Jing JING ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Simiao YU ; Xin WANG ; Yongqiang SUN ; Yiling WANG ; Ruixin GAO ; Yinying LU ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):874-881
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Zishen Huoxue Formula (ZSXHF) on molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC), to assess the efficacy of ZSXHF in the treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among the PLC patients with molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria who were diagnosed and treated in The Department of Hepatology of Chinese PLA General Hospital, from January 1, 2022 to July 1, 2025. With ZSXHF treatment as the exposure factor, the patients with a cumulative treatment duration of ≥9 weeks were enrolled as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, while those without TCM treatment were enrolled as control group. Propensity score matching was performed for the two groups at a ratio of 1∶1 based on sex, age, 24-hour urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for promoting the improvement of targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria. ResultsA total of 137 PLC patients with targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria were enrolled, with 34 patients in the TCM group and 103 in the control group. After follow-up for 6 months, the TCM group had a significant improvement in urinary protein grade compared with the control group (χ2=9.261, P=0.016). There were 25 patients in each group after propensity score matching, and after follow-up for 6 months, there were significant differences between the two groups in urinary protein grade (χ2=15.689, P<0.001) and 24-hour urinary protein (Z=-3.075, P=0.002). After cumulative treatment with ZSXHF for ≥9 weeks, the TCM group had a significantly greater change in 24-hour urinary protein from baseline compared with the control group (t=-2.514, P=0.016), while there were no significant differences in the changes in liver and renal function after ZSXHF intervention between the two groups (all P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ZSXHF treatment (odds ratio=2.901, 95% confidence interval: 1.135 — 7.417, P=0.026) was an independent influencing factor for improvement in molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria. ConclusionZSHXF can effectively alleviate molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in PLC patients with a favorable safety profile, which provides a new reference for TCM prevention and treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated adverse reactions in PLC patients.

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