1.The Role of Lysosomal Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies
Yue-Yan WU ; Xin CHEN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG ; Rui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):609-622
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.
2.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
3.Distribution of end digits in standardized blood pressure measurement recordings and evaluation of its effect on initial blood pressure readings
Yiming YAN ; Xin ZHANG ; Jiehua CHEN ; Haijuan SHI ; Bin ZHU ; Yanming WANG ; Chuanying CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):175-179
Objective To analyze the distribution status of the end digits of standardized blood pressure measurement recordings in the clinic and the effectiveness of standardized blood pressure measurement for community hypertension screening. Methods The first visit blood pressure measurement data from the Community Health Service Center in Jing'an District, Shanghai from June 2023 to May 2024 were collected and analyzed. According to different measurement methods, the data were divided into two groups: standardized blood pressure measurement and conventional blood pressure measurement. SPSS 19.0 software was used for data analysis. The differences in the distribution balance of the end digits of blood pressure values and the detection rate of blood pressure elevation between the two different groups were analyzed. Results The frequency range of the end digits of blood pressure recorded values in the standardized pressure measurement group was 9.42% to 10.83%, and the detection rate of elevated blood pressure was 24.89%. The conventional pressure measurement group had a preference of the end digit "0", and the detection rate of elevated blood pressure was only 2.12%. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, season, and different blood pressure measurement modes were all influencing factors for the detection rate of elevated blood pressure. Conclusion The standardized blood pressure measurement mode in the clinic is suitable for community hypertension screening and pressure measurement, with higher data quality than the conventional pressure measurement mode.
4.Association of special family structure and physical activity with psychological sub health among secondary vocational school students
DAI Yuxin, ZENG Lifang, WANG Huixia, LEI Zhenzhou, JIANG Jing, XIN Jian, LU Jinkui, CHEN Yajun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):766-770
Objective:
To investigate the association of special family structure and physical activity with psychological sub health among secondary vocational school students, so as to provide reference to inform mental health promotion in the population.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sample was drawn from 16 schools including 5 141 secondary vocational school students across 8 provinces (municipalities) in China (Fujian, Chongqing, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Jiangxi, Shanghai, Zhejiang). A self developed questionnaire, Multidimensional Sub health Questionnaire of Adolescents and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form were used to investigate and evaluate basic information, family structure, psychological sub health status and physical activity. Descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analysis were performed to explore relationships of special family structures and physical activity with psychological sub health in secondary vocational school students.
Results:
The detection rate of psychological sub health among secondary vocational school students was 11.0%. The reporting rates for secondary vocational school students who lost their father or lost their mother, whose parents divorced, whose parents remarried, and those from special family structures were 2.8%, 0.8%, 11.8%, 3.9%, and 14.7%, respectively. Moreover, the detection rates of psychological sub health and its sub dimensions significantly differed among secondary vocational school students grouped by family type (divorced parental families, remarried parental families and special family structures)( χ 2=5.90-22.67, all P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression indicated that maternal bereavement was associated with a higher risk of conduct problems [ AOR ( 95% CI )= 2.90(1.15-7.33)], and parental divorce was associated with a higher risk of psychological sub health ( AOR= 2.71 , 95%CI =1.04- 7.06 ) among secondary vocational school students (both P <0.05). Interaction analysis showed that both students with a special family structure and insufficient physical activity [ AOR (95% CI )=1.99(1.44-2.75)] and those with a non-special family structure and insufficient physical activity [ AOR (95% CI )=1.81(1.48-2.22)] were associated with increased risks of psychological sub health among secondary vocational school students (both P <0.01).
Conclusion
Special family structure and physical activity are associated with psychological sub health among secondary vocational school students; early identification and assessment based interventions for those with a special family structure should be strengthened, while school based physical activity should be implemented to increase physical activity levels,thereby reducing the risk of psychological sub health.
5.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
6.DIA Proteomic Profiling on Staged Regulatory Effect of Tonifying Deficiency and Dredging Collaterals Method on Liver Fibrosis in Rats Based on Theory of "Zhu Ke Jiao"
Xin WANG ; Pengyu ZHU ; Li WEN ; Jibin LIU ; Aochun YUE ; Ziyi CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Li ZHU ; Quansheng FENG ; Cen JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):119-132
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the differential mechanisms underlying the staged therapeutic effects of Qijia Rougan formula on liver fibrosis using proteomic technology. MethodsThe staged rat model of liver fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and olive oil. One hundred and four SD rats were randomized into thirteen groups:a normal group,a two-week model group,a four-week model group,a six-week model group,an eight-week model group,a two-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a four-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a six-week Qijia Rougan formula group,an eight-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a two-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group,a four-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,a six-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,and an eight-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group. After two weeks of drug intervention,liver tissue and abdominal aortic blood samples were collected from the rats for testing. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining,Masson staining,and Picro Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological damage and collagen fiber deposition in liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect the contents of fibrosis markers in liver tissues. The contents of liver function indicators in the serum were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer,and the levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver tissues from the normal group,each model group,and each Qijia Rougan formula group were subjected to label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differential proteins among the groups,with key proteins validated by Western blot. Finally,bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differential proteins. Results(1) The staged rat model of liver fibrosis constructed with CCl4 and olive oil showed pathological results at the 2nd,4th,6th,and 8th weeks of modeling that were consistent with the Metavir standards for the F1,F2,F3,and F4 stages. Compared with those in the normal control group,the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05). The levels of liver function indicators in the serum,including alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),direct bilirubin (DBIL),and total bilirubin (TBil) in each model group,were significantly elevated in each stage (P<0.01). The levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum,including procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP),type Ⅳ collagen(Ⅳ-C),hyaluronic acid (HA),and laminin (LN) in each model group,were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05,P<0.01). This study successfully established a staged rat model of liver fibrosis. (2) Compared with the model groups at each stage,the administration groups showed a reduction in hepatocyte ballooning degeneration,a more orderly arrangement of hepatocytes,and a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration. The blue-stained collagen fibers became significantly thinner and finer,with reduced and narrowed fibrous septa. The areas of collagen fibers and Picro Sirius red staining were reduced (P<0.05). The positive areas of α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of ALT,AST,ALP,DBIL,and TBil in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of PⅢP,Ⅳ-C,HA,and LN in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Among these,the improvements in all indicators were most significant in the F3 stage (P<0.01).(3) The proteomic results show that a total of 165 differential proteins exhibit a callback trend when comparing the model groups at four stages with the normal group,and when comparing the Qijia Rougan formula group with the model group. Western blot analysis reveals that the levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1),mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1),arginase 1 (Arg1),and glutathione S-transferase α1 (GSTA1) were consistent with the proteomic results. Bioinformatics results reveal that 165 differentially expressed proteins are enriched in multiple signaling pathways. Notably,signaling pathways such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway were found to be closely associated with liver fibrosis,suggesting that the Qijia Rougan formula may exert its staged regulatory effects on liver fibrosis by regulating these pathways. ConclusionThe Qijia Rougan formula may achieve staged regulation of liver fibrosis by regulating drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the PPAR signaling pathway.
7.Connotation of Integrated Regulation of Body and Mind in Traditional Exercise Therapy
Xiaoling LI ; Jia HUANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Danhong LIN ; Jing TAO ; Lidian CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1915-1919
Based on the holistic concept of the integration of body and mind, this paper systematically elucidates the movement characteristics, mechanisms of action, and rehabilitative effects of the integrated regulation of body and mind in traditional exercise therapy from the three core dimensions of regulating the body, regulating qi, and regulating the mind. Its movement are characterized by mind-guided movements integrating reflection and qi, relaxed and resilient movements of both body and mind, balanced movements integrating deficiency and excess while maintaining balanced body-mind alignment, and slow movements combining motion with stillness. The underlying mechanisms involve externally mobilizing the limbs while internally regulating the zang-fu (脏腑) organs, dredging the meridians, connecting the interior and exterior, promoting the integrated regulation of body, qi, and mind, and coordinating the interaction between body and mind to regulate overall physiological function, thereby improving cognitive, motor, cardiopulmonary, and other functional outcomes during rehabilitation.
8.Patient-reported outcome measures for adolescents with spinal dysfunction: a systematic review based on COSMIN and ICF-CY
Liyuan WANG ; Xin MA ; Jing LI ; Jian ZHANG ; Yanyan DU ; Xiaohong CHEN ; Hua LIU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(10):1154-1164
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the measurement content, psychometric properties and quality of evidence of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for adolescents with spinal dysfunction based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth (ICF-CY) framework, Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) and modified GRADE approach. MethodsDatabases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies assessing psychometric properties of PROMs targeting adolescents with spinal dysfunction. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist, the psychometric properties were rated according to COSMIN criteria, and evidence quality was graded using modified GRADE approach. Item content of each PROM was coded following the ICF-CY linking rules. ResultsA total of 23 studies involving eight PROMs were included. Brace Questionnaire (BrQ), Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life Questionnaire (ISYQOL), Quality of Life Profile for Spinal Deformities (QLPSD), Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), Scoliosis Japanese Questionnaire-27 (SJ-27) and Scoliosis Research Society-22 Revised Questionnaire (SRS-22r) were rated as grade B, while EuroQol Five-Dimension Youth Five-Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-Y-5L) and Young Spine Questionnaire (YSQ) were rated as grade C. The eight PROMs were linked to six to 24 ICF-CY categories. BrQ covered the largest number of categories (n = 24), followed by SJ-27 (n = 19) and SRS-22r (n = 16). Except for SAQ which mainly focused on dimension of body functions and structures, all other PROMs covered both dimension of body functions and structures, and activities and participation, while BrQ, ISYQOL, SRS-22r and YSQ also covered dimension of environmental factors. Major methodological limitations included insufficient evidence for content validity, inappropriate factor-analysis approaches, incomplete reporting for test-retest reliability, and overall scarcity of evidence concerning measurement error, minimal important change (MIC) and responsiveness. ConclusionThe quality of PROMs in adolescents with spinal dysfunction varies. BrQ, ISYQOL, QLPSD, SAQ, SJ-27 and SRS-22r show application potential, yet further high-quality studies are required to supplement their psychometric evidence. EQ-5D-Y-5L and YSQ exist high-quality insufficient evidence. Selection of PROMs should comprehensively consider target population, measurement purpose, content coverage and quality of evidence. Further researches are needed to improve reporting quality.
9.Status and advancements in imaging research of neurofibromatosis type 1 in children
Jing CHEN ; Xin LI ; Jianbo SHAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(10):1625-1627
Neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1)is a neurocutaneous syndrome and a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder able to affect multiple systems and organs,and the age of initial diagnosis crossing neonates to elderly.NF1 has more age-dependent clinical manifestations with changeable onset and severity.With the increased attention to rare diseases and revisions of diagnostic criteria,more and more NF1 were timely diagnosed in childhood.The status and advancements in imaging research of NF1 in children were reviewed in this article.
10.Chemical constituents from the leaves of Drynaria fortunei and their antioxidant activity
Xin CHEN ; Jia-cheng WANG ; Yan-yan LIU ; Yong-wen ZHANG ; Ze-jing MU ; Hai-yan ZHANG ; Yu PENG ; Tong-lin WAN ; Yong-hong LIANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2587-2592
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the leaves of Drynaria fortunei(Kunze)J.Sm.and their antioxidant activity.METHODS ODS-AG-HG,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC were used for separation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH mothod.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside(1),dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol(2),kaempferol-3,7-di-O-α-L-rahmnoside(3),astragalin(4),loliolid(5),trichothecene analogue(6),2,2-[bis-4-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)phenyl]propane(7),maculatin(8),trichothecin(9),4-[(Z)-but-2-enoyloxy]-8-chloro-12-hydroxy-7,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene(10),8-deoxy-trichotecin(11),β-sitosterol(12),daucosterol(13),afzelin(14),samwinol(15).The IC50 values of the leaf and rhizome extracts against DPPH free radicals were(0.072±0.005),(0.287±0.012)mg/mL,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,2,5-11,15 are isolated from this plant for the first time.The leaves of D.fortunei exhibit strong antioxidant activity.


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