1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.Construction and Application of a Real-World Cohort of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Based on a Multimodal Large-Scale Traditional Chinese Medicine Big Data Platform
Zhichao WANG ; Xianmei ZHOU ; Fanchao FENG ; Mengqi WANG ; Xin WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Lei XIAO ; Juan LI ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Jia LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):961-965
This paper introduces a real-world cohort research model for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dominant Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform. Firstly, data cleaning is performed by standardizing diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and imaging, intelligently extracting unstructured information, and cleaning and constructing a standardized database. Secondly, for cohort establishment, CAP patients across the province are screened in accordance with CAP diagnostic criteria to build a high-quality disease-specific cohort. Lastly, in terms of protocol design, the characteristics of TCM research and the CAP disease profile are considered to determine appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, estimate sample size, define interventions, outcomes and economic evaluations, providing a reference for real-world TCM research on CAP.
4.Construction and Application of a Real-World Cohort of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Based on a Multimodal Large-Scale Traditional Chinese Medicine Big Data Platform
Zhichao WANG ; Xianmei ZHOU ; Fanchao FENG ; Mengqi WANG ; Xin WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Lei XIAO ; Juan LI ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Jia LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):961-965
This paper introduces a real-world cohort research model for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dominant Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform. Firstly, data cleaning is performed by standardizing diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and imaging, intelligently extracting unstructured information, and cleaning and constructing a standardized database. Secondly, for cohort establishment, CAP patients across the province are screened in accordance with CAP diagnostic criteria to build a high-quality disease-specific cohort. Lastly, in terms of protocol design, the characteristics of TCM research and the CAP disease profile are considered to determine appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, estimate sample size, define interventions, outcomes and economic evaluations, providing a reference for real-world TCM research on CAP.
5.Umbrella decision-making model for diagnosis and treatment of elderly lung cancer patients: Construction and practice
Lunxu LIU ; Jian ZHOU ; Xiang DING ; Nan CHEN ; Jianxin XUE ; Xuelei MA ; Ye WANG ; Weiya WANG ; Liqing PENG ; Xin YOU ; Minggang SU ; Xu CHENG ; Jiao WANG ; Ning GE ; Deying KANG ; Yuchen HUANG ; Jinghan WANG ; Yu TONG ; Yaoxi ZHANG ; Jirong YUE ; Hu LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):833-839
With the accelerating trend of population aging, the number of elderly patients with lung cancer continues to rise, and the disease burden is becoming increasingly heavy. The clinical management of these patients faces severe challenges due to their decreased physiological reserve, complex comorbidities, and significant individual heterogeneity. Consequently, under traditional diagnosis and treatment models, doctors often struggle to identify the individualized risks of elderly patients in a timely and comprehensive manner, which can easily lead to decision biases such as undertreatment or overtreatment. In view of this, this study advocates for the establishment of an umbrella decision-making model specifically tailored for elderly lung cancer patients. Grounded in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) platform, this model deeply integrates oncological indicators with the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) system. By holistically considering multidimensional variables including tumor burden, organ function, frailty index, cognitive status, and social support, the model establishes an operational mechanism characterized by "single entry, precise stratification, and targeted selection". Accordingly, patients can be scientifically triaged into distinct intervention tiers, such as active surveillance, minimally invasive surgery, drug therapy, radiotherapy, and best supportive care, thereby achieving real-time alignment between treatment intensity and patient fitness. This article elaborates on the construction logic and key operational procedures of this novel decision-making framework, aiming to guide clinical practice beyond the limitations of a tumor-centric perspective toward a holistic, dynamic, whole-course management strategy. This transition seeks to ensure optimal quality of life and clinical net benefit for elderly patients alongside survival prolongation.
6.Paeoniflorin Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Mengfen ZHOU ; Shuyao TANG ; Xin SUN ; Gangying FU ; Xinxing ZHOU ; Jiawei HE ; Wenjing YU ; Ping LI ; Shaowu CHENG ; Zhenyan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):138-147
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of paeoniflorin (PF) on neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to clarify whether its mechanism is associated with regulation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. MethodsGlycosides related to AD-associated neuroinflammation were screened through bibliometric analysis, and the potential targets of PF were predicted through network pharmacology and molecular docking. A rat model of AD was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (100 mg·kg-1·d-1). Rats were assigned into a control group, a model group, a PF (200 mg·kg-1) group, and a donepezil (0.5 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and drugs were administered by gavage for 21 days. The learning and memory abilities were evaluated by the Morris water maze (MWM). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe hippocampal neuronal morphology. The mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and the protein levels of molecules in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed prolonged escape latency and decreased platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01), accompanied by increased expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as elevated ratios of phosphorylated (p)-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PF group and donepezil group exhibited shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, upregulated mRNA levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), and reduced ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPaeoniflorin can alleviate cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in the rat model of AD by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
7.Optimization of Ovarian Tissue Vitrification Using Hydrogel Encapsulation and Magnetic Induction Nanowarming
Yu-Kun CAO ; Na YE ; Zheng LI ; Xin-Li ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):464-477
ObjectiveFor prepubertal and urgently treated malignant tumor patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation represent more appropriate fertility preservation methods. Current clinical practices often involve freezing ovarian tissue with high concentrations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and thawing with water baths. These processes lead to varying degrees of toxicity and devitrification damage to ovarian tissue. Therefore, this paper proposes optimized methods for vitrification of ovarian tissues based on sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation and magnetic induction nanowarming technology. MethodsFirstly, the study investigated the effects of sodium alginate concentration, the sequence of hydrogel encapsulation and CPAs loading on vitrification efficiency of encapsulated ovarian tissue. Additionally, the capability of sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation to reduce the required concentration of CPAs was validated. Secondly, a platform combining water bath and magnetic induction nanowarming was established to rewarm ovarian tissue under various concentrations of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field strengths. The post-warming follicle survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and ovarian tissue integrity were evaluated to assess the efficacy of the method. ResultsThe study found that ovarian tissue encapsulated with 2% sodium alginate hydrogel exhibited the highest follicle survival rate after vitrification. The method of loading CPAs prior to encapsulation proved more suitable for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, effectively reducing the required concentration of CPAs by 50%. A combination of 8 g/L Fe3O4 nanoparticles and an alternating magnetic field of 300 Gs showed optimal warming effectiveness for ovarian tissue. Combining water bath rewarming with magnetic induction nanowarming yielded the highest follicle survival rate, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and preserved tissue morphology. ConclusionSodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation of ovarian tissue reduces the concentration of CPAs required during the freezing process. The combination of magnetic induction nanowarming with water bath provides an efficient method ovarian tissue rewarming. This study offers novel approaches to optimize ovarian tissues vitrification.
8.Clinical characteristics analysis on clinical high-risk patients with bipolar disorder
Shengmin ZHANG ; Xinyu MENG ; Yingzhen XU ; Jingwen SUN ; Zhikang MAO ; Shuzhe ZHOU ; Tianhang ZHOU ; Yilin YUAN ; Chenmei XIE ; Xinrui ZHAO ; Yantao MA ; Hong MA ; Xin YU ; Lili GUAN
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):1061-1071
Objective:To compare the differences in clinical characteristics among the patients at clinical high risk for bipolar disorder(CHR-BD),the patients with bipolar disorder(BD),and the healthy controls(HC)at low risk,and to provide the basis for the diognasis and treatment of CHR-BD.Methods:For the first time,the BD risk criteria and prospective structured assessment tools were jointly used in outpatients aged 16-30 years,and 43 CHR-BD patients were included to ensure the accuracy of the assessment.Meanwhile,33 BD patients and 32 HC subjects were also enrolled.The clinical symptoms,neurocognitive function,and global functional levels of the subjects in the three groups were evaluated using observer-rated and self-rated tools.The CHR-BD and BD groups were combined,and Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent influencing factors related to diagnostic status;Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the global functional levels and the symptoms or neurocognitive characteristics of the patients in CHR-BD and BD groups.Results:There were statistically significant differences in the scores of symptom and global functional level scales among HC,CHR-BD,and BD groups(P<0.05).Compared with HC group,the scores of mood symptoms(anxiety,depression,and mania/hypomania),psychotic symptoms,total affective temperament questionnaire scores,and some dimensions(cyclothymic,depressive,irritable,and anxious temperaments)in CHR-BD and BD groups were significantly increased(P<0.001),while the global functional levels were significantly decreased(P<0.001).Compared with BD group,the lowest global functional level score in the past year in CHR-BD group was significantly increased(P=0.022),while the current global functional level score was significantly decreased(P=0.005).No significant differences were observed in neurocognitive function scores among the three groups(P>0.05).The lowest global functional level score in the past year was an independent influencing factor for BD diagnosis[odds ratio(OR)=0.952,95%confidence interval(CI):0.917-0.988,P=0.010].In both CHR-BD and BD patients,the current global functional levels were negatively correlated with depressive(r=-0.417,P=0.005;r=-0.617,P<0.001)and anxiety symptoms(r=-0.360,P=0.018;r=-0.506,P=0.003).In BD patients,the current global functional level was negatively correlated with lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms(r=-0.360,P=0.039),psychotic symptoms(r=-0.502,P=0.003),and affective temperament scores(r=-0.479,P=0.005),while the lowest global functional level in the past year was negatively correlated with lifetime manic/hypomanic symptoms(r=-0.391,P=0.024).Conclusion:CHR-BD patients share similar mood symptom characteristics with BD patients,and their global functional levels are negatively correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms.BD patients exhibit worse lowest global functional levels in the past year,and their global functional levels are negatively correlated with manic/hypomanic symptoms.
9.Effect of supplementing specific nutrients under calorie restriction on exercise performance in mice
Jiaqi YUAN ; Peng WANG ; Weifang LI ; Xin RAO ; Min ZHOU ; Mantian MI ; Yu QIN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):664-673
Objective To develop a composite nutritional preparation that can effectively improve exercise performance under calorie restriction(CR)condition.Methods A total of 24 male C57BL/6J mice(weighing 23~26 g,8 weeks old)were randomly divided into control group(CON),CR,CR+basal nutrient group(CRN1),and CR+compound nutrient group(CRN2).All groups underwent moderate-intensity running training 5 d per week,for totally 3 weeks.The grip strength of the forelimbs were measured weekly,and in 3 weeks after training,exhaustion and post-exhaustion distance tests were conducted to evaluate exercise performance.Blood biochemical indicators,levels of skeletal muscle and liver redox biomarkers,and histopathological conditions were measured and observed.Results After 21 d of intervention,the CR group and CRN1 group had the post-exhaustion running distance prolonged by 278%and 289%,respectively,reduced blood glucose level,and decreased muscle mass,subcutaneous fat and epididymal fat mass when compared with the CON group(P<0.05).Compared with the CON group,the CRN1 and CRN2 groups demonstrated significantly higher gastrocnemius glycogen content.The CRN2 group obtained even longer post-exhaustion distance(increased by 52%and 36%respectively,compared with the CON group and CRN1 group,P<0.05),enhanced grip strength of the forelimbs(raised by 9%,17%and 15%,respectively than the CON,CR and CRN1 groups,P<0.05),elevated brown fat mass(compared to the CON group and CRN1 group,P<0.05),increased blood glucose level(compared to the CRN1 group,P<0.05),decreased blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level(compared to the CON and CR groups,P<0.05),and increased glutathione peroxidase content in the gastrocnemius muscle(compared to the CON group,P<0.05).Conclusion Supplementing with compound nutritional supplements in mice under CR can promote exercise performance,including improving fatigue recovery after exhaustive exercise and enhancing forelimb grip strength.
10.Determination of 238Pu,239Pu,240Pu and 241Pu in Soil by Tandem Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasmon-Mass Spectrometry
Yi-Chao GUO ; Chen-Yang PENG ; Xin-Yu DU ; Feng ZHANG ; Hao-Lin ZHOU ; Ke-Liang SHI ; Shan XING ; Xiao-Lin HOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):397-406
Plutonium isotopes(238Pu,239Pu,240Pu and 241Pu)in the environment are important"fingerprint"nuclides in the study of nuclear activity traceability.The content of plutonium isotopes in the environmental metrics is usually very low,and the measurement of these isotopes,especially 238Pu,using mass spectrometry is seriously interfered with by the coexisting 238U.The analysis of several plutonium isotopes in soil usually requires combination of multiple measurement techniques,which leads to a long analysis time and large uncertainty in the isotope ratio.In this work,the hydrous titanium oxide(HTiO)precipitated by the hydrolysis of titanium oxydichloride(TiOCl2)under near-neutral condition was used to preconcentrate plutonium from the soil digestion solution,and the highly efficient decontamination of 238U in the sample was achieved by TK200 resin column chromatography with a decontamination factor of 108.Simulation resuts of density functional theory(DFT)showed that NH3 was considered as a promising reaction gas to eliminate the interference of 238U from 238Pu measurement using mass spectrometry due to the significant discrepancy of the chemical reactivity of U+and Pu+with the reactive gas NH3.Experiments confirmed that by optimizing the flow rates of collision gas(He)and reaction gas(NH3),the interference of 238U could be effectively suppressed,and the decontamination factor of 238U was 104.Combined with chemical separation,the overall decontamination factor of 238U could reach 1012 by using the developed method.By combining chemical separation and tandem quadrupole inductively coupled plasmon-mass spectrometry(ICP-MS/MS)measurement,the simultaneous determination of four ultra-trace plutonium isotopes in soil was realized,and the detection limit of plutonium isotopes was at the femtogram level.Analysis of the international standard reference materials(NIST-SRM-4357 and IAEA-384)showed that the established method could be successfully used for the accurate analysis of ultra-trace four plutonium isotopes(238Pu,239Pu,240Pu and 241Pu)in soil samples.

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