1.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
2.Exosomes Treat Ischemic Stroke by Regulation of Ferroptosis Through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway in Mice
Yingtao XU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Ping LIN ; Haitao CHI ; Yi WANG ; Ying BAI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):20-31
ObjectiveA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model is established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. The study examines the mechanism by which exosomes (EXO) derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) improve ischemic stroke and regulate neural ferroptosis-related injury. MethodsThirty-two SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 - 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group): sham group (Sham), model group (MCAO), MCAO plus normal saline group (MCAO+NaCl), and MCAO plus exosome group (MCAO+EXO). The mouse MCAO model was established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. Mice in the Sham group underwent exposure of the middle cerebral artery without electrocoagulation. Twenty-four hours before MCAO induction, mice in the MCAO+EXO group received a tail vein injection of 100 μL of exosomes derived from the culture supernatant of hAMSCs at a concentration of 9.5×1011 particles/mL. Mice in the MCAO+NaCl group were injected with an equal volume of normal saline via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after model establishment, neurological deficits were evaluated using the Longa neurological deficit scoring system. Cerebral infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes of neurons in the ischemic brain regions. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were determined using microcolorimetric assays to evaluate differences among groups. The mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the infarct and peri-infarct regions of each group were analyzed by Western blotting. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group, the Longa neurological deficit score was significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group (P<0.01). Prominent cerebral infarction was observed in the MCAO group, whereas the infarct volume ratio was markedly decreased in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.001). Histopathological analysis revealed that mice in the MCAO group exhibited obvious neuronal damage, including cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, unclear nuclear structure, and disorganized neuronal arrangement, compared with the Sham group. In contrast, neurons in the MCAO+EXO group showed relatively preserved morphology, with intact cellular structures and large, regular nuclei located centrally within the cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that Fe2+ and MDA levels in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were significantly increased in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.001). These levels were significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). In addition, total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were markedly decreased in the MCAO group relative to the Sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, the MCAO+EXO group exhibited significantly increased levels of total GSH and GSH (P<0.001), while no significant change was observed in GSSG levels (P>0.05). Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were significantly downregulated in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.01, P<0.001). In contrast, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were significantly upregulated in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionIn the mouse MCAO model, tail vein injection of exosomes derived from hAMSCs can improve motor function, reduce infarct area, protect neuronal cell morphology, and reduce the degree of nerve injury. Exosomes may exert a protective effect by activating the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and reducing ferroptosis in neuronal cells of MCAO model mice.
3.Clinical analysis of assisted reproductive technology assisted pregnancy outcome in female patients with thyroid cancer after surgery
Xiang YAO ; Wenjuan XU ; Jianye WANG ; Qun GAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Ping ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):151-155
ObjectiveTo evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with a history of thyroid cancer who retained fertility intentions after completing cancer treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 61 patients with a history of thyroid cancer who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). These patients were included as the case group. A total of 122 non-cancer patients who received ART during the same period were selected as the control group using 1∶2 matching based on age and oocyte retrieval time. Baseline characteristics, outcomes of the first ART cycle, and cumulative pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the basic data, the total amount of gonadotropin (Gn) and the days of use between the case group and the control group (P>0.05). However, the case group had significantly fewer retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes (MII), lower fertilization and cleavage rates, and fewer transferable and high-quality embryos, as well as fewer embryos transferred during the first cycle (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of first embryo implantation and first clinical pregnancy between the two groups (P>0.05). In the analysis of cumulative outcomes, the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the cumulative pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle, the number of oocyte retrieval cycles required per live birth, the number of embryo transfer cycles required per live birth, and the number of embryos used for each live birth (P>0.05). However, the cumulative live birth rate was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.005). ConclusionAfter treatment for thyroid cancer, when ART is used to help pregnant women, the pregnancy outcome is comparable to that of women without tumors. Individualized reproductive management and timely fertility preservation strategies are recommended to optimize reproductive outcomes in this population.
4.Analysis on Pharmacodynamic Material Basis and Mechanism of Famous Classical Formula Renshen Wuweizi Tang in Treatment of Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Shanshan LI ; Yute ZHONG ; Xiaomei XIANG ; Wei KANG ; Shufan ZHOU ; Ping WANG ; Haiyu XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):31-39
ObjectiveBased on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Renshen Wuweizi Tang in treating spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. MethodsThe chemical components in the decoction of Renshen Wuweizi Tang were systematically characterized and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and network pharmacology was used to screen potential active ingredients, collect component targets and gene sets related to spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome, and obtain protein interaction relationships through STRING. Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to construct a "formula-syndrome" association network and calculate topological feature values. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on core genes to explore potential pharmacodynamic links, the average shortest path between the formula-drug target network and the pharmacodynamic link gene network was calculated to discover dominant pharmacodynamic links, and MCODE plugin was used to identify core gene clusters from the dominant pharmacodynamic links, which were validated using Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO), and molecular docking was performed between key components and core targets. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-seven components were identified in the negative ion mode, and eighty components were identified in the positive ion mode. After deduplication, a total of 185 components were identified, mainly composed of triterpenoid saponins(49) and flavonoids(54). Based on the "formula-syndrome" correlation network analysis, energy metabolism was determined to be the dominant pharmacodynamic link of Renshen Wuweizi Tang in the treatment of spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. The results of molecular docking showed that 7 components(adenosine, atractylenolide Ⅱ, atractylenolide Ⅲ, ginsenoside Rg1, glycyrrhizin B2, glycyrrhizin E2 and campesterol) from 4 medicinal materials(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Poria) in this formula might regulate energy metabolism by acting on 6 targets, namely cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein 1(CREB1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH), interleukin(IL)-6, nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα), and tumor necrosis factor(TNF), thus improving the symptoms of diseases related to spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. ConclusionThis study established a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for rapid characterization and identification of chemical components in the decoction of Renshen Wuweizi Tang, expanding the understanding of the material composition of this formula, and found that 7 components might act on the key advantageous pharmacodynamic link "energy metabolism" through 6 targets to improve the related symptoms of spleen-lung Qi deficiency syndrome. This can provide a reference for the subsequent exploration of the material benchmark and mechanism of the famous classical formula.
5.Progress on antisense oligonucleotide in the field of antibacterial therapy
Jia LI ; Xiao-lu HAN ; Shi-yu SONG ; Jin-tao LIN ; Zhi-qiang TANG ; Zeng-ming WANG ; Liang XU ; Ai-ping ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):337-347
With the widespread use of antibiotics, drug-resistant bacterial infections have become a significant threat to human health. Finding new antibacterial strategies that can effectively control drug-resistant bacterial infections has become an urgent task. Unlike small molecule drugs that target bacterial proteins, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) can target genes related to bacterial resistance, pathogenesis, growth, reproduction and biofilm formation. By regulating the expression of these genes, ASO can inhibit or kill bacteria, providing a novel approach for the development of antibacterial drugs. To overcome the challenge of delivering antisense oligonucleotide into bacterial cells, various drug delivery systems have been applied in this field, including cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, which have injected new momentum into the development of antisense oligonucleotide in the antibacterial realm. This review summarizes the current development of small nucleic acid drugs, the antibacterial mechanisms, targets, sequences and delivery vectors of antisense oligonucleotide, providing a reference for the research and development of antisense oligonucleotide in the treatment of bacterial infections.
6.Advances in oral distant targeted nanodelivery systems
Min SUN ; Chuan-sheng HUANG ; Li-ping WANG ; Xu-li RUAN ; Yun-li ZHAO ; Xin-chun WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):72-81
Due to patient compliance and convenience, oral medication is likely the most common and acceptable method of drug administration. However, traditional dosage forms such as tablets or capsules may lead to low drug bioavailability and poor therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, with advancements in material science and micro/nano manufacturing technology, various carriers have been developed to enhance drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, we initially discuss the key biological factors that hinder drug transport and absorption (including anatomical, physical, and biological factors). Building on this foundation, recent progress in both conventional and innovative oral drug delivery routes aimed at improving drug bioavailability and targeting is reviewed. Finally, we explore future prospects for oral drug delivery systems as well as potential challenges in clinical translation.
7.Exploring Immune Mechanism of Alveolar Epithelial Homeostasis in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Principle of "Spleen being in Charge of Defensive Function"
Jie CHEN ; Lijian PANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Jingyu WANG ; Siyu LI ; Yuanyu LIANG ; XU XINZHU ; Ping LEI ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):259-264
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be classified as pulmonary collateral disease,and its pathogenesis is mainly characterized by the loss of Qi meridian nourishment,the loss of Yin meridian nourishment,and the formation of blood stasis in the blood vessels. Qi Yin deficiency is the pathological basis that runs through IPF,and obstruction of meridians and collaterals is a key element in the development of the disease. The dysfunction of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is closely related to the formation of the pathological pattern of "lung deficiency and collateral stasis" in IPF. The term "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" originated from the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon. If the spleen is healthy,the Qi will be filled with vitality. Positive energy is stored inside,evil cannot be dried up. Its concept is quite similar to the immune defense function in modern medicine. If the principle of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" is lost,the key structure and function of the IPF alveolar epithelial barrier may be abnormal,and it can interact with various innate immune cells to promote inflammation and fibrosis processes. Therefore,this article explains the imbalance of immune homeostasis in IPF alveolar epithelium from two aspects:the barrier function of alveolar epithelial cells(AECs) and their interaction with innate immune cells. And based on the theory of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function",using traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the spleen and nourishing Qi to treat IPF from the perspective of the spleen. This not only strengthens the scientific connotation of "spleen being in charge of the defensive function" in the pathogenesis of IPF,but also provides new research directions and ideas for its future clinical prevention and treatment.
8.Mechanism of Anmeidan in Improving Learning and Memory in Insomnia Model Rats by Mediating Immunoinflammation via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Ping WANG ; Jing CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):27-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Anmeidan improves learning and memory in insomnia rats by regulating the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway to influence immunoinflammation. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a suvorexant group (30 mg·kg-1), and Anmeidan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (4.55, 9.09, and 18.18 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. The insomnia rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Anmeidan decoction and normal saline were administered by gavage for 28 days at the corresponding doses. Morris water maze and new object recognition tests were used to assess learning and memory functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe hippocampal cell morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of hippocampal cGAS and STING. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the 5-HT content in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The latency to the upper platform and total distance were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the residence time in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the relative recognition index for new objects was significantly lower (P<0.01). The morphology and arrangement of hippocampal neurons were loose and disordered, with a decreased number of intracellular Nissl bodies. The relative expression levels of IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, cGAS, and STING pathway proteins and mRNA were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the latency to the upper platform in the high-dose Anmeidan group was significantly shortened (P<0.05). In the medium- and high-dose Anmeidan groups and the suvorexant group, the residence time in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly increased (P<0.01). The total distance traveled was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the relative recognition index for new objects was significantly increased (P<0.01). The hippocampal neurons were more neatly arranged, and the number of intracellular Nissl bodies increased. The expression of IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, and cGAS proteins and mRNA in the medium- and high-dose Anmeidan groups was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAnmeidan improves learning and memory in insomnia rats, possibly by suppressing immunoinflammation through inhibition of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
9.Effect of Anmeidan on Cognitive Function and Metabolic Profiling in Insomnia Model Rats Based on Untargeted Metabolomics
Feizhou LI ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Lianyu LI ; Andong ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Linlin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):54-64
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanisms by which the classic prescription Anmeidan alleviates cognitive impairment in insomnia model rats through metabolic profiling. MethodsA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups, and the Suvorexant group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the insomnia model was established in all other groups via intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine. The Suvorexant group was administered Suvorexant solution (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, while the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups received Anmeidan decoction (4.55, 9.09, 18.18 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The blank group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. The open field test was used to assess spatial exploration and anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in rats. Serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify differential metabolites in rat serum, and systematic biological methods were applied to analyze the potential targets and pathways of Anmeidan. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significant reductions in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.01), along with significant decreases in VIP, EGF, and BDNF levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). A total of 100 differential metabolites were identified between the model and blank groups. Compared to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups showed significant increases in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.05,P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in VIP levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). Anmeidan significantly reversed abnormal changes in 67 metabolites compared to the model group. A combined analysis identified 134 potential targets of Anmeidan, with network topology analysis suggesting that Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), among others, may serve as key targets of Anmeidan. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed major enriched pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Anmeidan can recalibrate abnormal metabolic profiles in insomnia model rats to mitigate cognitive impairment, with its mechanisms of action potentially involving the regulation of immune-inflammatory responses, energy metabolism, and apoptosis-related pathways.
10.Theoretical Exploration of Same "Etiology-Mechanism-Syndrome-Treatment-Prevention" in Insomnia and Skin Aging
Bo XU ; Miao ZHU ; Kang SUN ; Yuan PENG ; Ping WANG ; Li YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):72-78
Sleep, skin, and health are closely interconnected. Clinically, insomnia has a high incidence and is often accompanied by or secondary to skin aging. The two conditions exhibit "different diseases with the same syndrome", significantly affecting the physical and mental health of the Chinese population. Preventing and treating skin aging by improving insomnia is an important strategy, with the principle of "treating different diseases with the same approach" serving as a crucial therapeutic guideline. However, effective clinical prevention and treatment methods for both conditions remain lacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a profound theoretical foundation and notable efficacy in the concurrent treatment of insomnia and skin aging, yet there are few reports on the etiology, pathogenesis, therapeutic principles, and treatment methods of their shared treatment, warranting further exploration. Based on holistic view and syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, this study systematically investigates the theoretical origins of the shared manifestations of insomnia and skin aging from multiple dimensions, including etiology, pathological location, pathogenesis, disease nature, and prevention and treatment strategies. As early as Huangdi's Internal Classic (Huangdi Neijing), it was recognized that mental clarity during the day, sound sleep at night, and firm, healthy skin are key indicators of external health, whereas daytime lethargy, poor sleep quality, and dry, withered skin are prominent signs of aging. Maintaining mental clarity during the day and restful sleep at night is essential for skin integrity and healthy aging. Later medical scholars proposed that the common etiology of insomnia and skin aging lies in "internal-external interactions", with the pathological location involving "the five organ systems". The primary pathogenesis includes "deficiency, fire, stagnation, phlegm, and blood stasis", while the disease nature is often characterized by "a combination of deficiency and excess". Treatment should be guided by syndrome differentiation, following the principle of balancing Yin and Yang. This theoretical exploration enriches and advances TCM understanding of disease onset and prevention, providing theoretical guidance for the clinical prevention and treatment of insomnia-associated skin aging and contributing to the realization of the "Healthy China" initiative.

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