1.From Single Components to Complex Systems: Application Characteristics, Advantages, and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Nano-self-assembly
Shuo NAN ; Yilong HU ; Jinying ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):314-322
The active components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) generally have problems such as poor solubility and low bioavailability, which seriously restrict their clinical efficacy. In recent years, TCM nano-self-assembly based on the non-covalent interactions between molecules has become the research frontier in this field because it can spontaneously form an orderly structure and improve the insoluble components in the body. Moreover, TCM nano-self-assembly has shown unique advantages in the treatment of fibrosis, inflammatory and immune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. This article summarizes the research context, structural system, and potential as a pharmacological substance basis of TCM nano-self-assembly by reviewing recent published studies, with focuses on the application of TCM nano-self-assembly in the treatment of diseases from single components to complex systems. In addition, this article summarizes its advantages, mechanism characteristics, and main challenges faced. At present, this field still faces issues such as insufficient mechanism research, a lack of in-depth understanding of the competitive assembly rules of multiple components, difficulty in quality control, unclear in vivo processes and safety, and obstacles to clinical translation. To address these issues, this article proposes a series of solutions, including introducing molecular dynamics simulation and artificial intelligence to predict assembly behavior, using experimental techniques to analyze non-covalent interactions, establishing a comprehensive evaluation system with multiple indicators, using isotope labeling and in vivo imaging techniques to dynamically track in vivo processes, conducting standardized safety evaluation, promoting the filing of hospital preparations and new drug applications, and strengthening early communication between research and regulation. Finally, this article points out the future development directions, aiming to provide reference for subsequent research and clinical translation.
2.From Single Components to Complex Systems: Application Characteristics, Advantages, and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Nano-self-assembly
Shuo NAN ; Yilong HU ; Jinying ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):314-322
The active components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) generally have problems such as poor solubility and low bioavailability, which seriously restrict their clinical efficacy. In recent years, TCM nano-self-assembly based on the non-covalent interactions between molecules has become the research frontier in this field because it can spontaneously form an orderly structure and improve the insoluble components in the body. Moreover, TCM nano-self-assembly has shown unique advantages in the treatment of fibrosis, inflammatory and immune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. This article summarizes the research context, structural system, and potential as a pharmacological substance basis of TCM nano-self-assembly by reviewing recent published studies, with focuses on the application of TCM nano-self-assembly in the treatment of diseases from single components to complex systems. In addition, this article summarizes its advantages, mechanism characteristics, and main challenges faced. At present, this field still faces issues such as insufficient mechanism research, a lack of in-depth understanding of the competitive assembly rules of multiple components, difficulty in quality control, unclear in vivo processes and safety, and obstacles to clinical translation. To address these issues, this article proposes a series of solutions, including introducing molecular dynamics simulation and artificial intelligence to predict assembly behavior, using experimental techniques to analyze non-covalent interactions, establishing a comprehensive evaluation system with multiple indicators, using isotope labeling and in vivo imaging techniques to dynamically track in vivo processes, conducting standardized safety evaluation, promoting the filing of hospital preparations and new drug applications, and strengthening early communication between research and regulation. Finally, this article points out the future development directions, aiming to provide reference for subsequent research and clinical translation.
3.Efficacy and safety of intrasaccular flow disruptor in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study
Xiaowen ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Xifeng LI ; Chuanzhi DUAN ; Aihua LIU ; Huaizhang SHI ; Haowen XU ; Nan MA ; Zhiqiang YAO ; Feng FAN ; Chao LIU ; Jinyi LI ; Hailong ZHONG ; Mengyan FAN ; Jiaxin WAN ; Rijin LIN ; Huixiang LIU ; Jiamei ZHANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Sheng GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(1):16-22
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrasaccular flow disruptor in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.Methods:One hundred and seventeen patients with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with intrasaccular flow disruptor were collected from Department of Neurointervention (First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Department of Neurosurgery (Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University), Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center (Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University), and Department of Neurosurgery (First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University) from August 2022 to March 2024. Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) was employed to evaluate aneurysm embolization immediately after procedure; cranial CT or MRI within 48 hours of embolization were performed to identify any new intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or new symptomatic cerebral infarction related to the intracranial aneurysms. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess the neurological function at discharge. Imaging follow-up and outpatient follow-up were performed at 6 months after embolization to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion degree and complications.Results:A total of 117 intrasaccular flow disruptors were implanted in 117 patients, with a technical success rate of 100%; 115 patients (98.3%) enjoyed successful one-time release of their disruptors, and 2 patients (1.7%) required retrieval and redirection of the disruptors before second successful attempt. Flow disruptor plus stent was performed in 13 patients (11.1%). Immediately after procedure, RROC grading I was noted in 3 patients, grading II in 51 patients and grading III in 63 patients. Cranial CT or MRI within 48 hours of embolization indicated no new intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or symptomatic cerebral infarction related to the intracranial aneurysms. All patients had mRS score of 0 at discharge. Eighty-three patients completed a 6-month follow-up (RROC grading I in 41 patients, grading II in 33 patients and grading III in 9 patients), without ischemic or hemorrhagic adverse events.Conclusion:The results of this study preliminarily suggest that intrasaccular flow disruptor is effective and safe in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.
4.Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study
Mengyan FAN ; Jing LI ; Chuanzhi DUAN ; Huaizhang SHI ; Aihua LIU ; Xiaochuan SUN ; Feng FAN ; Jinyi LI ; Chao LIU ; Haowen XU ; Linyu WANG ; Zhiqiang YAO ; Hailong ZHONG ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Rijin LIN ; Jiaxin WAN ; Nan ZHANG ; Huixiang LIU ; Jiamei ZHANG ; Sheng GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(2):141-146
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; the clinical data of 46 patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms accepted Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2022 to March 2024 were collected. There were 28 ruptured aneurysms (60.87%) and 18 unruptured aneurysms (39.13%). Follow-up was performed for more than 3 months; Raymond-Roy grading was used to evaluate the aneurysm embolization immediately after embolization and during follow-up; perioperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications were recorded; modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients at discharge and during follow-up (mRS score≤2: good prognosis, and mRS score>2: poor prognosis).Results:Coil embolization was successful in all 46 patients. DSA immediately after embolization showed that 41 patients (89.13%) had completely occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading I), 2 patients (4.35%) had residual aneurysm neck (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅱ) and 3 patients (6.52%) had partially occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅲ). Perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients, including 2 with postoperative cerebral infarction, 1 with hydrocephalus, 1 with postoperative pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, and 1 with stent thrombosis during embolization. Both at discharge and 3 months after embolization, 43 patients (93.48%) had good prognosis and 3 patients (6.52%) had poor prognosis. No obvious ischemic complications (such as stent restenosis) or hemorrhagic complications (such as re-rupture of the aneurysms) were found in all patients. Thirty patients (65.22%) had imaging follow-up for 6-12 months: 26 (86.67%) had Raymond-Roy grading I, 3 (10.00%) had Raymond-Roy grading II, and 1 (3.33%) had Raymond-Roy grading III.Conclusion:Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization has good short-term efficacy and high safety in middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, but long-term follow-up observation is still needed to verify its efficacy.
5.Clinical and pathological characteristics of pediatric tumors with DICER1 mutations detected by Sanger sequencing
Meng ZHANG ; Xingfeng YAO ; Nan ZHANG ; Chao JIA ; Yaqian WU ; Baofeng YANG ; Shen YANG ; Lejian HE
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(12):1288-1296
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of pediatric tumors with DICER1 mutations.Methods:A total of 90 patients diagnosed with various types of pediatric tumors at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from July 2023 to September 2025 were included in this study. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the coding-region mutations of the DICER1 gene. The clinical, histopathological, and molecular genetic features of the cases with DICER1 mutation were then analyzed.Results:Among the 90 patients, 39 were male and 51 were female, with an age of onset ranging from 1 month to 17 years [median 7.13 (2.77, 10.37) years]. DICER1 mutations were detected in 37 patients (37/90, 41.1%). Among them, 9 cases harbored one mutation [6 pleuropulmonary blastomas (PPBs), 2 sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs), and 1 cystic nephroma (CN)], 27 cases carried two mutations [10 PPBs, 3 anaplastic sarcomas of the kidney (ASKs), 3 SCSTs, 3 thyroid adenoma, 2 nodular thyroid goiters, 2 thyroid follicular lesions, 2 CN, 1 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and 1 case with multiple primary tumors], and 1 case exhibited three mutations (bilateral ASKs). Despite variations in the site of origin, DICER1-mutant tumors shared several morphological features. Grossly, they presented as multilocular cystic, cystic-solid to solid masses. Microscopically, they exhibited a subepithelial layer of mesenchymal cells, with focal rhabdomyoblastic/chondroid/chondrosarcomatous differentiation, as well as cellular anaplasia. Germline testing using peripheral blood in the 31 patients with DICER1 mutation confirmed germline origin in 61.3% (19/31) of them. Parental analysis ( n=12) demonstrated genetic inheritance in 8 cases, predominantly from families with tumor history. Germline variants scattered throughout DICER1 and consisted of loss-of-function mutations (nonsense, frameshift, and splice-site). Somatic mutations showed distinct clustering in exons 24 and 25 hotspots (codons 1705, 1709, 1809, 1810 and 1813), primarily missense variants. Notably, one multiple primary tumor case harbored a somatic mosaic p.E1705K mutation. Conclusions:DICER1 mutations are frequently detected in pediatric PPB, CN, SCST, ASK, nodular thyroid goiter, thyroid adenoma, and genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma, which often represent as the index case of DICER1 syndrome. Performing DICER1 mutation testing in these patients not only facilitates tumor diagnosis and secondary cancer surveillance, but also enables the comprehensive genetic risk assessment and management for patient′s family members.
7.Molecular epidemiological investigation of main intestinalprotozoa infection in BALB/c mice
Yu ZHENG ; Xichen ZHANG ; Yao RONG ; Jianhua LI ; Pengtao GONG ; Xiaocen WANG ; Taotao YUE ; Xin LI ; Xu ZHANG ; Nan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):514-518
To understand the infection status of main intestinal protozoa in BALB/c mice and pro-vide a basis for further control of intestinal protozoa infection.Five hundred and forty BALB/c mice provided by four domestic suppliers of BALB/c mice were detected for intestinal protozoa,in which 140 from supplier A,130 from supplier B,135 from supplier C,and 135 from supplier D,re-spectively.Fresh faecal samples were collected from each mouse separately to extract the genome and amplified by nested PCR based on primers for the 18S rRNA gene sequences of Pent-atrichomonas hominis(P.hominis)and Cryptosporidium tyzzeri(C.tyzzeri),and the 16S-like rRNA gene sequence of Tritrichomonas muris(T.muris)and sequenced.The results showed that the total intestinal protozoan infection rate was 7.1%(10/140)in 140 mice faecal samples provided by supplier A.Among them,the positivity rate of T.muris was 7.1%(10/140),C.tyzzeri was 2.1%(3/140),and P.hominis was 7.1%(10/140),the co-infection rate of two intestinal protozoa was 7.1%(10 mice:T.muris+P.hominis),and three intestinal protozoa was 2.1%(3 mice:T.muris+P.hominis+C.tyzzeri).The total intestinal protozoan infection rate in 135 mice faecal samples provided by supplier C was 7.4%,in which,7.4%(10/135)was positive for T.muris.There are no intestinal protozoa to be detected in 130 mice faecal samples from supplier B and 135 mice faecal samples from supplier D.The homology analysis showed that the homology of ampli-fied sequence of T.muris,P.hominis and C.tyzzeri was 98.52%,98.27%and 99.87%compared with published sequence of GenBank No:AY886846.1,GenBank No:AF156964.1 and GenBank No:KJ000486.1,which was clustered as an independent branch by phylogenetic analysis respec-tively.In conclusion,there are intestinal protozoan infection in BALB/c mice in some animal sup-pliers.The co-infections of more than 3 parasites such as T.muris,P.hominis and C.tyzzeri has been found.It will provide a basis for control of intestinal protozoa infection in BALB/c mice in the future.
8.Efficacy and safety of intrasaccular flow disruptor in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study
Xiaowen ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Xifeng LI ; Chuanzhi DUAN ; Aihua LIU ; Huaizhang SHI ; Haowen XU ; Nan MA ; Zhiqiang YAO ; Feng FAN ; Chao LIU ; Jinyi LI ; Hailong ZHONG ; Mengyan FAN ; Jiaxin WAN ; Rijin LIN ; Huixiang LIU ; Jiamei ZHANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Sheng GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(1):16-22
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrasaccular flow disruptor in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.Methods:One hundred and seventeen patients with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with intrasaccular flow disruptor were collected from Department of Neurointervention (First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Department of Neurosurgery (Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University), Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center (Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University), and Department of Neurosurgery (First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University) from August 2022 to March 2024. Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) was employed to evaluate aneurysm embolization immediately after procedure; cranial CT or MRI within 48 hours of embolization were performed to identify any new intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or new symptomatic cerebral infarction related to the intracranial aneurysms. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess the neurological function at discharge. Imaging follow-up and outpatient follow-up were performed at 6 months after embolization to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion degree and complications.Results:A total of 117 intrasaccular flow disruptors were implanted in 117 patients, with a technical success rate of 100%; 115 patients (98.3%) enjoyed successful one-time release of their disruptors, and 2 patients (1.7%) required retrieval and redirection of the disruptors before second successful attempt. Flow disruptor plus stent was performed in 13 patients (11.1%). Immediately after procedure, RROC grading I was noted in 3 patients, grading II in 51 patients and grading III in 63 patients. Cranial CT or MRI within 48 hours of embolization indicated no new intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or symptomatic cerebral infarction related to the intracranial aneurysms. All patients had mRS score of 0 at discharge. Eighty-three patients completed a 6-month follow-up (RROC grading I in 41 patients, grading II in 33 patients and grading III in 9 patients), without ischemic or hemorrhagic adverse events.Conclusion:The results of this study preliminarily suggest that intrasaccular flow disruptor is effective and safe in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.
9.Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms: a multicenter retrospective study
Mengyan FAN ; Jing LI ; Chuanzhi DUAN ; Huaizhang SHI ; Aihua LIU ; Xiaochuan SUN ; Feng FAN ; Jinyi LI ; Chao LIU ; Haowen XU ; Linyu WANG ; Zhiqiang YAO ; Hailong ZHONG ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Rijin LIN ; Jiaxin WAN ; Nan ZHANG ; Huixiang LIU ; Jiamei ZHANG ; Sheng GUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(2):141-146
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; the clinical data of 46 patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms accepted Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2022 to March 2024 were collected. There were 28 ruptured aneurysms (60.87%) and 18 unruptured aneurysms (39.13%). Follow-up was performed for more than 3 months; Raymond-Roy grading was used to evaluate the aneurysm embolization immediately after embolization and during follow-up; perioperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications were recorded; modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients at discharge and during follow-up (mRS score≤2: good prognosis, and mRS score>2: poor prognosis).Results:Coil embolization was successful in all 46 patients. DSA immediately after embolization showed that 41 patients (89.13%) had completely occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading I), 2 patients (4.35%) had residual aneurysm neck (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅱ) and 3 patients (6.52%) had partially occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅲ). Perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients, including 2 with postoperative cerebral infarction, 1 with hydrocephalus, 1 with postoperative pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, and 1 with stent thrombosis during embolization. Both at discharge and 3 months after embolization, 43 patients (93.48%) had good prognosis and 3 patients (6.52%) had poor prognosis. No obvious ischemic complications (such as stent restenosis) or hemorrhagic complications (such as re-rupture of the aneurysms) were found in all patients. Thirty patients (65.22%) had imaging follow-up for 6-12 months: 26 (86.67%) had Raymond-Roy grading I, 3 (10.00%) had Raymond-Roy grading II, and 1 (3.33%) had Raymond-Roy grading III.Conclusion:Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization has good short-term efficacy and high safety in middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, but long-term follow-up observation is still needed to verify its efficacy.
10.Clinical and pathological characteristics of pediatric tumors with DICER1 mutations detected by Sanger sequencing
Meng ZHANG ; Xingfeng YAO ; Nan ZHANG ; Chao JIA ; Yaqian WU ; Baofeng YANG ; Shen YANG ; Lejian HE
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(12):1288-1296
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of pediatric tumors with DICER1 mutations.Methods:A total of 90 patients diagnosed with various types of pediatric tumors at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from July 2023 to September 2025 were included in this study. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the coding-region mutations of the DICER1 gene. The clinical, histopathological, and molecular genetic features of the cases with DICER1 mutation were then analyzed.Results:Among the 90 patients, 39 were male and 51 were female, with an age of onset ranging from 1 month to 17 years [median 7.13 (2.77, 10.37) years]. DICER1 mutations were detected in 37 patients (37/90, 41.1%). Among them, 9 cases harbored one mutation [6 pleuropulmonary blastomas (PPBs), 2 sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs), and 1 cystic nephroma (CN)], 27 cases carried two mutations [10 PPBs, 3 anaplastic sarcomas of the kidney (ASKs), 3 SCSTs, 3 thyroid adenoma, 2 nodular thyroid goiters, 2 thyroid follicular lesions, 2 CN, 1 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and 1 case with multiple primary tumors], and 1 case exhibited three mutations (bilateral ASKs). Despite variations in the site of origin, DICER1-mutant tumors shared several morphological features. Grossly, they presented as multilocular cystic, cystic-solid to solid masses. Microscopically, they exhibited a subepithelial layer of mesenchymal cells, with focal rhabdomyoblastic/chondroid/chondrosarcomatous differentiation, as well as cellular anaplasia. Germline testing using peripheral blood in the 31 patients with DICER1 mutation confirmed germline origin in 61.3% (19/31) of them. Parental analysis ( n=12) demonstrated genetic inheritance in 8 cases, predominantly from families with tumor history. Germline variants scattered throughout DICER1 and consisted of loss-of-function mutations (nonsense, frameshift, and splice-site). Somatic mutations showed distinct clustering in exons 24 and 25 hotspots (codons 1705, 1709, 1809, 1810 and 1813), primarily missense variants. Notably, one multiple primary tumor case harbored a somatic mosaic p.E1705K mutation. Conclusions:DICER1 mutations are frequently detected in pediatric PPB, CN, SCST, ASK, nodular thyroid goiter, thyroid adenoma, and genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma, which often represent as the index case of DICER1 syndrome. Performing DICER1 mutation testing in these patients not only facilitates tumor diagnosis and secondary cancer surveillance, but also enables the comprehensive genetic risk assessment and management for patient′s family members.

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