1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
2.Current Understanding of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qing LI ; Ying DENG ; Li XIAO ; Jing LU ; Min AI ; Yasha ZHOU ; Yuhui QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Yijing YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1567-1573
This paper has summarized current studies on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from two perspectives, which were disease mechanism insights from western medicine, and etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of western medicine, the understanding of RP has evolved from an early single-factor explanation focusing on pathogenic gene mutations to a more comprehensive, multifactorial model involving genetic abnormalities, photoreceptor cell degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, microenvironmental imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. In TCM, RP is considered to be a disorder manifested in the eyes but rooted in dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with congenital insufficiency, liver-kidney depletion, impaired spleen function of transportation and transformation, and stasis obstructing the meridians. The core pathological mechanism can be summarized as "deficiency complicated by stasis", emphasizing holistic imbalance, dynamic disease progression, and syndrome differentiation and treatment. The differences and complementarities between the two medical systems in understanding disease progression are further discussed. RP is proposed to be more appropriately regarded as a complex disease characterized by long-term progression, stage-dependent evolution, and persistent decompensation. Western medicine contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RP and provides the foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, whereas TCM offers a holistic perspective for understanding disease evolution through the assessment of overall functional status, disease-stage stratification, and long-term syndrome-based regulation.
3.Current Understanding of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qing LI ; Ying DENG ; Li XIAO ; Jing LU ; Min AI ; Yasha ZHOU ; Yuhui QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Yijing YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1567-1573
This paper has summarized current studies on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from two perspectives, which were disease mechanism insights from western medicine, and etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of western medicine, the understanding of RP has evolved from an early single-factor explanation focusing on pathogenic gene mutations to a more comprehensive, multifactorial model involving genetic abnormalities, photoreceptor cell degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, microenvironmental imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. In TCM, RP is considered to be a disorder manifested in the eyes but rooted in dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with congenital insufficiency, liver-kidney depletion, impaired spleen function of transportation and transformation, and stasis obstructing the meridians. The core pathological mechanism can be summarized as "deficiency complicated by stasis", emphasizing holistic imbalance, dynamic disease progression, and syndrome differentiation and treatment. The differences and complementarities between the two medical systems in understanding disease progression are further discussed. RP is proposed to be more appropriately regarded as a complex disease characterized by long-term progression, stage-dependent evolution, and persistent decompensation. Western medicine contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RP and provides the foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, whereas TCM offers a holistic perspective for understanding disease evolution through the assessment of overall functional status, disease-stage stratification, and long-term syndrome-based regulation.
4.The Effect of Qingguang'an Ⅱ Formula (青光安Ⅱ号方)-Containing Serum on Oxidative Stress and the cAMP/PKA Signaling Pathway in R28 Cells Subjected to Continuous Hydrostatic Pressure Combined with Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation
Hongda CUI ; Xin XIA ; Yu HUANG ; Yijing YANG ; Qinghua PENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1883-1892
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Qingguangan Ⅱ Formula (青光安Ⅱ号方, QGAⅡ) in the treatment of glaucoma from the perspectives of oxidative stress and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/ protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway. MethodsForty SD rats were randomly assigned to a medicated serum group (n=30), which received QGAⅡby intragastric administration at 6.741 g/(kg·d), and a blank group (n=10), which received normal saline at 10 ml/(kg·d). After 7 consecutive days of administration, medicated serum and blank serum were prepared. The optimal concentration of medicated serum for R28 cell intervention was determined using CCK-8 assay. An in vitro glaucoma model was established by exposing R28 cells to continuous hydrostatic pressure combined with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) for 24 h to simulate the pathological microenvironment of glaucomatous optic nerve injury. The experiment set a control group (complete medium), model group (glucose-free medium + tri-gas incubator), medicated serum group (selected concentration of QGA-medicated serum + glucose-free medium + tri-gas incubator), and blank serum group (blank serum + glucose-free medium + trigas incubator). The total culture medium volume in each culture dish was 5 ml. After 24 h of culture, cell proliferation was assessed using the EdU immunofluorescence assay, and apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured using biochemical assays. Western Blotting was performed to detect the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins including 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), apoptosis-related proteins including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 (C-caspase-3), and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway-related proteins including protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated PKA (p-PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB). Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were determined by ELISA. In addition, a forskolin (agonist) group, an H89 (inhibitor) group, and a 7.5% medicated serum plus inhibitor group were established to further investigate the effects of QGAⅡ-medicated serum on oxidative stress and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in R28 cells. ResultsA concentration of 7.5% QGAⅡ-medicated serum was identified as the optimal concentration for subsequent experiments. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased cell proliferation, SOD activity, Bcl-2 protein expression, p-PKA/PKA ratio, p-CREB/CREB ratio, and cAMP content, as well as increased apoptosis rate, MDA content, and the protein expression levels of 4-HNE, HO-1, Bax, and C-caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the 7.5% medicated serum group showed significant improvements in all of the above parameters (P<0.01). In the forskolin group, the apoptosis rate and the expression levels of C-caspase-3 and Bax significantly decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression and the p-PKA/PKA and p-CREB/CREB ratios increased compared to those in the model group (P<0.01). Compared to the 7.5% medicated serum group, the 7.5% medicated serum plus inhibitor group exhibited significantly increased expression of C-caspase-3 and Bax, together with significantly decreased Bcl-2 expression and reduced p-PKA/PKA and p-CREB/CREB ratios (P<0.01). ConclusionUnder continuous hydrostatic pressure and OGD-induced injury conditions, QGAⅡ- containing serum effectively mitigates oxidative stress in R28 cells, activates the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, and inhibits apoptosis, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect on retinal ganglion cells
5.Ching Shum Pills alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by ameliorating lipid metabolism disorders.
Biyun LUO ; Xin YI ; Yijing CAI ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Tong LI ; Ken Kin Lam YUNG ; Pingzheng ZHOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1840-1849
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of Ching Shum Pills (CSP) for alleviating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
In a mouse model of NAFLD, the therapeutic effect of CSP was evaluated by measuring serum glucose, lipid profiles (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C), and hepatic function markers. Network pharmacology was employed to identify active compounds in CSP and their targets using TCMSP, HERB, SwissTargetPrediction, GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, Gene Ontology (GO), and KEGG pathway analyses were conducted. Molecular docking (AutoDock Vina) was used to assess the compound-target binding affinities. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the mRNA expressions of the core genes in the liver tissue of the mouse models.
RESULTS:
In the mouse model of NAFLD, treatment with CSP significantly reduced body weight gain and serum TG levels of the mice, and high-dose CSP treatment resulted in obvious reduction of ALT levels and hepatic fat accumulation. Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin and 2-monolinolenin as the key bioactives in CSP, which target TNF, AKT1, IL6, TP53, and ALB. Docking simulations suggested strong binding between the two core compounds and their target proteins. The results of qRT-PCR showed that high-fat diet induced significant downregulation of Tp53, Cpt1, and Ppara expressions in mice, which was effectively reversed by CSP treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
CSP can improve lipid metabolism disorders in NAFLD mice through a regulatory mechanism involving multiple targets and pathways to reduce liver fat accumulation and protect liver function. The key components in CSP such as quercetin and linolenic acid monoacylglycerol may participate in the regulation of such metabolic processes as fatty acid oxidation by targeting TP53.
Animals
;
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/drug therapy*
;
Mice
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Lipid Metabolism Disorders/drug therapy*
;
PPAR alpha/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Network Pharmacology
6.Ching Shum Pills alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by ameliorating lipid metabolism disorders
Biyun LUO ; Xin YI ; Yijing CAI ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Tong LI ; Pingzheng ZHOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1840-1849
Objective To investigate the effect of Ching Shum Pills(CSP)for alleviating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and the underlying mechanism.Methods In a mouse model of NAFLD,the therapeutic effect of CSP was evaluated by measuring serum glucose,lipid profiles(TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C),and hepatic function markers.Network pharmacology was employed to identify active compounds in CSP and their targets using TCMSP,HERB,SwissTargetPrediction,GeneCards,OMIM,and DisGeNET.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks,Gene Ontology(GO),and KEGG pathway analyses were conducted.Molecular docking(AutoDock Vina)was used to assess the compound-target binding affinities.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to validate the mRNA expressions of the core genes in the liver tissue of the mouse models.Results In the mouse model of NAFLD,treatment with CSP significantly reduced body weight gain and serum TG levels of the mice,and high-dose CSP treatment resulted in obvious reduction of ALT levels and hepatic fat accumulation.Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin and 2-monolinolenin as the key bioactives in CSP,which target TNF,AKT1,IL6,TP53,and ALB.Docking simulations suggested strong binding between the two core compounds and their target proteins.The results of qRT-PCR showed that high-fat diet induced significant downregulation of Tp53,Cpt1,and Ppara expressions in mice,which was effectively reversed by CSP treatment.Conclusion CSP can improve lipid metabolism disorders in NAFLD mice through a regulatory mechanism involving multiple targets and pathways to reduce liver fat accumulation and protect liver function.The key components in CSP such as quercetin and linolenic acid monoacylglycerol may participate in the regulation of such metabolic processes as fatty acid oxidation by targeting TP53.
7.Impact factors of obesity patients complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
He SUN ; Tianxiang HU ; Zixin PENG ; Yijing YANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(7):472-476
Objective To observe the impact factors of obesity(Ob)complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods Twenty Ob patients complicated with T2DM(group A)and 47 simple Ob patients(group B)were retrospectively enrolled.The blood glucose related indicators,including fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting insulin(FINS)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),as well as fat quantitative parameters measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,CT or MRI were compared between groups,their correlations were analyzed,and the impact factors of Ob complicated with T2DM were explored.Results FBG,HbA1c and HOMA-IR in group A were all higher,while the total body fat mass percentage(TFM%)and leg fat mass percentage(LFM%)in group A were both lower than those in group B(all P<0.05).Proton density fat fraction(PDFF)of liver and lumbar bone marrow in group A were both higher than those in group B(both P<0.05).TFM%and LFM%in all 67 Ob patients were negatively correlated with FBG or HbA1c,while TFM%and Android region fat mass percentage(Android FM%)were both negatively correlated with HOMA-IR(r=-0.447—-0.263,all P<0.05).For all 67 Ob patients,the area of visceral adipose tissue(VAT)was positively correlated with HOMA-IR(r=0.339,P=0.006),liver PDFF was positively correlated with FBG,HbA1c and HOMA-IR,and PDFF of lumbar bone marrow was positively correlated with FBG(r=0.323-0.599,all P<0.05).Elevated LFM%was a protective factor,while elevated PDFF of liver and pancreas were both risk factors of Ob complicated with T2DM(all P<0.05).Conclusion LFM%and liver PDFF were both impact factors of Ob complicated with T2DM.
8.Practice and reflection on performance management in a tertiary children's hospital:taking a tertiary children's hospital in wuxi city as an example
Yijing PENG ; Zhen TANG ; Changlin WANG ; Chengming XU ; Yu LI
Modern Hospital 2025;25(3):413-416
Objective In order to strengthen the connotation construction of hospitals,promote high-quality develop-ment,improve the quality of medical services,improve operational efficiency,and explore and practice the performance manage-ment mode in combination with the characteristics of the hospital's own development.Methods Take a tertiary children's spe-cialty hospital in Wuxi as an example,optimize the internal performance appraisal management system of the hospital,and con-duct dynamic monitoring and management of the whole appraisal process.Results The sample hospital constructed a multifacet-ed performance management system,and the performance appraisal results of the national tertiary public hospital in 2022 were significantly improved,and the various appraisal indexes,such as the percentage of fourth-level surgery,the intensity of antimi-crobial drug use,the value of CMI,the satisfaction degree of the medical staff,and the satisfaction degree of the outpatients,were kept optimized.Conclusion The continuous optimization of the performance management model has improved the hospital's level of refined management,the efficiency of collaboration between departments,the efficiency of resource allocation,and the efficiency of economic operation,stimulated the work motivation of medical staff,and improved the quality of medical services.
9.Impact factors of obesity patients complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
He SUN ; Tianxiang HU ; Zixin PENG ; Yijing YANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(7):472-476
Objective To observe the impact factors of obesity(Ob)complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods Twenty Ob patients complicated with T2DM(group A)and 47 simple Ob patients(group B)were retrospectively enrolled.The blood glucose related indicators,including fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting insulin(FINS)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),as well as fat quantitative parameters measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,CT or MRI were compared between groups,their correlations were analyzed,and the impact factors of Ob complicated with T2DM were explored.Results FBG,HbA1c and HOMA-IR in group A were all higher,while the total body fat mass percentage(TFM%)and leg fat mass percentage(LFM%)in group A were both lower than those in group B(all P<0.05).Proton density fat fraction(PDFF)of liver and lumbar bone marrow in group A were both higher than those in group B(both P<0.05).TFM%and LFM%in all 67 Ob patients were negatively correlated with FBG or HbA1c,while TFM%and Android region fat mass percentage(Android FM%)were both negatively correlated with HOMA-IR(r=-0.447—-0.263,all P<0.05).For all 67 Ob patients,the area of visceral adipose tissue(VAT)was positively correlated with HOMA-IR(r=0.339,P=0.006),liver PDFF was positively correlated with FBG,HbA1c and HOMA-IR,and PDFF of lumbar bone marrow was positively correlated with FBG(r=0.323-0.599,all P<0.05).Elevated LFM%was a protective factor,while elevated PDFF of liver and pancreas were both risk factors of Ob complicated with T2DM(all P<0.05).Conclusion LFM%and liver PDFF were both impact factors of Ob complicated with T2DM.
10.Practice and reflection on performance management in a tertiary children's hospital:taking a tertiary children's hospital in wuxi city as an example
Yijing PENG ; Zhen TANG ; Changlin WANG ; Chengming XU ; Yu LI
Modern Hospital 2025;25(3):413-416
Objective In order to strengthen the connotation construction of hospitals,promote high-quality develop-ment,improve the quality of medical services,improve operational efficiency,and explore and practice the performance manage-ment mode in combination with the characteristics of the hospital's own development.Methods Take a tertiary children's spe-cialty hospital in Wuxi as an example,optimize the internal performance appraisal management system of the hospital,and con-duct dynamic monitoring and management of the whole appraisal process.Results The sample hospital constructed a multifacet-ed performance management system,and the performance appraisal results of the national tertiary public hospital in 2022 were significantly improved,and the various appraisal indexes,such as the percentage of fourth-level surgery,the intensity of antimi-crobial drug use,the value of CMI,the satisfaction degree of the medical staff,and the satisfaction degree of the outpatients,were kept optimized.Conclusion The continuous optimization of the performance management model has improved the hospital's level of refined management,the efficiency of collaboration between departments,the efficiency of resource allocation,and the efficiency of economic operation,stimulated the work motivation of medical staff,and improved the quality of medical services.

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