1.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.
2.Mechanisms of Oxyresveratrol in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Yihan YU ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):46-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which oxyresveratrol (OXY) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsCell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to determine the survival rates of A549 and H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of OXY, and appropriate concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1) were selected. The effects of OXY on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays and colony formation assays. Wound healing assays and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess the effects of OXY on cell migration and invasion. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in A549 and H1299 cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to predict the mechanism of action of OXY, and WB was used to evaluate the effects of OXY on proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Rescue experiments were conducted using the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P. Under activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, the effect of OXY on proliferation, migration, and invasion phenotypes, as well as on the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins and EMT markers (Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin), were examined. ResultsIn the forward experiments, CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the control group, the survival rates of NSCLC cells in the OXY-treated groups (20-120 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of A549 and H1299 cells after 48 h of OXY treatment were 113.6 μmol·L-1 and 92.53 μmol·L-1, respectively. Therefore, concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1 were selected as the gradient for subsequent phenotypic and mechanistic studies. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the OXY groups (30, 60, and 90 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas E-cadherin expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that OXY could act on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and exhibited good binding affinity with PI3K and Akt proteins. Further WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups, whereas the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the 740Y-P group (15 μmol·L-1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group (90 μmol·L-1), these indices in the 740Y-P + OXY group (15 μmol·L-1 + 90 μmol·L-1) were also significantly increased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in the 740Y-P group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group, there were no statistically significant differences in PI3K and Akt protein expression in the 740Y-P + OXY group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionOXY inhibits the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and suppresses the EMT process, thereby exerting anti-metastatic effects in NSCLC.
3.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
4.Anti-lung Cancer Mechanisms of Yang-warming Herbs and Formulas: A Review
Bo XU ; Yu QI ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Qing MIAO ; Yihan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):70-79
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. In 2022, the global number of deaths reached 1.8 million, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths, seriously threatening human health and life, and posing a severe challenge for prevention and treatment. Although treatment strategies for lung cancer have been continuously enriched in recent years, and progress has been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, long-term survival benefits remain limited due to primary or acquired drug resistance, low immune responsiveness, and chemotherapy-related toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its advantages of holistic regulation and individualized syndrome differentiation, has played an increasingly prominent role in comprehensive cancer treatment. TCM holds that "Yang deficiency leads to accumulation" is a key pathogenesis of tumors. Based on the theory that "Yang transforms Qi, while Yin forms substance", deficiency of Yang Qi results in impaired warming and transformation functions, leading to internal accumulation of Yin-cold. This is closely related to dysregulation of the immune microenvironment, "cold tumor" characteristics, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system in modern medicine. Accordingly, the therapeutic strategy of "warming Yang, supporting healthy Qi, and combating cancer" has gained increasing attention. In recent years, commonly used Yang-warming Chinese herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Epimedii Folium, and Psoraleae Fructus, as well as their active constituents, have achieved notable progress in anti-lung cancer research by regulating multiple signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and reversing drug resistance. In addition, Yang-warming formulae such as Sini Tang and Yanghe Tang have shown promising effects in alleviating myelosuppression, improving cancer-related fatigue, managing malignant pleural effusion, and relieving cancer pain. These therapies exhibit toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects, significantly improving patients' quality of life and survival benefits. To systematically summarize the roles and mechanisms of Yang-warming Chinese herbal medicines and compound formulae in lung cancer, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances, aiming to offer insights for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
5.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.
6.Mechanisms of Oxyresveratrol in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Yihan YU ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):46-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which oxyresveratrol (OXY) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsCell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to determine the survival rates of A549 and H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of OXY, and appropriate concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1) were selected. The effects of OXY on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays and colony formation assays. Wound healing assays and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess the effects of OXY on cell migration and invasion. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in A549 and H1299 cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to predict the mechanism of action of OXY, and WB was used to evaluate the effects of OXY on proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Rescue experiments were conducted using the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P. Under activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, the effect of OXY on proliferation, migration, and invasion phenotypes, as well as on the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins and EMT markers (Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin), were examined. ResultsIn the forward experiments, CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the control group, the survival rates of NSCLC cells in the OXY-treated groups (20-120 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of A549 and H1299 cells after 48 h of OXY treatment were 113.6 μmol·L-1 and 92.53 μmol·L-1, respectively. Therefore, concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1 were selected as the gradient for subsequent phenotypic and mechanistic studies. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the OXY groups (30, 60, and 90 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas E-cadherin expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that OXY could act on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and exhibited good binding affinity with PI3K and Akt proteins. Further WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups, whereas the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the 740Y-P group (15 μmol·L-1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group (90 μmol·L-1), these indices in the 740Y-P + OXY group (15 μmol·L-1 + 90 μmol·L-1) were also significantly increased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in the 740Y-P group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group, there were no statistically significant differences in PI3K and Akt protein expression in the 740Y-P + OXY group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionOXY inhibits the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and suppresses the EMT process, thereby exerting anti-metastatic effects in NSCLC.
7.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
8.Anti-lung Cancer Mechanisms of Yang-warming Herbs and Formulas: A Review
Bo XU ; Yu QI ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Qing MIAO ; Yihan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):70-79
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. In 2022, the global number of deaths reached 1.8 million, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths, seriously threatening human health and life, and posing a severe challenge for prevention and treatment. Although treatment strategies for lung cancer have been continuously enriched in recent years, and progress has been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, long-term survival benefits remain limited due to primary or acquired drug resistance, low immune responsiveness, and chemotherapy-related toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its advantages of holistic regulation and individualized syndrome differentiation, has played an increasingly prominent role in comprehensive cancer treatment. TCM holds that "Yang deficiency leads to accumulation" is a key pathogenesis of tumors. Based on the theory that "Yang transforms Qi, while Yin forms substance", deficiency of Yang Qi results in impaired warming and transformation functions, leading to internal accumulation of Yin-cold. This is closely related to dysregulation of the immune microenvironment, "cold tumor" characteristics, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system in modern medicine. Accordingly, the therapeutic strategy of "warming Yang, supporting healthy Qi, and combating cancer" has gained increasing attention. In recent years, commonly used Yang-warming Chinese herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Epimedii Folium, and Psoraleae Fructus, as well as their active constituents, have achieved notable progress in anti-lung cancer research by regulating multiple signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and reversing drug resistance. In addition, Yang-warming formulae such as Sini Tang and Yanghe Tang have shown promising effects in alleviating myelosuppression, improving cancer-related fatigue, managing malignant pleural effusion, and relieving cancer pain. These therapies exhibit toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects, significantly improving patients' quality of life and survival benefits. To systematically summarize the roles and mechanisms of Yang-warming Chinese herbal medicines and compound formulae in lung cancer, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances, aiming to offer insights for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
9.Development of a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease incidence in community-dwelling population aged 40 years and above in Shanghai
Yixuan ZHANG ; Yiling WU ; Jinxin ZANG ; Xuyan SU ; Xin YIN ; Jing LI ; Wei LUO ; Minjun YU ; Wei WANG ; Qi ZHAO ; Qin WANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Na WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):669-675
ObjectiveTo develop a nomogram-based risk prediction model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidence among the community-dwelling population aged 40 years old and above, so as to provide targeted references for the screening and prevention of COPD. MethodsBased on a natural population cohort in suburban Shanghai, a total of 3 381 randomly selected participants aged ≥40 years underwent pulmonary function tests between July and October 2021. Cox stepwise regression analysis was used to develop overall and gender-specific risk prediction models, along with the construction of corresponding risk nomograms. Model predictive performance was evaluated using the C-indice, area under the curve (AUC) values, and Brier score. Stability was assessed through 10-fold cross-validation and sensitivity analysis. ResultsA total of 3 019 participants were included, with a median follow-up duration of 4.6 years. The COPD incidence density was 17.22 per 1 000 person-years, significantly higher in males (32.04/1 000 person-years) than that in females (7.38/1 000 person-years) (P<0.001). The overall risk prediction model included the variables such as gender, age, education level, BMI, smoking, passive smoking, and respiratory comorbidities. The male-specific model incorporated the variables such as age, BMI, respiratory comorbidities, and smoking, while the female-specific model included age, marital status, respiratory comorbidities, and pulmonary tuberculosis history. The C-indices for the overall, male-specific, and female-specific models were 0.829, 0.749, and 0.807, respectively. The 5-year AUC values were 0.785, 0.658, and 0.811, with Brier scores of 0.103, 0.176, and 0.059, respectively. Both 10-fold cross-validated C-indices and sensitivity analysis (excluding participants with a follow-up duration of <6 months) yielded C-indices were above 0.740. ConclusionThis study developed concise and practical overall and gender-specific COPD risk prediction models and corresponding nomograms. The models demonstrated robust performance in predicting COPD incidence, providing a valuable reference for identifying high-risk populations and formulating targeted screening and personalized management strategies.
10.Research progress in mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides in prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease.
Yu-Fan CHEN ; He JIANG ; Qing MA ; Qi-Han LUO ; Shuo HUANG ; Jiang QIU ; Fu-Zhe CHEN ; Zi-Yi SHAN ; Ping QIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(2):356-362
Alcoholic liver disease(ALD), a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, poses a serious threat to human health. Despite the availability of various drugs for treating ALD, their efficacy is often uncertain, necessitating the search for new therapeutic approaches. Traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides have garnered increasing attention in recent years due to their versatility, high efficiency, and low side effects, and they have demonstrated significant potential in preventing and treating ALD. Emerging studies have suggested that these polysaccharides exert their therapeutic effects through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of oxidative stress and the regulation of lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and programmed cell death. This review summarizes the recent research progress in the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides in treating ALD, aiming to provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for their application in the prevention and treatment of ALD.
Humans
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Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/metabolism*
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Polysaccharides/administration & dosage*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Lipid Metabolism/drug effects*

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