1.Analyses of the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 21 confirmed monkeypox cases in a district of Chengdu City
Kejun LIAO ; Yawen TIAN ; Shuhua REN ; Yong YUE ; Yunfeng HE ; Caibin YANG ; Xuanji CHEN ; Jiangchao LI ; Wan YANG ; Jie LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):231-234
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the 21 confirmed monkeypox cases in a district of Chengdu City, and to provide scientific guidance for the prevention and control of subsequent monkeypox epidemics. MethodsData of confirmed monkeypox cases residing in this district were collected from the Disease Control and Prevention Information System of China. A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis was used to analyze the demographic, distributional and behavioral characteristics of the cases. ResultsThe first confirmed case of monkeypox was reported on July 5, 2023. Up to April 30, 2025, a total of 21 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported. All cases were male, with a mean age of (30.9±6.2) years. The highest proportion of cases(47.62%) was in the 30‒40 years age group. The majority were men who have sex with men (MSM) population (90.48%, 19/21). The results showed that 19.05% of cases were co-infected with HIV, and 19.05% had a history of syphilis infection. Within 21 days prior to symptom onset, 19 cases (90.48%) self-reported engaging in male-to-male sexual contact, among whom 10 cases (52.63%) reported having taken protective measures, while 9 cases (47.37%) did not take safety precautions. Thirteen cases (61.90%) had no travel history to areas with reported monkeypox cases during the 21 days before symptom onset. The predominant manifestation was exanthem (100%, 21/21), followed by fever (57.14%, 12/21) and lymphadenectasis (47.62%, 10/21). Among febrile cases, 50.00% (6/12) had low-grade fever (37.3‒38.0 ℃). All cases were identified through active medical consultation. The median interval from symptom onset to the first medical visit was 3 (2, 6) days, with a maximum interval of 14 days. The median interval from symptom onset to laboratory confirmation was 7 (5, 9) days. Six cases (28.57%) had two or more visits to the hospital, with bacterial infection being the primary initial diagnosis. ConclusionMonkeypox prevention and control efforts in a district of Chengdu City should prioritize MSM population and young and middle-aged adults aged 30 to <40 years. It is recommended to establish an integrated monkeypox epidemic prevention and control network by leveraging existing HIV/AIDS prevention and control network. Concurrently, accelerating the deployment of the national intelligent infectious disease monitoring and early warning front-end software will strengthen early detection capabilities and be beneficial for the overall effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control efforts.
2.Research progress on the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating functional constipation based on the gut microbiota-bile acid axis
Xiangrui KONG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Yue ZOU ; Yong LIANG ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongxi ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):244-249
Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional disorder of the intestines, mainly characterized by reduced bowel movement frequency, difficulty in defecation, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, and hard stools, which severely affect patients’ quality of life. Research indicates that the pathogenesis of FC is closely related to gut microbiota dysbiosis and abnormal bile acid secretion. Bile acids, as endogenous natural laxatives, promote bowel movements by enhancing colonic secretion and regulating intestinal motility; meanwhile, gut microbiota influence colonic transit function by regulating the enteric nervous system, immune system, and their metabolic products. Based on an overview of the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism, this article systematically reviews the current research status on the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating FC by regulating the balance of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis. It is found that single Chinese medicinal herbs (such as Atractylodes macrocephala), isolated compounds (such as Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides), herbal formulas (such as Shanger huang pill), acupuncture, and moxibustion can up-regulate the abundance of beneficial bacteria, reshape the microbial structure, correct bile acid metabolism, and activate the Takeda G-protein receptor 5/farnesoid X receptor pathway to treat FC.
3.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
4.Applications of Lactoferrin and Its Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy
Wen-Tian YUE ; Shu-Rong HE ; Qin AN ; Yun-Xia ZOU ; Wen-Wen DONG ; Qing-Yong MENG ; Ya-Li ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):342-355
Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.
5.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine regulation of MAPK signaling pathway in intervening slow transit constipation
Xiangrui KONG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Yue ZOU ; Yong LIANG ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Ke MENG ; Hongxi ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1508-1514
low transit constipation (STC) is a common functional intestinal disorder caused by impaired colonic transit function, characterized by reduced bowel movement frequency, hard stools, and difficulty in defecation. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which mainly includes extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 subtypes, plays a critical regulatory role in the occurrence and development of STC. This paper systematically reviews the multiple pathogenic mechanisms of the MAPK signaling pathway in STC and the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention.At the mechanistic level, the MAPK signaling pathway promotes the progression of STC through the following links:(1) Activation of p38 upregulates the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3)/AQP4 in the colon, leading to excessive reabsorption of water in the intestinal lumen; (2) It forms a positive feedback loop with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to maintain low-grade intestinal inflammation, releases inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inhibits smooth muscle contraction; (3) Overactivation of p38 downregulates the expression of occludin and mucin 2 while upregulates the expression of claudin-2, thereby disrupting the mucosal barrier; (4) The JNK/p38 signaling pathway activates the caspase cascade to induce apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, neurons, and interstitial cells of Cajal; (5) Abnormal ERK signaling and excessive activation of p38/JNK inhibit intestinal smooth muscle contraction and reduce 5-hydroxytryptamine secretion, ultimately resulting in impaired colonic transit function.At the intervention level, TCM compound formulas and single herbs have been proven to improve STC by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Their effects are syndrome type-dependent:yin-nourishing formulas (Zengye Chengqi Tang, Tongbian Tang) mainly regulate the ERK/AQP axis; yang-warming formulas (Jichuan Jian) target both ERK/JNK and anti-apoptosis; heat-clearing formulas (Sanren Tang) focus on p38/NF-κB anti-inflammation. A single drug can simultaneously cover multiple aspects including water metabolism, inflammation, barrier function, apoptosis, and intestinal motility.Current relevant studies still have limitations such as mechanisms mostly remaining at the correlational level and a lack of disease-syndrome integrated research models. Future studies should combine specific inhibitors or gene knockout to identify core targets, establish disease-syndrome integrated STC models, and use network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to deeply analyze the fine mechanism of “component-target-phenotype”, so as to provide high-quality evidence for the precise regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by TCM in the intervention of STC.
6.Optimization suggestions for the review and approval system of clinically urgent overseas-marketed drugs in China
Tanlin SUN ; Yuchen WANG ; Yue XIAO ; Yong DENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1541-1546
OBJECTIVE To provide references for optimizing the review and approval system of clinically urgent overseas-marketed drugs in China. METHODS The characteristics of the review and approval system for clinically urgent overseas-marketed drugs were analyzed. A comparative research method was employed to examine differences between China and Australia, Switzerland, and Canada in three dimensions: qualification determination for clinical urgency (i.e., access qualification), review methods, and approval modalities. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS In China’s current system, the legal nature of communication and consultation meetings is ambiguous, as the qualification determination function is embedded within technical consultation procedures without remedy channels. The pre-marketing clinical trial exemption for drugs is disconnected from the post-marketing confirmation obligation, and insufficient access to complete overseas review information weakens risk control effectiveness. A differentiated triage mechanism based on the timing of global approval has not been established, providing insufficient incentives for global simultaneous research and development. International typical regulatory models set access qualification, review methods, and approval modalities as independent modules, forming a quid pro quo relationship by relaxing pre-marketing access conditions and establishing post-marketing conditional approval mechanisms. It is recommended to formulate technical guidelines for the determination of clinically urgent drugs to clarify objective discretionary benchmarks, clarify the legal nature of communication and consultation meetings and allocate remedy channels, mandatorily include clinical trial-exempted varieties in the conditional approval procedure and establish a negative signal linkage mechanism, and implement differentiated triage based on approval timing, so as to improve China’s review and approval system.
7.Quality evaluation of Croci Stigma from different producing areas
Rui-qi WANG ; Yi-qi SHEN ; XU CHEN SI-HAN ; Yong ZHANG ; Tong ZHANG ; Yue DING
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1084-1091
AIM To evaluate the quality of Croci Stigma from different producing areas.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 25 ℃ thermostatic Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column(2.1 mm× 100 mm,1.8μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.1%phosphoric acid-acetonitrile flowing at 0.35 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 254,440 nm.The UPLC fingerprints were established,after which orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed,picrocrocin,crocin-Ⅰ,crocin-Ⅱ,crocin-Ⅲ,crocin-Ⅳ contents and chromaticity values(L*,a*,b*,E*ab)were determined,Pearson correlation analysis was adopted in the investigation of correlations between chromaticity values and internal constituent contents.RESULTS There were 14 common peaks in the fingerprints for 22 batches of medicinal materials with the similarities of more than 0.98.Various batches of medicinal materials were clustered into 2 types,7 quality difference components were screened.crocin-Ⅰ content in medicinal materials from different producing areas demonstrated significant differences(P<0.05);the redder the color of medicinal material,the higher the contents of crocins.Picrocrocin,crocin-Ⅰ,crocin-Ⅱ,crocin-Ⅳ contents displayed highly significant correlations with colorimetric values(P<0.01),while crocin-Ⅲ content exhibited no significant correlation with the latter(P>0.05).CONCLUSION This accurate and reliable method can provide references for the quality control and color-quality relationship elucidation of Croci Stigma.
8.Clinical effect of Kangfuxin solution on wound healing of perianal abscess patients complicated with wound infection
Menglin HUANG ; Zhaomin WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Yong LU ; Shan LUO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(5):677-681
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical effect of Kangfuxin solution on wound healing,wound stromal cell-derived factor-1a(SDF-1a),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and angiopoietin-2(ANG-2)of the peri-anal abscess patients complicated with wound infection.METHODS A total of 118 perianal abscess patients compli-cated with postoperative wound infection who were treated in Wuhan Eighth Hospital from Jun.2018 to Oct.2023 were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into the Kangfuxin solution group and the potassium per-manganate group,with 59 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with debridement of infection foci in a timely manner,the potassium permanganate group was given potassium permanganate for daily cleaning and treat-ment,and the Kangfuxin solution group was given Kangfuxin solution for daily treatment.The wound healing time,time of disappearance of wound edema and shedding time of slough were recorded,and the reduced rate of wound surface was determined after the treatment.The pain degree was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS)after the treatment,and the levels of wound SDF-1a,VEGF and Ang-2 levels were detected.RESULTS The wound healing time[(12.53±2.57)days],time of disappearance of wound edema[(6.89±1.06)days]and shed-ding time of slough[(3.06±0.68)days]were shorter in the Kangfuxin solution group than in the potassium per-manganate group(P<0.05).The reduced rates of wound surface were higher after the treatment for 2,7 and 14 days,the VAS score was lower,and there were significant differences(P<0.05).The levels of SDF-1a,VEGF and Ang-2 of the two groups were higher after the treatment than before the treatment,the levels of SDF-1a,VEGF and Ang-2 of the Kangfuxin solution group were higher than those of the potassium permanganate group,and there were significant differences(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS Kangfuxin solution can be used for wound repair of the perianal abscess patients complicated with wound infection,which may accelerate the wound healing.The action mechanisms may be associated with the regulation of expressions of wound SDF-1a,VEGF and Ang-2.
9.Construct the Evolution Model of Diagnosis and Treatment Experience Based on Time-series Dynamic Perspective
Tingwei XIA ; Yue YANG ; Changhong WEI ; Weihong LI ; Zhaohui TANG ; Xiaojia YONG ; Candong LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1058-1063
The knowledge and experience of medical practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases throughout history are mostly reflected in the description and analysis of relevant clinical events.The diagnosis and treatment thinking and cognitive reasoning process among the knowledge has dynamic and complex characteristics in time and space.However,the current exploration of ancient doctors' diagnosis and treatment experience of diseases and syndromes is mainly focuses on the academic evolution of the entire historical time line,and lacks the exploration of the concept of time and its medical relevance in ancient books.It mainly focuses on entity knowledge,and lacks the presentation of temporal dynamic cognitive logic.Moreover,the research primarily focuses on the study of specific terms in ancient Chinese medicine books,without fully covering ancient medical events.To address this issue,this research proposes to construct the evolution model of diagnosis and treatment experience based on time-series dynamic perspective:according to the time series of diagnosis and treatment events,it covers the time system module,the"coming disease"module,the"already sick"module,and the"after sick"module,which involves the dynamic risk assessment of disease occurrence by ancient medical practitioners,the grasp of the dynamic evolution of the already sick state and the treatment plan,and the dynamic health plan for the after sick state.
10.Ginsenoside Rb1 alleviates hypoxic brain injury in neonatal mice through ERK pathway
Feihong YANG ; Chao LIN ; Xiangyu SUN ; Yongqiang WANG ; He LI ; Lili LI ; Yue YONG ; Jiangang SONG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(3):261-271
Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 in neonatal mice with Hypoxic Ischemia(HI)and analyze its potential molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seven-day-old C57BL/6 neonatal mice were randomly assigned to three groups:Sham group,hypoxic-ischemic(HI)model group,and HI model+ginsenoside Rb1 intervention group(HI+Rb1),with 10 mice per group.The modified Rice-Vannucci method was used to establish the HI model,and ginsenoside Rb1(20 mg/kg)was administered via intraperitoneal injection for 7 consecutive days post-surgery(once per day).Brain damage was assessed on days 7 and 14 post-surgery by evaluating cortical neurons and glial cell numbers,as well as the activation status of the ERK signaling pathway.Additionally,in utero electroporation(IUE)was used to overexpress the ERK signaling pathway in the cortical neurons,and the impact of ERK activation on glial cell development was observed.Further,IUE was used to overexpress ERK in the cortex of P0 neonatal mice,fol-lowed by the HI model on day 7 to analyze the effects of enhanced ERK signaling on oligodendrocyte development and myelin regeneration.Results:Compared to the HI group,the HI+Rb1 intervention group showed significant improve-ment in motor ability,reduction in brain injury area,less mature neuron loss,and increased newborn neurons.Addi-tionally,the number of oligodendrocytes in the cortex was increased,and the activation of the ERK signaling pathway was enhanced.In mice with overexpression of the ERK signaling pathway in the cortex,there was a significant increase in oligodendrocytes.In the HI model with ERK overexpression,an increased number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells were found around the brain injury area,consistent with the results of ginsenoside Rb1 intervention.Conclusion:Gin-senoside Rb1 exerts neuroprotective effects in neonatal mice with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury,potentially through the enhancement of ERK signaling,promoting oligodendrocyte proliferation and myelin regeneration.

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