1.Research Progress of Fuzheng Jiedu Huayu Method in Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy of Immunotherapy
Yufan CHEN ; Sicong LI ; Yiyuan CUI ; Li FENG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):11-18
Immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccine therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, and adoptive cell therapy, has made remarkably breakthroughs in the field of oncology. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block programmed death receptor 1 or programmed death ligand 1, have been included in the first-line clinical treatment for advanced solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer and malignant melanoma. However, primary or secondary drug resistance in tumors severely limits the survival benefits for patients. Immune-related adverse reactions, such as pneumonia, hypothyroidism, hypophysitis, and myocarditis, also greatly affect the quality of life of patients. Fuzheng Jiedu Huayu is an important concept guiding the prevention and treatment of tumors with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is also a curative principle and therapeutic TCM method to reduce the toxicity and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. This article summarizes the research progress of immunotherapy and discusses how TCM reduces the toxicity and enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy, hoping to provide a reference for the integrated treatment of tumors with TCM and immunotherapy.
2.Mechanisms of Zhuyuwan in Treating both Intrahepatic Cholestasis and Ulcerative Colitis Based on Homotherapy for Heteropathy
Jun HAN ; Yueqiang WEN ; Zongying XU ; Dan LUO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueyi LI ; Yufan DAI ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Han YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):46-53
ObjectiveThe theory of homotherapy for heteropathy is one of the classical rules in traditional Chinese medicine. Taking this theory as a breakthrough point, this study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Zhuyuwan on both intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from the viewpoint of serum metabolic homeostasis. MethodsThe rat models of α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC were treated with low (0.6 g·kg-1) and high (1.2 g·kg-1) doses of Zhuyuwan by gavage. In the experiment regarding IC, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal, ANIT model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. In the experiment regarding UC, 24 SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: normal, TNBS model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. Firstly, the two disease models and the intervention effects of Zhuyuwan on the two diseases were evaluated based on serum levels of biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and total bile acid (TBA)], colon damage score, colon weight index, disease activity index, and histopathological changes in rats. Secondly, the rat serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen the common core pathways of the two disease models, and the expression of core genes in the pathways was determined by Real-time PCR, on the basis of which the biological mechanism of the treatment of the two disease models by Zhuyuwan was ultimately elucidated. ResultsThe results of the experiment regarding IC showed that the ANIT model group had higher ALT, AST, γ-GT, and TBA levels than the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the ANIT model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showed declined ALT and TBA levels (P<0.01) and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed lowered ALT, TBA, AST, and γ-GT levels (P<0.01). The results of the experiment regarding UC showed that compared with the normal group, the TNBS model group presented increases in the colonic damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). Compared with the TNBS model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showcased declines in colon weight index (P<0.01) and disease activity index (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed reductions in the colon damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). GC-MS metabolomics analysis combined with qRT-PCR demonstrated that Zhuyuwan had a similar inverse regulatory effect on arginine metabolism disruption in the above two disease models. ConclusionZhuyuwan exhibited definite therapeutic effects on both IC and UC, and the regulation of arginine biosynthesis pathway is the core mechanism for the treatment of both diseases by Zhuyuwan.
3.Mechanisms of Zhuyuwan in Treating both Intrahepatic Cholestasis and Ulcerative Colitis Based on Homotherapy for Heteropathy
Jun HAN ; Yueqiang WEN ; Zongying XU ; Dan LUO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueyi LI ; Yufan DAI ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Han YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):46-53
ObjectiveThe theory of homotherapy for heteropathy is one of the classical rules in traditional Chinese medicine. Taking this theory as a breakthrough point, this study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Zhuyuwan on both intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from the viewpoint of serum metabolic homeostasis. MethodsThe rat models of α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC were treated with low (0.6 g·kg-1) and high (1.2 g·kg-1) doses of Zhuyuwan by gavage. In the experiment regarding IC, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal, ANIT model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. In the experiment regarding UC, 24 SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: normal, TNBS model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. Firstly, the two disease models and the intervention effects of Zhuyuwan on the two diseases were evaluated based on serum levels of biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and total bile acid (TBA)], colon damage score, colon weight index, disease activity index, and histopathological changes in rats. Secondly, the rat serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen the common core pathways of the two disease models, and the expression of core genes in the pathways was determined by Real-time PCR, on the basis of which the biological mechanism of the treatment of the two disease models by Zhuyuwan was ultimately elucidated. ResultsThe results of the experiment regarding IC showed that the ANIT model group had higher ALT, AST, γ-GT, and TBA levels than the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the ANIT model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showed declined ALT and TBA levels (P<0.01) and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed lowered ALT, TBA, AST, and γ-GT levels (P<0.01). The results of the experiment regarding UC showed that compared with the normal group, the TNBS model group presented increases in the colonic damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). Compared with the TNBS model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showcased declines in colon weight index (P<0.01) and disease activity index (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed reductions in the colon damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). GC-MS metabolomics analysis combined with qRT-PCR demonstrated that Zhuyuwan had a similar inverse regulatory effect on arginine metabolism disruption in the above two disease models. ConclusionZhuyuwan exhibited definite therapeutic effects on both IC and UC, and the regulation of arginine biosynthesis pathway is the core mechanism for the treatment of both diseases by Zhuyuwan.
4.Research progress on platelets in glioma.
Mingrong ZUO ; Tengfei LI ; Zhihao WANG ; Yufan XIANG ; Siliang CHEN ; Yanhui LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):28-37
Gliomas are the most common primary neuroepithelial tumors of the central nervous system in adults, of which glioblastoma is the deadliest subtype. Apart from the intrinsically indestructible characteristics of glioma (stem) cells, accumulating evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment also plays a vital role in the refractoriness of glioblastoma. The primary functions of platelets are to stop bleeding and regulate thrombosis under physiological conditions. Furthermore, platelets are also active elements that participate in a variety of processes of tumor development, including tumor growth, invasion, and chemoresistance. Glioma cells recruit and activate resting platelets to become tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), which in turn can promote the proliferation, invasion, stemness, and chemoresistance of glioma cells. TEPs can be used to obtain genetic information about gliomas, which is helpful for early diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic effects. Platelet membranes are intriguing biomimetic materials for developing efficacious drug carriers to enhance antiglioma activity. Herein, we review the recent research referring to the contribution of platelets to the malignant characteristics of gliomas and focusing on the molecular mechanisms mediating the interaction between TEPs and glioma (stem) cells, as well as present the challenges and opportunities in targeting platelets for glioma therapy.
Humans
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Glioma/metabolism*
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Blood Platelets/physiology*
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Brain Neoplasms/pathology*
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Tumor Microenvironment
5.Discovery of orally active and serine-targeting covalent inhibitors against hCES2A for ameliorating irinotecan-triggered gut toxicity.
Ya ZHANG ; Yufan FAN ; Yunqing SONG ; Guanghao ZHU ; Xinjuan LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xinrui GUO ; Changhai LUAN ; Dongning KANG ; Lu CHEN ; Zhangping XIAO ; Zhaobin GUO ; Hairong ZENG ; Dapeng CHEN ; Zhipei SANG ; Guangbo GE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5312-5326
Human carboxylesterase 2A (hCES2A) plays pivotal roles in prodrug activation and hydrolytic metabolism of ester-bearing chemicals. Targeted inhibition of intestinal hCES2A represents a feasible strategy to mitigate irinotecan-triggered gut toxicity (ITGT), but the orally active, selective, and efficacious hCES2A inhibitors are rarely reported. Here, a novel drug-like hCES2A inhibitor was developed via three rounds of structure-based drug design (SBDD) and structural optimization. Initially, donepezil was identified as a moderate hCES2A inhibitor from 2000 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. Following two rounds of SBDD and structural optimization, a donepezil derivative (B7) was identified as a strong reversible hCES2A inhibitor. Subsequently, nine B7 carbamates were rationally designed, synthesized and biologically assayed. Among all synthesized carbamates, C3 showed the most potent time-dependent inhibition on hCES2A (IC50 = 0.56 nmol/L), excellent specificity and favorable drug-like properties. C3 could covalently modify the catalytic serine of hCES2A with high selectivity, while this agent also showed favorable safety profiles, high intestinal exposure, and impressive effects for ameliorating ITGT in both human intestinal organoids and tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, this study showcases a rational strategy for developing drug-like and serine-targeting covalent inhibitors against target serine hydrolase(s), while C3 emerges as a promising orally active drug candidate for ameliorating ITGT.
6.Analysis of latent profiles and influencing factors of work-related quality of life for nurses in obstetrics and gynecology hospitals
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(7):1591-1596
Objective To explore the current status of work-related quality of life among nurses at ob-stetric and gynecological specialty hospitals,analyze their latent profiles,and identify influencing factors.Methods Using convenience sampling,574 nurses from a tertiary-level obstetric and gynecological specialty hospital in Shijiazhuang,Hebei Province were selected as subjects.Questionnaires including the General Infor-mation Survey,Nurse Work-Related Quality of Life Scale-2(WRQoL-2),and Resilience Scale were adminis-tered.Latent profile analysis was performed to assess the level of work-related quality of life,with influencing factors of the latent profiles identified through univariate and logistic regression analyses.Results Work-re-lated quality of life levels among nurses at obstetric and gynecological specialty hospitals were classified into three latent profiles,low-level group(27.53%),medium-level group(45.81%),and high-level group(26.66%).Logistic regression analysis revealed that gender,position,satisfaction with current income,aver-age overtime hours,daily sleep duration,and resilience scale scores were influencing factors for the latent pro-files of work-related quality of life among nurses at obstetric and gynecological specialty hospitals(P<0.05).Conclusion Heterogeneity exists in work-related quality of life among nursing staff at obstetric and gyneco-logical specialty hospitals,with three distinct latent profiles.Nursing managers may classify nurses for man-agement according to profile-specific influencing factors to improve their work-related quality of life.
7.Development of a microfluidic chip-based in vitro model of retinal microvasculature and thrombosis therein
Shuxian SHAO ; Yanmei WANG ; Yihan XU ; Jiaxin ZHENG ; Yufan ZHANG ; Danning LIU ; Yuan LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(11):1199-1207
Objective To develop an endothelialized microfluidic chip model that simulates the spatial architecture and bioactivity of retinal vasculature,enabling thrombosis modeling and thrombolytic efficacy validation.Methods A tri-level microvascular network chip(300/200/100 μm diameters)with bifurcated architecture was fabricated using soft lithography.Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs)were perfused into channels,with endothelial coverage monitored via phase-contrast microscopy and F-actin staining.Cellular bioactivity was assessed using mitochondrial membrane potential probes(5,5,6,6-Tetrachloro-1,1,3,3-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide,JC-1)and nitric oxide(NO)quantification.Fresh blood samples from 10 healthy donors(Yongchuan Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University,March to June 2024)were perfused with digital injection pump to mimic blood flow in human body into 3 experimental groups:normal whole blood,and TNF-α-activated endothelium+normal blood,TNF-α-activated endothelium+TNF-α-treated blood.Three inlet blood flow rates of 37.8、11.1 and 3.5 μL/min were set in each group.Two experimental groups,normal saline and recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator(rtPA),were established using the endothelialized microfluidic thrombosis model to validate thrombolytic efficacy.Endothelial functional impacts were assessed through integrated DAPI/NO staining and thrombosis model analysis across 3 intervention phases:pre-thrombosis,post-thrombosis,and post-thrombolysis.Results A tri-level microfluidic vascular model(300/200/100 μm diameters)was successfully constructed.In 72 h after endothelial cell perfusion,complete channel coverage was achieved,with phase-contrast microscopy and F-actin staining confirming confluent cellular alignment.JC-1/NO assays validated preserved endothelial bioactivity.Compared with the whole blood group,both TNF-α-activated endothelium+normal blood and TNF-α-activated endothelium+TNF-α-treated blood groups exhibited significantly increased thrombus occupancy rates at identical flow rates(all P<0.001).Notably,TNF-α-activated endothelium+TNF-α-treated blood group demonstrated the highest thrombus ratio at 3.5 μL/min(P<0.001).The rtPA group showed superior thrombolytic efficacy versus saline(P<0.001).Endothelial monolayer integrity was maintained across intervention phases,with thrombosis triggering significant NO elevation(P<0.001).Conclusion Our retinal vasculature-mimetic microfluidic model enables precise thrombosis modeling and drug evaluation,providing new methodology for studying retinal vascular occlusive diseases.
8.Mechanism of spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia in gastric mucosa induced by Helicobacter pylori infection
Hainuo WANG ; Yufan LI ; Yuying WANG ; Qianying SHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Lifei ZHENG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(1):130-134
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection triggers gastric mucosal inflammatory responses and spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia(SPEM).These pathological conditions can escalate the severity of chronic gas-tritis,gastric ulcers and even cause gastric cancer.SPEM is frequently viewed as an early sign of gastric mucosal injury and the onset of carcinogenesis.A comprehensive analysis of the genesis and molecular regulation of SPEM cells in the context of H.pylori infection further has enlightened the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal diseases and provide new ideas and targets for diagnosing and treatment of H.pylori-related gastric mucosal diseases.This paper reviews a variety of molecular biomarkers associated with SPEM,encompassing TFF2,CD44v9,and AQP5,and delineates their pivotal regulatory functions in H.pylori infection and SPEM.This paper also reviews the origination of SPEM cells and pertinent molecular regulatory mechanisms.
9.Effects of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules on mitochondrial oxidation damage in db/db mice
Xijuan LYU ; Qi XU ; Nuobing RUAN ; Jinju LI ; Zheng BI ; Yufan LI ; Zhaohui FANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(11):1444-1449
Objective:To explore the regulatory effects of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules on glucose metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative stress levels in db/db mice.Methods:Totally 32 db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, positive control group, and Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule low-, medium- and high-dosage groups; at the same time, 8 same-sex C57BL/6 mice of the same week age were selected as the blank group. The metformin group was filled with metformin solution 0.1 g/kg, and the Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule low-, medium- and high-dosage groups were injected with 0.99, 0.49 and 0.25 g/kg Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule solution respectively. The model group and the blank group received the same volume of physiological saline solution for the gavage, 1 time/d, continuous 12 weeks. The weight and fasting blood sugar (FBG) changes in each group of mice were detected; the serum insulin (FINS) level was detected by ELISA method and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated; kits were used to detect the pancreatic tissue SOD and MDA levels of each group of mice; HE staining was used to observe pathological morphology of pancreatic tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of pancreatic mitochondria; Western blot method was used to detect the expressions of p-AMPK and AMPK proteins in pancreatic tissue.Results:Compared with the model group, after 8 or 12 weeks of drug administration, the weight of mice in the Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule high-dosage group decreased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the level of FBG decreased ( P<0.01); FINS and HOMA-IR in the Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule high- and medium-dosage groups decreased ( P<0.01), the SOD activity in Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule high- medium- and low-dosage groups increased, and the level of MDA decreased ( P<0.01); the expressions of p-AMPK and AMPK in Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule high-and medium-dosage groups increased ( P<0.01), the expression of AMPK in Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule low-dosage group increased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule can improve SOD activity in pancreatic tissue of db/db mice, reduce MDA content, and activate the AMPK signaling pathway, suggesting that Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule can improve insulin resistance and restore glucose homeostasis by inhibiting oxidative stress levels and improving mitochondrial function.
10.A study on the animal model preparation and early histological changes of trans-sutural distraction osteo-genesis
Zhihe ZHAO ; Yufan ZHANG ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Yicheng CHEN ; Xuelian JIA ; Shanluo ZHOU ; Fuding SHEN ; Yuxuan DU ; Yunpeng LI ; Liang KONG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(2):173-179
Objective:To establish an animal model of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis in SD rats.Methods:A self-designed V-shaped distraction device(distractor)was fabricated with the traction force(N)of 0,1.3,2.2,3.0,4.3 and 5.0 corresponding to the distraction length(mm)of 5,4,3,2,1 and 0 respectively,meeting the trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis requirements in skull of 5-week-old SD rats.The distractor was plased into the sagittal suture of 12 SD rats.Continuous sampling was conducted 1,3,5 and 7 days respectively(n=3)after operation.The tissue changes in the trans-sutural distraction area were observed by HE and Masson's trichrome staining.Inflammation levels were determined using Arg-1 immunofluorescence staining.The early angiogenesis was clarified through co-staining with CD31 and EMCN.Results:A stable trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis model was estab-lished,5 mm distraction osteogenesis width was observed completely within 7 days of distraction.Significant new bone formation was observed at 7 days after operation.Arg-1 expression increased and was concentrated at the bone margins,overlapping with the areas of new bone formation.EMCN expression gradually decreased,and by day 7 CD31 was predominant,indicating the basic maturation of blood vessels.Conclusion:This study successfully constructed a stable and effective trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis animal model,and provides an experimental basis for the investigation of its early continuous histological changes.

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