1.Quality evaluation of Qingwen hufei granules based on fingerprints combined with multi-component content determination
Huiying ZHOU ; Yuan WANG ; Yani WANG ; Yun YANG ; Bo WANG ; Shuanzhu YANG ; Liping CAO ; Hong ZHANG ; Kaihua LONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):338-343
OBJECTIVE To provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation and clinical application of Qingwen hufei granules. METHODS Fourteen batches of Qingwen hufei granules were used as samples to establish high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 Edition). The chromatographic peaks were identified and the similarity was evaluated. Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to conduct chemical pattern recognition analysis on the 14 batches of samples. Meanwhile, the contents of neochlorogenic acid (NGA), chlorogenic acid (CHA), cryptochlorogenic acid (CGA), forsythoside A (FTA), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-O- DA), 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-O-DA), and angoroside C (AGC) in the samples were determined by HPLC. RESULTS The methodological investigation results of both the fingerprint and the content determination complied with the relevant requirements. Fourteen common peaks were indicated in the HPLC fingerprints of the 14 batches of samples, and 7 of them were identified [NGA (peak 2), CHA (peak 3), CGA (peak 5), FTA (peak 11), 3,5-O-DA (peak 12), 4,5-O-DA (peak 13), and AGC (peak 14)]; the similarity of each sample was greater than 0.94. The results of CA and PCA showed that the samples could be classified into 3 categories; the results of OPLS-DA indicated that peak 4 (unknown), peak 11 (FTA), peak 8 (unknown), peak 9 (unknown), and peak 1 (unknown) were the differential components. The content ranges of NGA, CHA, CGA, 3,5-O-DA, FTA, 4,5-O-DA and AGC in the 14 batches of samples were 0.210 4-0.458 7, 0.269 1-0.506 3, 0.228 1-0.461 1, 0.443 9-1.044 6, 0.066 7-0.155 7, 0.062 8-0.143 8, and 0.057 4-0.105 7 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The HPLC fingerprint and multi-component content determination methods established in this study are efficient and reliable, and can be used for the quality evaluation of Qingwen hufei granules.
2.The Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in Regulating Adipogenesis and Metabolism
Wei-Xiu JI ; Bo-Wei-Cheng KU ; Yun-Gang ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1313-1332
Obesity represents a critical global health challenge characterized by a complex pathogenesis involving dysregulated adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been established as crucial regulators in the initiation and progression of obesity. These RNA molecules, typically exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, have emerged as key modulators of various biological processes through multiple molecular mechanisms. This review innovatively defines lncRNAs as “molecular switches” in energy metabolism—they regulate adipogenesis and lipid metabolism through key signaling pathways, and exert bidirectional control over obesity via ceRNA mechanisms or recruitment of chromatin-modifying complexes in tissues such as adipose and liver. Additionally, circulating lncRNAs, owing to their tissue specificity and stability, hold promise as non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarkers for obesity and related metabolic disorders. Furthermore, we systematically summarize lncRNA-based intervention strategies, including targeting pathogenic lncRNAs using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or CRISPR/Cas gene editing systems, utilizing viral vectors (such as adeno-associated virus, AAV) to deliver or mimic beneficial lncRNAs in target tissues, and employing exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention that ameliorates obesity and its related complications at multiple levels, offering novel insights for personalized therapeutic approaches. We also critically assess the current challenges in clinical translation, particularly addressing issues related to delivery efficiency, target specificity, and long-term safety concerns. Future research should focus on the following directions: integrating multi-omics with functional screening to elucidate the regulatory networks of lncRNAs in obesity and its complications; leveraging artificial intelligence to construct predictive models of lncRNA-target gene interactions; developing efficient and safein vivo delivery systems, and optimizing drug design to enhance specificity and safety; establishing highly sensitive detection methods and stable circulating lncRNA biomarkers to enable precise patient stratification and real-time monitoring of therapeutic responses; investigating the synergistic effects of lncRNAs with existing treatments (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists, lifestyle interventions) to develop combination therapies and establish a multidimensional, personalized precision medicine framework for obesity. This review aims to provide novel perspectives for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity and to establish a solid theoretical foundation for developing lncRNA-targeted precision medicine strategies against obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
3.The Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in Regulating Adipogenesis and Metabolism
Wei-Xiu JI ; Bo-Wei-Cheng KU ; Yun-Gang ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1313-1332
Obesity represents a critical global health challenge characterized by a complex pathogenesis involving dysregulated adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been established as crucial regulators in the initiation and progression of obesity. These RNA molecules, typically exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, have emerged as key modulators of various biological processes through multiple molecular mechanisms. This review innovatively defines lncRNAs as “molecular switches” in energy metabolism—they regulate adipogenesis and lipid metabolism through key signaling pathways, and exert bidirectional control over obesity via ceRNA mechanisms or recruitment of chromatin-modifying complexes in tissues such as adipose and liver. Additionally, circulating lncRNAs, owing to their tissue specificity and stability, hold promise as non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarkers for obesity and related metabolic disorders. Furthermore, we systematically summarize lncRNA-based intervention strategies, including targeting pathogenic lncRNAs using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or CRISPR/Cas gene editing systems, utilizing viral vectors (such as adeno-associated virus, AAV) to deliver or mimic beneficial lncRNAs in target tissues, and employing exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention that ameliorates obesity and its related complications at multiple levels, offering novel insights for personalized therapeutic approaches. We also critically assess the current challenges in clinical translation, particularly addressing issues related to delivery efficiency, target specificity, and long-term safety concerns. Future research should focus on the following directions: integrating multi-omics with functional screening to elucidate the regulatory networks of lncRNAs in obesity and its complications; leveraging artificial intelligence to construct predictive models of lncRNA-target gene interactions; developing efficient and safein vivo delivery systems, and optimizing drug design to enhance specificity and safety; establishing highly sensitive detection methods and stable circulating lncRNA biomarkers to enable precise patient stratification and real-time monitoring of therapeutic responses; investigating the synergistic effects of lncRNAs with existing treatments (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists, lifestyle interventions) to develop combination therapies and establish a multidimensional, personalized precision medicine framework for obesity. This review aims to provide novel perspectives for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity and to establish a solid theoretical foundation for developing lncRNA-targeted precision medicine strategies against obesity and its associated metabolic complications.
4.Mechanism of transcription factor ZEB1 in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Yun ZHAO ; Beibei MA ; Huaxue XING ; Shaofeng HUANG ; Zhongwei ZHANG ; Bo LING
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):470-479
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells, as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsThe gene expression characteristics of the transcription factor ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed using data from the GEO and TCGA public databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot were employed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (H322, A549, 95-D) and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Lentiviral transduction was utilized to establish stable ZEB1-overexpressing (Oe-ZEB1) and vector control (Oe-NC) H322 cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, and EdU assays, while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst33258/PI double staining. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell migration and invasion capabilities. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry, and Western blot was used to analyze protein expression changes in relevant signaling pathways. ResultsThe findings from GEO and TCGA indicated that ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma varied with tumor malignancy grade. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed significantly higher ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines compared to BEAS-2B cells (P0.05). Results from the CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays demonstrated that, compared with the un-transfected control (Control) group, Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities (P0.05). Hoechst33258/PI double staining and flow cytometry analyses showed that, relative to the Control group, apoptosis was reduced in Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells (P0.05). Additionally, a decreased proportion of cells in the G1 phase and an increased proportion in the S phase were observed in Oe-ZEB1 cells, indicating accelerated cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis further revealed that, compared with the Control group, Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited upregulated expression of N-cadherin, mutant p53 (mutp53), and Cyclin D1 (P0.05), while expression levels of E-cadherin, murine double minute 2 (MDM2), and p21 were downregulated (P0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of ZEB1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells and may facilitate cell cycle progression by modulating the MDM2/mutp53/p21 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the transition of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase.
5.The Role of Family Interaction Frequency on Depressive Symptoms in Korean Older Adults Aged ≥80 and Living Alone
Horim A. HWANG ; Bo Yung BAE ; Hyunsuk JEONG ; Minsun YUN ; Jungeun CHOI ; Yujin JEONG ; Hyeonwoo YIM
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(1):86-94
Objectives:
Korea is one of the fastest-aging societies, and a large proportion of its older population lives alone. This study examined the impact of family interaction frequency on the association between living alone and depressive symptoms among older adults aged ≥80 years using nationally representative survey data.
Methods:
Among the 229 099 participants of the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey, 15 672 participants aged ≥80 years who either lived with close family or lived alone were included in the analysis. Participants living alone were classified according to the frequency of family interaction, ranging from less than once a month to more than once a week. The outcome variable was moderate to severe depressive symptoms, defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥10.
Results:
The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among older adults living alone (9.4–14.1%, depending on the frequency of family interaction) than among those living with close family (6.5%). Older adults living alone who interacted with family less than once a month were more likely to report depressive symptoms compared with those living with close family (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36 to 2.15). Weekly family interaction mitigated the impact of living alone on the prevalence of depressive symptoms (aOR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.42). The influence of family interaction on the association between living alone and depressive symptoms remained consistent across subgroups of men, women, and those with difficulty in daily activities.
Conclusions
Encouraging regular interaction among family members could serve as an effective strategy to protect the mental health of older adults.
6.Application of non-drainage tube in thoracoscopic mediastinal tumor resection through the subxiphoid approach: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Xianchao CHEN ; Bo TANG ; Yun HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):927-931
Objective To explore the clinical application effects of using non-drainage tube in mediastinal tumor resection via thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent mediastinal tumor resection via thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach at the Fourth People's Hospital of Zigong City from January 2020 to February 2024. Patients were divided into a non-drainage tube group and a drainage tube group, and their perioperative data were compared. Results A total of 149 patients were included, and there were 111 patients of thymoma, 5 patients of teratoma, and 33 patients of cyst. There were 77 patients in the non-drainage tube group, including 40 males and 37 females, aged 28-79 (53.72±13.34) years; there were 72 patients in the drainage tube group, including 33 males and 39 females, aged 26-80 (55.60±11.06) years. The differences in postoperative pain score at 48 hours, maximum postoperative pain score, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative wound complications, and the number of temporary analgesics used after surgery between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of non-drainage tube technology in mediastinal tumor resection through thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach can reduce postoperative pain and the number of temporary analgesics used, as well as decrease the incidence of wound complications.
7.Development of a Long-Acting Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Using Serum Albumin Fab-Associated Technology for Female Infertility
Daham KIM ; Yoon Hee CHO ; Min Jeong KANG ; So Jeong LEE ; Soohyun LEE ; Bo Hyon YUN ; Hyunjin CHI ; Jeongsuk AN ; Kyungsun LEE ; Jaekyu HAN ; Susan CHI ; Moo Young SONG ; Sang-Hoon CHA ; Eun Jig LEE
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(1):146-155
Background:
Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) is commonly used to treat female infertility, but its short half-life necessitates multiple doses. Even corifollitropin alfa, with an extended half-life, requires supplementary injections of rhFSH after 7 days. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a long-acting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) formulation using anti-serum albumin Fab-associated (SAFA) technology to avoid additional injections and enhance ovarian function.
Methods:
SAFA-FSH was synthesized using a Chinese hamster ovary expression system. Its biological efficacy was confirmed through assays measuring its ability to stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, estradiol synthesis, and the expression of human cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (hCYP19α1) and human steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (hSTAR) in human ovarian granulosa (KGN) cells. To evaluate the effects of SAFA-FSH, we compared its impact on serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight increase with that of rhFSH in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using the modified Steelman-Pohley test.
Results:
The results indicated that SAFA-FSH induces cAMP synthesis in KGN cells and upregulates the expression of hCYP19α1 and hSTAR in a dose-dependent manner. Female SD rats, aged 21 days, receiving daily subcutaneous human chorionic gonadotropin injections for 5 days exhibited a significant increase in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight when administered SAFA-FSH on the first day or when given nine injections of rhFSH over 5 days. Notably, the group receiving SAFA-FSH on the first and third days demonstrated an even greater rise in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that SAFA-FSH presents a promising alternative to current rhFSH treatments for female infertility. However, further research is essential to thoroughly assess its safety and efficacy in clinical contexts.
8.Effects of Pressure Hemostasis Band Application on Bleeding, Pain, and Discomfort after Bone Marrow Examination
Jin Hee JUNG ; Bo-Eun KIM ; Ji Sook JU ; Mi RYU ; So Young CHOE ; Jong Hee CHOI ; Soo-Mee BANG ; Jeong-Ok LEE ; Ji Yun LEE ; Sang-A KIM
Asian Oncology Nursing 2025;25(1):17-27
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to develop an approach to alleviate the discomfort caused by sandbag compression after a bone marrow examination. This research examined the effects of applying a pressure hemostasis band on bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the bone marrow examination site.
Methods:
This study was conducted with a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. For 74 patients under evaluation who underwent bone marrow examination, sandbag compression was applied to the examination site in the control group (n=37), and a pressure hemostasis band was applied to the intervention group (n=37). In both groups, absolute bed rest was performed for two hours, and bleeding, pain, and discomfort at the examination site were measured.
Results:
After two hours of the bone marrow examination, there was no difference in bleeding on the gauze between the two groups (F=0.59, p=.444). Bleeding occurred in three patients in the intervention group and six in the control group (χ 2 =1.14, p=.479), with no cases of hematoma detected in either group. One hour post-examination, the control group experienced significantly higher pain (F=5.45, p=.022) and discomfort (F=5.68, p=.020) than the intervention group. However, pain and discomfort levels were similar between groups after two hours.
Conclusion
Compared to the sandbag compression group, the band application group showed no difference in bleeding and experienced less pain and discomfort at the examination site. This confirms that the pressure hemostasis band is a suitable alternative to sandbag compression in post-examination care.
9.Development of a Long-Acting Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Using Serum Albumin Fab-Associated Technology for Female Infertility
Daham KIM ; Yoon Hee CHO ; Min Jeong KANG ; So Jeong LEE ; Soohyun LEE ; Bo Hyon YUN ; Hyunjin CHI ; Jeongsuk AN ; Kyungsun LEE ; Jaekyu HAN ; Susan CHI ; Moo Young SONG ; Sang-Hoon CHA ; Eun Jig LEE
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(1):146-155
Background:
Recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rhFSH) is commonly used to treat female infertility, but its short half-life necessitates multiple doses. Even corifollitropin alfa, with an extended half-life, requires supplementary injections of rhFSH after 7 days. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a long-acting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) formulation using anti-serum albumin Fab-associated (SAFA) technology to avoid additional injections and enhance ovarian function.
Methods:
SAFA-FSH was synthesized using a Chinese hamster ovary expression system. Its biological efficacy was confirmed through assays measuring its ability to stimulate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, estradiol synthesis, and the expression of human cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (hCYP19α1) and human steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (hSTAR) in human ovarian granulosa (KGN) cells. To evaluate the effects of SAFA-FSH, we compared its impact on serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight increase with that of rhFSH in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using the modified Steelman-Pohley test.
Results:
The results indicated that SAFA-FSH induces cAMP synthesis in KGN cells and upregulates the expression of hCYP19α1 and hSTAR in a dose-dependent manner. Female SD rats, aged 21 days, receiving daily subcutaneous human chorionic gonadotropin injections for 5 days exhibited a significant increase in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight when administered SAFA-FSH on the first day or when given nine injections of rhFSH over 5 days. Notably, the group receiving SAFA-FSH on the first and third days demonstrated an even greater rise in serum estradiol levels and ovarian weight.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that SAFA-FSH presents a promising alternative to current rhFSH treatments for female infertility. However, further research is essential to thoroughly assess its safety and efficacy in clinical contexts.
10.Clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer: an update of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology Guidelines
Ji Geun YOO ; Sung Jong LEE ; Eun Ji NAM ; Jae Hong NO ; Jeong Yeol PARK ; Jae Yun SONG ; So-Jin SHIN ; Bo Seong YUN ; Sung Taek PARK ; San-Hui LEE ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Yong Beom KIM ; Keun Ho LEE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e70-
We describe the updated Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) practice guideline for the management of cervical cancer, version 5.1. The KSGO announced the fifth version of its clinical practice guidelines for the management of cervical cancer in March 2024. The selection of the key questions and the systematic reviews were based on data available up to December 2022. Between 2023 and 2024, substantial findings from large-scale clinical trials and new advancements in cervical cancer research remarkably emerged. Therefore, based on the existing version 5.0, we updated the guidelines with newly accumulated clinical data and added 4 new key questions reflecting the latest insights in the field of cervical cancer. For each question, recommendation was formulated with corresponding level of evidence and grade of recommendation, all established through expert consensus.

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