1.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
2.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
3.Research progress on the regulation of JNK signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for intervention in central nervous system diseases
Hongwei WANG ; Mingliang QIAO ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Pei ZHU ; Zilong WEI ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):257-262
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of central nervous system (CNS) diseases by regulating core biological processes such as apoptosis, inflammatory responses, synaptic plasticity, and autophagy. This article sorts out and analyzes relevant literature published domestically and internationally in recent years, summarizing the mechanisms of action of the JNK signaling pathway in common CNS diseases and the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions in CNS diseases through the regulation of the JNK signaling pathway. Studies have shown that active components of TCM, such as berberine, paeoniflorin, and astragaloside Ⅳ, as well as compound formulations like Heixiaoyao san, Ditan tang, and Buyang huanwu tang, can exert neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and epilepsy, by inhibiting the aberrant activation of the JNK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis, while improving synaptic function and cognitive behavioral deficits, regulating autophagy, and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity.
4.Analysis of related factors for the comorbidity of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):27-31
Objective:
To investigate the factors influencing the co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia, so as to provide a data foundation and theoretical basis for developing targeted intervention measures.
Methods:
In September and October 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 139 102 students from 539 schools across 12 leagues/cities and 103 banners/counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Participants who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by a doctor at least once within one year and had a body mass index ≥ 28 kg/m 2 were considered to have comorbid conditions.
Results:
The coprevalence rate of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia was 6.4% (8 931 cases). Lasso-Logistic regression revealed that nonboarding status, higher maternal education, consuming high protein foods ≥1 time daily, occasionally or never eating breakfast, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥60 minutes on fewer than half of holidays, and having been exposed to second hand smoke in person within the past seven days were associated with higher odds ratios for co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity( OR = 1.23 , 1.22-1.63, 1.20, 1.19, 1.38, 1.35); being female, higher grade level, residence in flag/county/district areas, non only child status, never having consumed a full glass of alcohol, non hypertensive status, and households without pets were associated with lower co-prevalence risks ( OR =0.65, 0.67-0.77, 0.81, 0.87, 0.73, 0.41, 0.68) (all P <0.05). The ROC curve indicated an area under the curve of 0.64 for the predictive model, demonstrating satisfactory discriminatory ability. The calibration curve showed consistency between predicted and actual occurrence probabilities.
Conclusions
The co-prevalence of allergic rhinitis and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Inner Mongolia is closely associated with demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours, and lifestyle habits. Future prevention and control strategies should prioritize these factors to implement targeted interventions.
5.Surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: challenges and innovations
Pei ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yunfei FANG ; Hui YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Yanqiong MA ; Yu MENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):512-518
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
6.Research progress of Qifu yin in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome
Zilong WEI ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Mingliang QIAO ; Hongwei WANG ; Pei ZHU ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1376-1380
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Marrow-sea insufficiency serves as the fundamental basis for the onset of AD. Early syndrome differentiation-based intervention helps to delay disease progression, and improve patients’ cognitive function. Qifu yin is a representative specialized prescription for AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome. Studies demonstrate that Qifu yin exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways, including inhibiting the abnormal deposition of amyloid β -protein and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, alleviating neuroinflammation, regulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, modulating the cholinergic system, and improving synaptic plasticity. Qifu yin combined with Western medicine such as donepezil, memantine, and butylphthalide, or combined with external therapies such as acupuncture, can effectively improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in AD patients with favorable safety. Future research should focus on the core pathogenesis and key targets of AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome, provide in-depth elucidation of the scientific connotation of Qifu yin’s “tonifying the kidney to produce marrow”, and further conduct high-quality clinical studies to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome.
7.Liuwei Dihuangwan Reduces Valproic Acid-induced ASD-like Behaviors in Rats by Modulating mTOR-mediated Synaptic Plasticity in Prefrontal Cortex-hippocampus Circuit
Ji WU ; Niya YIN ; Lei OUYANG ; Siyu HE ; Fangyu PEI ; Ying XIE ; Fan LI ; Qian LEI ; Sha ZHAO ; Di ZHANG ; Qinquan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):1-11
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Liuwei Dihuangwan on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampus circuit in the rat model of valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore its potential mechanism for reducing behavioral abnormalities in ASD rats. MethodsThirteen SD pregnant rats were randomized into the VPA group (10 rats) and the control group (3 rats). On gestational day 13, the VPA group was intraperitoneally injected with VPA solution (600 mg·kg-1), while the control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Male pups of 21 days old from both groups underwent behavioral tests to screen the ASD model rats (32 rats). These rats were then randomly assigned to the model (distilled water), vitamin D (1 480 U·kg-1), low-dose (0.75 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan, and high-dose (1.5 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan groups, and normal male pups were selected as the blank group (distilled water), with 8 rats in each group. Each group was treated with the corresponding drug or an equal volume of distilled water via gavage daily. After drug administration, behavioral tests were conducted again, followed by anesthesia and tissue collection. Nissl staining was carried out to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe changes in hippocampal synaptic structure. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of mTOR, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) in the prefrontal cortex, as well as synaptophysin-1 (SYP-1), postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited severe growth retardation and developmental deformities, with abnormal behavioral performance and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed reduced behavioral abnormalities and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, with the most significant effects in the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased protein levels and phosphorylation ratios of p-mTOR, p-Akt, and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased protein levels of SYP-1 and PSD95 and increased protein level of NMDARs in the hippocampus (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the protein levels of p-mTOR, p-Akt, and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups (P<0.05), and the p-mTOR/mTOR, p-Akt/Akt, and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios in the prefrontal cortex declined in the vitamin D group (P<0.05). The high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group showed a reduction in p-PI3K/PI3K ratio (P<0.05). The protein level of SYP-1 and PSD95 in the hippocampus increased in the vitamin D, low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan, and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein level of NMDARs decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan significantly reduces VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors and enhances the regeneration and repair of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and synaptic structures in the hippocampus by downregulating of PI3K/Akt/mTOR expression in the prefrontal cortex, upregulating SYP-1 and PSD95 expression in the hippocampus, and inhibiting NMDARs expression.
8.Application of Carbon Nanoparticle-Manganese Dioxide Injection in Gastrointestinal Staining-Based Marking and Localization in Rats and Pigs
Wanlin CHEN ; Qingrui DONG ; Mengtao LI ; Nan LIN ; Hu ZHAO ; Zaizhong ZHANG ; Lingjun ZENG ; Pei LI ; Jin YANG ; Yu WANG ; Aiwen HUANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(5):727-739
ObjectiveTo develop a carbon nanoparticle-manganese dioxide (CN-MnO2) injection integrating visually identifiable staining and magnetic resonance (MR) T1/T2 dual-modal imaging, and to systematically evaluate its physicochemical properties, critical quality attributes, biocompatibility, and efficacy for gastrointestinal marking and localization. MethodsCN-MnO2 was prepared using a mild liquid-phase in situ redox deposition strategy and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The pH of CN-MnO2 was directly measured using a pH meter. The osmolality pressure of CN-MnO2 was determined by the freezing point depression method. The bacterial endotoxin was detected using the gel-clot Limulus amebocyte lysate test, which did not rely on absorbance readings. The appearance of the CN-MnO2 injection solution stored at 4 ℃ under light shielding and sealed for 0, 5, and 10 days was observed, and its hydrated particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and pH were also measured. With gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) as the positive control, different concentration gradients were established, and T1 and T2 relaxation times were measured to construct concentration-dependent plots of the longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates (R1 and R2) and calculate the corresponding relaxivities (r1 and r2), compare relaxivity performance, and determine the working concentration for subsequent in vivo experiments. Cytocompatibility was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and live/dead staining. Sixteen male 6-week-old SD rats were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group (n=8 per group) and subcutaneously injected with CN-MnO2 injection at a total Mn concentration of 0.80 mmol/L or an equal volume of normal saline, respectively. Short-term in vivo safety was evaluated by regular body weight monitoring, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of major organs, hematological and serum biochemical analyses, inflammatory cytokine detection, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis. Eight male 5–6-month-old Bama minipigs were randomly assigned to a CN-MnO2 group (n=6) and a carbon nanoparticle suspension injection (CNSI) group (n=2). CN-MnO2 injection or CNSI was injected subserosally into the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Within 5 min after each injection, the maximum staining diameter at each injection site was measured and recorded. MR T1WI/T2WI scans were performed on days 3 and 7 after injection to evaluate MR visualization at the injection sites. At the end of observation, the injection sites and major organs were collected for histopathological evaluation by hematoxylin-eosin staining. ResultsCN-MnO2 appeared as a black suspension, with no obvious aggregation or sedimentation after standing at room temperature (20-25 ℃) for 15 days. Its average hydrodynamic diameter was approximately (228.7±15.3) nm, the polydispersity index was 0.184±0.021, and the zeta potential was (-24.6±2.8) mV. XPS showed that CN-MnO2 was mainly composed of C, O, and Mn, with oxygen accounting for approximately 68.82%. The Mn 2p spectrum exhibited two characteristic peaks at 642.4 and 653.1 eV. XRD indicated that low-crystallinity δ-MnO2 was dispersed within the carbon matrix. The pH was 6.82±0.06, the osmolality was (298.4±6.7) mOsm/kg, and the bacterial endotoxin level was below the detection limit. In vitro MR imaging showed a clear concentration-dependent response, with r1 and r2 values of 9.6 L·mmol-1·s-1 and 17.2 L·mmol-1·s-1, respectively, indicating favorable T1/T2 contrast performance superior to that of Gd-DTPA. At 0.80 mmol/L, CN-MnO2 showed no obvious cytotoxicity in vitro. Short-term safety evaluation in SD rats revealed no obvious inflammatory response, impairment of liver or renal function, or abnormal manganese accumulation in major organs. In Bama minipigs, the mean staining diameters of the CN-MnO2 group in the stomach, small intestine, and colon were (0.65±0.12) cm, (0.61±0.11) cm, and (0.58±0.10) cm, respectively, with no significant difference among the three injection sites (P>0.05). The overall mean staining diameter was smaller in the CN-MnO2 group than in the CNSI group (P<0.05). MR examinations showed that the injection sites were identifiable on both day 3 and day 7, with stronger signals observed on day 3. At the end of observation, no obvious pathological abnormalities were observed at the injection sites or in major organs. ConclusionA CN-MnO2 injection with uniform particle size and stable physicochemical properties can be successfully prepared. This formulation integrates visible gastrointestinal staining with MR T1/T2 dual-modal imaging, providing a new strategy for preoperative gastrointestinal marking and localization as well as precise intraoperative resection.
9.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
10.Effect of chromosome-instability-associated gene GALNT7 on proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 colon cancer cells
Xiao Fang ; Wei Zhao ; Wenying Yu ; Lingjie Pei ; Wenxuan Qian ; Ya Zhao
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):96-101
Objective :
To investigate the effect of chromosome instability(CIN) associated gene polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 7(GALNT7) on proliferation and apoptosis of HCT116 colon cancer cells.
Methods :
The HCT116 cell line withGALNT7knockdown was constructed by lentiviral infection. The correlation betweenGALNT7and CIN was verified by chromosome spread assay. The effect ofGALNT7on cell proliferation was detected by live cell counting, and the effect ofGALNT7on cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. Caspase-3 activity and Western blot assays were used to detect the effect ofGALNT7on apoptosis.
Results :
HCT116 cells showed a slower proliferation rate upon knocking down ofGALNT7, and exhibited a more scattered karyotype distribution and a phenotype of increased degree of CIN. Inhibition ofGALNT7in HCT116 cells resulted in cell cycle arrest, upregulation of P21 and downregulation of CDK6 protein levels, as well as increased levels of Caspase-3 activity, cleaved PARP1 and PUMA protein expression, and decreased levels of BCL-2 protein expression.
Conclusion
TheGALNT7gene may promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of HCT116 colon cancer cells through the suppression of CIN generation.


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