1.Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulate Ferroptosis to Inhibit Breast Cancer: A Review
Yan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Chengzhi WANG ; Jiuxian LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):299-306
Breast cancer (BC), a common malignant tumor in women, is characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, posing a serious threat to women's life and health. Currently, the commonly used treatments for BC include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and endocrine therapy. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy can effectively kill tumor cells and inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells, they can induce adverse reactions such as hematopoietic dysfunction and impaired immune function. The other treatment methods also have problems such as drug resistance, high recurrence rates, reduced quality of life, and poor clinical efficacy. Therefore, it is urgent to explore new drugs with better efficacy and lower toxicity. Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent, non-apoptotic programmed cell death triggered by lipid peroxidation. In recent years, ferroptosis has become a hot topic in the field of cancer treatment and has been gradually proven to effectively inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of BC cells, reduce the drug resistance of BC to chemotherapy drugs, and enhance the sensitivity of BC to radiotherapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with multiple components, multiple targets, and mild side effects, is widely used in the treatment of BC. A large number of studies have shown that active ingredients of TCM, such as saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and polysaccharides, can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of BC cells by modulating ferroptosis-related pathways. These include iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc-/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4, Specifically, these ingredients elevate the levels of lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and Fe2+ in BC cells, thereby inducing ferroptosis-mediated suppression of tumor progression. This article reviews the relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years, summarizes the mechanisms of ferroptosis in regulating BC and the research progress in the active components of TCM targeting ferroptosis in the intervention of BC, aiming to provide ideas for the development of new drugs for the treatment of BC.
2.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
3.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
4.Comparison of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-related Hepatotoxicity Management Among CSCO,NCCN and ASCO Guidelines
Hai ZOU ; Yunsong YANG ; Zhenyao CHEN ; Xinyan LI ; Yongfa ZHENG ; Biao ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(6):841-846
Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)represent the most widely used immunotherapeutic approach for antitumor treatment,yet the understanding of their associated hepatotoxicity remains incomplete.This article delves into and analyzes the similarities and differences among the management guidelines on ICI-related hepatotoxicity issued by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO),the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN)of the United States,and the American Society of Clinical Oncology(ASCO),aiming to provide a more comprehensive management strategy for clinical practice.By reviewing and analyzing the latest guidelines,this study compares the differences and similarities in the diagnosis,assessment,grading criteria,and treatment strategies for ICI-related liver toxicity among these guidelines.The definitions and diagnostic criteria for ICI-related liver toxicity are generally consistent across different guidelines,primarily relying on the elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),bilirubin,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)for grading.Notably,the ASCO guidelines place a stronger emphasis on the assessment of symptoms of hepatic dysfunction.In terms of treatment strategies,all guidelines recommend using corticosteroids or immunosuppressants based on the toxicity grade.However,there are discrepancies in management strategies among the guidelines.Clinicians should tailor management strategies by considering the specific conditions of patients and integrating the recommendations from various guidelines.Additionally,given the current inadequate understanding of ICI-induced hepatotoxicity primarily manifested as cirrhosis in the existing guidelines,it is imperative to continuously update and refine these management guidelines as research progresses and clinical experience accumulates.
5.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.
6.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.
7.Research progress on the clinical treatment methods and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for pediatric allergic rhinitis
Zhongyuan ZHANG ; Shuo ZENG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Keyan CHEN ; Shaowei LIU ; Shan ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2879-2884
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic non-infectious inflammatory diseases in children. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) employs a comprehensive therapeutic system integrating treatment by stages and syndrome differentiation and treatment, demonstrating significant advantages in the management of pediatric AR. This article systematically reviews the clinical treatment methods and underlying mechanisms of TCM for pediatric AR in recent years. It is found that internal therapies (such as herbal formulas or Chinese patent medicines like Xiaoqinglong decoction, Yiqi tuomin decoction), external therapies (including intradermal needles, acupoint application, tuina, and herbal nasal therapy), as well as combined internal and external approaches (oral herbs combined with acupoint application), have demonstrated significant effects in alleviating clinical symptoms, improving immune indicators, and reducing recurrence rates in children with AR. The underlying mechanisms are primarily associated with the regulation of signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby modulating immune balance, suppressing inflammatory responses, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing mucus secretion, and promoting nasal mucosal repair.
8.Regulation of Gastrointestinal Tumor Stem Cells by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Chenglei ZHENG ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Wenjun LI ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):280-287
Gastrointestinal tumors (GTs), including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and esophageal cancer, are increasing in incidence worldwide and have become one of the major diseases threatening human health. Tumor stem cells (TSCs), an undifferentiated subpopulation within tumor tissues, possess biological characteristics such as self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, high tumorigenicity, and resistance to radiochemotherapy. They play an important role in the occurrence, progression, recurrence, and metastasis of GTs and have increasingly become a research hotspot in GT treatment. Although modern medicine has made remarkable progress, there remain many problems in therapeutic approaches targeting TSCs. In this context, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its favorable safety profile and multi-target mechanisms, has shown potential advantages and value in regulating TSCs. It can reduce TSC drug resistance, enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents, inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and has shown unique advantages in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival of GT patients. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, such as terpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinones, and Chinese medicine compound formulas, including Zuojin pills, Sijunzi decoction, Biejiajian pills, and Xuanfu Daizhe decoction, can inhibit TSCs-related signaling pathways such as the Notch signaling pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathway. They also reduce the expression of TSC surface markers, including sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), prominin-1 (CD133), cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), and thyroid transmembrane protein 1 (CD90), thereby hindering TSC differentiation, accelerating their metabolic processes, improving the tumor microenvironment, and consequently inhibiting GT growth. This study collects and analyzes recent research on the regulation of TSCs by TCM in the treatment of GT, aiming to provide a new theoretical basis for tumor therapy with TCM, expand its application in the comprehensive treatment of GT, and offer new therapeutic ideas and methods for clinical practice.
9.Comparison of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-related Hepatotoxicity Management Among CSCO,NCCN and ASCO Guidelines
Hai ZOU ; Yunsong YANG ; Zhenyao CHEN ; Xinyan LI ; Yongfa ZHENG ; Biao ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(6):841-846
Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)represent the most widely used immunotherapeutic approach for antitumor treatment,yet the understanding of their associated hepatotoxicity remains incomplete.This article delves into and analyzes the similarities and differences among the management guidelines on ICI-related hepatotoxicity issued by the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO),the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN)of the United States,and the American Society of Clinical Oncology(ASCO),aiming to provide a more comprehensive management strategy for clinical practice.By reviewing and analyzing the latest guidelines,this study compares the differences and similarities in the diagnosis,assessment,grading criteria,and treatment strategies for ICI-related liver toxicity among these guidelines.The definitions and diagnostic criteria for ICI-related liver toxicity are generally consistent across different guidelines,primarily relying on the elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),bilirubin,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)for grading.Notably,the ASCO guidelines place a stronger emphasis on the assessment of symptoms of hepatic dysfunction.In terms of treatment strategies,all guidelines recommend using corticosteroids or immunosuppressants based on the toxicity grade.However,there are discrepancies in management strategies among the guidelines.Clinicians should tailor management strategies by considering the specific conditions of patients and integrating the recommendations from various guidelines.Additionally,given the current inadequate understanding of ICI-induced hepatotoxicity primarily manifested as cirrhosis in the existing guidelines,it is imperative to continuously update and refine these management guidelines as research progresses and clinical experience accumulates.
10.Analysis of clinical features and risk factors of pulmonary bulla in military pilots
Liqun WANG ; Yujuan SU ; Yadi ZHANG ; Xiangyi YANG ; Zhenyao SONG
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2024;35(4):268-273
Objective:To provide evidence for the prevention and control of pulmonary bulla by analyzing the clinical feature and risk factors of pulmonary bulla in military pilots.Methods:With a retrospective analysis, 61 hospitalized military pilots who were diagnosed as pulmonary bulla in Air Force Medical Center from 2021 to 2023 were selected as the case group, and 67 pilots without pulmonary bulla were randomly selected during the same period as the control group, and their medical records were collected. The clinical features of pulmonary bulla were analyzed and the independent risk factors of pulmonary bulla were explored by using multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results:Among 61 cases of military pilots with pulmonary bulla, 59.02% pathogenic site was located at right lung and 96.72% was at upper lobe , the proportion of multiple pulmonary bulla was 85.25%; 39.34% of the patients with pulmonary bulla experienced thoracic adhesions and located at the top of the chest mostly, and 22.95% of the patients with pulmonary bullae had other pulmonary diseases; the diameter of pulmonary bulla was ranged from 8 mm to 71 mm. From 2021 to 2023, the detection rate of pulmonary bulla among military pilots was 0.91%, 1.65% and 1.73% respectively, which increased year by year. The operative time ranged from 25 min to 260 min, with the median of [45.00 (35.00, 60.00)] min. A total of 68.85% of the military pilots were qualified in aeromedical assessment, and the time of observation was 21-204 d, with an average of (126.55±47.27) d. Multivariate Logistic analysis results showed that flying high performance fighter aircraft ( OR=5.545, 95% CI:1.425-23.560), long total flying hours ( OR=17.864, 95% CI:3.029-136.205), low body mass index ( OR=0.592, 95% CI:0.420-0.789), suffering from other lung diseases ( OR=0.261, 95% CI:0.069-0.770) and long weekly aerobic exercise time ( OR=10.204, 95% CI:1.624-138.146) were independent risk factors of pulmonary bulla in military pilots. Conclusions:The pulmonary bulla of military pilots is mainly at upper lung and right lobe, with a large diameter, and the proportion of incidence is increasing year by year. The operation time is short and the effect is good. The pulmonary bulla of military pilots is related to flying high performance fighter aircraft, long total flying hours, low body mass index, other lung diseases and long weekly aerobic exercise time. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken according to some of these risk factors to reduce the detection rate of pulmonary bulla in military pilots.

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