1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating metabolic reprogramming to improve breast cancer
Zhenyu ZHANG ; Weixia CHEN ; Bo FENG ; Jilei LI ; Sizhe WANG ; Meng ZHU ; Chunzheng MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):250-256
Metabolic reprogramming, as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors, plays a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of breast cancer (BC). Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, as well as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (such as berberine, matrine, quercetin, curcumin, etc.) and their compound formulations (e.g. Xihuang pill, Danzhi xiaoyao powder, Yanghe decoction, etc.) can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, lipid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming, showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α, hexokinase-2, pyruvate kinase M2, lactate dehydrogenase A, glucose transporter-1, fatty acid synthase, and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However, current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism, with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and OXPHOS. The precise targets, molecular mechanisms, and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.
2.Effect of thymosin β4 on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis and its mechanism
Yunhan ZHU ; Siqi WANG ; Dengya JING ; Qinying FENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):593-599
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and inducing the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), and to provide new experimental evidence for anti-hepatic fibrosis treatment in clinical practice. MethodsA total of 30 male C57 mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, low-dose Tβ4 treatment group (3 mg/kg), middle-dose Tβ4 treatment group (6 mg/kg), and high-dose Tβ4 treatment group (12 mg/kg), with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the normal control group were fed with a normal diet ad libitum, and those in the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of 50% CCl4 mixed with olive oil to establish a model of hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling confirmed by ultrasound and histopathology, the mice in each treatment group were given subcutaneous injection of Tβ4 for 4 consecutive weeks. Liver tissue was collected at the end of the experiment, and HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes; quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression level of PDGF; TUNEL assay was used to assess the apoptosis of HSC. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the middle- and high-dose Tβ4 treatment groups had varying degrees of alleviation of hepatic fibrosis. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that Tβ4 could significantly downregulate the mRNA expression level of PDGF in liver tissue, with a significant difference between the treatment groups (P>0.05), and there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of PDGF between the high-dose Tβ4 treatment group and the normal control group (P>0.05). TUNEL assay showed that the middle- and high-dose Tβ4 treatment groups had a significantly higher number of apoptotic HSCs than the model group. ConclusionTβ4 may improve CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by downregulating the expression of PDGF and promoting the apoptosis of HSC, suggesting that it has a potential application value in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
3.DIA Proteomic Profiling on Staged Regulatory Effect of Tonifying Deficiency and Dredging Collaterals Method on Liver Fibrosis in Rats Based on Theory of "Zhu Ke Jiao"
Xin WANG ; Pengyu ZHU ; Li WEN ; Jibin LIU ; Aochun YUE ; Ziyi CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Li ZHU ; Quansheng FENG ; Cen JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):119-132
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the differential mechanisms underlying the staged therapeutic effects of Qijia Rougan formula on liver fibrosis using proteomic technology. MethodsThe staged rat model of liver fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and olive oil. One hundred and four SD rats were randomized into thirteen groups:a normal group,a two-week model group,a four-week model group,a six-week model group,an eight-week model group,a two-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a four-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a six-week Qijia Rougan formula group,an eight-week Qijia Rougan formula group,a two-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group,a four-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,a six-week Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet group,and an eight-week compound Biejia Ruangan tablet group. After two weeks of drug intervention,liver tissue and abdominal aortic blood samples were collected from the rats for testing. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining,Masson staining,and Picro Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological damage and collagen fiber deposition in liver tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect the contents of fibrosis markers in liver tissues. The contents of liver function indicators in the serum were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyzer,and the levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver tissues from the normal group,each model group,and each Qijia Rougan formula group were subjected to label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differential proteins among the groups,with key proteins validated by Western blot. Finally,bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differential proteins. Results(1) The staged rat model of liver fibrosis constructed with CCl4 and olive oil showed pathological results at the 2nd,4th,6th,and 8th weeks of modeling that were consistent with the Metavir standards for the F1,F2,F3,and F4 stages. Compared with those in the normal control group,the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05). The levels of liver function indicators in the serum,including alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),direct bilirubin (DBIL),and total bilirubin (TBil) in each model group,were significantly elevated in each stage (P<0.01). The levels of liver fibrosis indicators in the serum,including procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP),type Ⅳ collagen(Ⅳ-C),hyaluronic acid (HA),and laminin (LN) in each model group,were significantly increased in each stage (P<0.05,P<0.01). This study successfully established a staged rat model of liver fibrosis. (2) Compared with the model groups at each stage,the administration groups showed a reduction in hepatocyte ballooning degeneration,a more orderly arrangement of hepatocytes,and a decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration. The blue-stained collagen fibers became significantly thinner and finer,with reduced and narrowed fibrous septa. The areas of collagen fibers and Picro Sirius red staining were reduced (P<0.05). The positive areas of α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of ALT,AST,ALP,DBIL,and TBil in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of PⅢP,Ⅳ-C,HA,and LN in the rats of the model groups at each stage were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Among these,the improvements in all indicators were most significant in the F3 stage (P<0.01).(3) The proteomic results show that a total of 165 differential proteins exhibit a callback trend when comparing the model groups at four stages with the normal group,and when comparing the Qijia Rougan formula group with the model group. Western blot analysis reveals that the levels of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1),mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1),arginase 1 (Arg1),and glutathione S-transferase α1 (GSTA1) were consistent with the proteomic results. Bioinformatics results reveal that 165 differentially expressed proteins are enriched in multiple signaling pathways. Notably,signaling pathways such as drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway were found to be closely associated with liver fibrosis,suggesting that the Qijia Rougan formula may exert its staged regulatory effects on liver fibrosis by regulating these pathways. ConclusionThe Qijia Rougan formula may achieve staged regulation of liver fibrosis by regulating drug metabolism-cytochrome P450,arginine biosynthesis,and the PPAR signaling pathway.
4.Efficacy of Differential Dosage of Pueraria in Gegen Qinliantang on Acute Enteritis Model in Mice
Ruiying ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Hongfa CHENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhu DENG ; Hui FENG ; Min LIU ; Yang TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):197-204
ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis (AE) model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group,model group,single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group (regular dose group),half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group, with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 (a protein in the tight junction) and Occludin in the colon tissue, as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group,the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher (P<0.05),and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage,glandular atrophy,disordered arrangement,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly (P<0.05),with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration,the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.05) and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein (P<0.05). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.01),and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration,the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.01). Meanwhile,the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein (P<0.01). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.05) and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue, protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells, and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents, Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.
5.Current disease burden of cellulitis
Minglu GAO ; Jingwen HE ; Chenyue QIU ; Zhihang MIAO ; Lijing ZHU ; Qiong WU ; Ping FENG ; Guangyi WANG ; Guosheng WU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(5):13-17
Objective To analyze the trend of global cellulitis disease burden from 1990 to 2019, and to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of cellulitis disease. Methods The Global Burden of Disease 2021 (GBD2021) data were collected, and data on the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of cellulitis were analyzed for each country worldwide. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and age-standardized rate (ASR) were used to estimate the trend change of cellulitis from 1990 to 2021. Results The global burden of cellulitis increased significantly in 2021, with 55.96 million cases, 28.9 million deaths and 876.1 million DALYs, respectively. Incidence and mortality rates were generally higher in males than in females. The incidence and DALYs were higher in high SDI regions, with the highest burden observed in South Asia. In contrast, East Asia exhibited the lowest burden and demonstrated a declining trend. There were significant differences between countries, with India having the highest prevalence, the United States having the highest incidence, and Bahrain having the fastest growing rate.In 2021, China had the lowest age-standardised incidence of cellulitis in the world and the fastest declining age-standardised incidence and age-standardised DALYs. Conclusion The global disease burden of cellulitis is increasing from 1990-2021, and cellulitis remains an an important global public health problem. Targeted preventive meausres should be taken in areas with different economical levels. Men, middle-aged and elderly people, and newborns are the key groups in need of attention and health education.
6.Efficacy of Differential Dosage of Pueraria in Gegen Qinliantang on Acute Enteritis Model in Mice
Ruiying ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Hongfa CHENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhu DENG ; Hui FENG ; Min LIU ; Yang TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):197-204
ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis (AE) model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group,model group,single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group (regular dose group),half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group, with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 (a protein in the tight junction) and Occludin in the colon tissue, as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group,the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher (P<0.05),and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage,glandular atrophy,disordered arrangement,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly (P<0.05),with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration,the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.05) and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein (P<0.05). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.01),and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration,the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.01). Meanwhile,the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein (P<0.01). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.05) and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue, protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells, and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents, Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.
7.Identification of 4 rare Jr(a-) blood groups with anti-Jr antibody and follow-up analysis of newborns in subsequent delivery
Yuli ZHU ; Yingchun WANG ; Hongxiao ZHONG ; Zhihui FENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1248-1252
Objective: To perform serological identification and molecular analysis of four samples with antibodies against high-frequency antigens, and to track the condition of newborns after delivery. Methods: Blood group serological tests were conducted using tube method, and unexpected antibody screening and identification were performed using polybrene and human globulin card. Gene haplotype analysis of blood group system was performed using PacBio third-generation sequencing. The DNA mutations were confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Results: Four samples showed normal blood types in common blood type systems. However, they were positive in all unexpected antibody screening and identification, with negative direct antiglobulin tests results. Third-generation sequencing revealed 3 cases of c.376C>T homozygous mutation and 1 case of c.421C>A homozygous mutation in the ABCG2 gene. Three pregnant women gave birth to four children, all of whom developed hyperbilirubinemia, accompanied by decreased red blood cell count and normal or low hemoglobin concentration. Conclusion: Four samples were obtained from individuals with the rare Jr(a-) blood group. Immunization during pregnancy led to the production of anti-Jr
antibody, which may contribute to hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.
8.Regulatory Effect of Huangqin Tang on Metabolic Homeostasis During Colitis-cancer Transformation in Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer
Xingbo ZUO ; Xue FENG ; Caijuan ZHANG ; Haifan LIU ; Jianyao LIU ; Bin LIU ; Lin ZHU ; Qiyue SUN ; Dunfang WANG ; Weipeng YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):21-28
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huangqin Tang (HQT) in regulating metabolic reprogramming during the inflammation-cancer transformation in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). MethodsCAC mouse model was established using the carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) combined with the inflammatory agent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). HQT treatment was adopted. Serum metabolomics analysis was performed at three stages (inflammation, proliferation, and tumor formation) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) untargeted metabolomics coupled with multivariate statistical analysis to explore the mechanism of HQT intervention in metabolism in CAC. ResultsThe results revealed that HQT significantly reversed the disturbance of key metabolites in CAC mice. A total of 52, 67, and 45 differential metabolites were identified in the model group, compared to the normal group, during inflammation, proliferation, and tumor stages, respectively. Lactate, linoleic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and betaine were characteristic metabolites persistently enriched throughout colitis-cancer transformation. Pathway enrichment analysis of differential metabolites showed that linoleic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism were the most significantly disturbed in CAC pathogenesis. The proliferation stage featured expanded amino acid metabolic networks, while the tumor stage uniquely exhibited two new pathways of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and phosphoinositide metabolism. HQT exerted stage-specific regulatory effects: targeting arachidonic acid metabolism in the inflammation stage, correcting the dysregulation of choline-carnitine metabolism in the proliferation stage, and rescuing nicotinamide and tryptophan metabolic collapse in the tumor stage. ConclusionHQT exerts regulatory effects on metabolic disorders at various stages of the colitis-cancer transformation process, thereby effectively slowing the progression from colitis to cancer. The study also reveals the dynamic metabolic characteristics of colorectal "inflammation-cancer transformation,"providing new insights for research on the targeted mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in anti-tumor therapy based on metabolic reprogramming.
9.Expert consensus on the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System and the value of orientation of the "personal experience"
Qi WANG ; Yongyan WANG ; Wei XIAO ; Jinzhou TIAN ; Shilin CHEN ; Liguo ZHU ; Guangrong SUN ; Daning ZHANG ; Daihan ZHOU ; Guoqiang MEI ; Baofan SHEN ; Qingguo WANG ; Xixing WANG ; Zheng NAN ; Mingxiang HAN ; Yue GAO ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Xiaobo SUN ; Kaiwen HU ; Liqun JIA ; Li FENG ; Chengyu WU ; Xia DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):445-450
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a treasure of the Chinese nation, plays a significant role in maintaining public health. In 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council proposed for the first time the establishment of a TCM registration and evaluation evidence system that integrates TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials (referred to as the "Three-in-One" System) to promote the inheritance and innovation of TCM. Subsequently, the National Medical Products Administration issued several guiding principles to advance the improvement and implementation of this system. Owing to the complexity of its implementation, there are still differing understandings within the TCM industry regarding the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System, as well as the connotation and value orientation of the "personal experience." To address this, Academician WANG Qi, President of the TCM Association, China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare and TCM master, led a group of academicians, TCM masters, TCM pharmacology experts and clinical TCM experts to convene a "Seminar on Promoting the Implementation of the ′Three-in-One′ Registration and Evaluation Evidence System for Chinese Medicinals." Through extensive discussions, an expert consensus was formed, clarifying the different roles of the TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials within the system. It was further emphasized that the "personal experience" is the core of this system, and its data should be derived from clinical practice scenarios. In the future, the improvement of this system will require collaborative efforts across multiple fields to promote the high-quality development of the Chinese medicinal industry.
10.Spatiotemporal clustering analysis and ARIMA-SVM model prediction of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zibo City in 2018- 2023
Ming FENG ; Ling ZHANG ; Tao SUN ; Haixia CAO ; Haining ZHU ; Ling WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):76-80
Objective To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Zibo City, to explore the key incidence areas, and to find a suitable prediction model, so as to provide reference for the prevention and control of HFMD. Methods The spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of HFMD in Zibo City from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed by using SaTScan 10.0.2 software and ArcGIS 10.7 software. A combination model of ARIMA and SVM was established, and the prediction results were verified and compared. Results Spatial clustering analysis showed that there was spatial clustering of the incidence of HFMD in various townships of Zibo City from 2020 to 2022. The high-high clustering areas and Getis-Ord hot spot areas were mainly concentrated in some main urban areas of Zhangdian District, Zichuan District, and Huantai County. A total of 2-5 aggregation areas were detected by spatiotemporal scanning analysis. The first-type aggregation areas were mainly concentrated in the towns of Zhangdian District, Huantai County, Linzi District, Zhoucun District and Gaoxin District. The aggregation months were July, August, September and November. The model prediction results showed that the ARIMA-SVM combined model was more accurate than the traditional ARIMA model. Conclusion There is a spatiotemporal clustering of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zibo City. The ARIMA-SVM combined model can be used to predict the incidence of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zibo City, and to strengthen health education and disease monitoring in high-risk areas and populations during the epidemic months.


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