1.Proteomic Profiling of Qi-blood Deficiency vs Damp-heat Syndrome in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Targeting by Astragaloside IV-berberine
Zhao-Huan LI ; Jing-Wen ZHAO ; Xin ZHANG ; Jian-Jin GUO ; Jie XU ; Zeng-Qiang YANG ; Hao TU ; Min ZOU ; Ming-Bin GUI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2462-2479
ObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation is widely used in its clinical management. However, the biological basis underlying different TCM syndromes remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic differences between qi-blood deficiency syndrome (QBDS) and damp-heat syndrome (DHS) in CRC patients and to establish a “syndrome-differential protein-herbal component” network for exploring potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with syndrome-specific treatment strategies. MethodsTumor tissue samples were collected from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed CRC, including 5 patients diagnosed with QBDS and 5 with DHS according to standardized TCM syndrome differentiation criteria. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two syndrome groups. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, were performed to characterize the biological functions and signaling pathways associated with the identified DEPs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was further applied to screen key syndrome-related proteins and construct a core protein prediction model. Subsequently, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinities between representative herbal compounds, astragaloside IV and berberine, and the identified core proteins. Finally, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed in HCT 116 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cell lines to validate the anti-proliferative activities of these compounds in vitro. ResultsA total of 44 DEPs were identified between QBDS and DHS tissues, including 21 upregulated and 23 downregulated proteins in the QBDS group relative to the DHS group. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these proteins were primarily associated with antiviral immune responses, regulation of inflammatory signaling, NF‑κB signaling pathways, cholesterol metabolism, and other biological processes relevant to tumor progression and host immune regulation. LASSO regression analysis identified eight core proteins with potential syndrome-specific significance. Among them, ST7, GPCPD1, and PODXL were closely associated with QBDS, whereas FAT1, GRB7, KRT7, MAFF, and MMP8 were associated with DHS. Molecular docking demonstrated favorable interactions between astragaloside IV and QBDS-related proteins, with binding energies lower than -5 kcal/mol, indicating stable binding activity. Berberine exhibited even lower binding energies and stronger binding specificity toward DHS-related core proteins. In vitro experiments further confirmed that both compounds inhibited CRC cell proliferation, while berberine displayed significantly greater anti-proliferative efficacy. The lowest 48 h IC50 value of berberine reached 15.21 mg/L in CRC cells, indicating a stronger growth-inhibitory effect than astragaloside IV. ConclusionCRC patients with QBDS and DHS exhibit distinct proteomic characteristics, suggesting that different TCM syndromes possess unique molecular signatures. The identified core proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for syndrome differentiation, while astragaloside IV and berberine may exert therapeutic effects through targeting syndrome-specific molecular networks. These findings provide preliminary proteomic evidence supporting syndrome-guided precision integrative medicine in CRC and offer new insights into the biological basis of TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized therapeutic strategies.
2.Effects of MAGED4 overexpression on proliferation, migration, and adhesion of hepatocellular carcinoma
Sheng ZHANG ; Zhibi ZHANG ; Xiaoqing YU ; Xiaoqiong ZOU ; Yuhang LIU ; Hao LÜ ; Feng LI ; Yanjing WANG ; Bin LUO ; Xiaoxun XIE ; Qingmei ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1558-1567
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of melanoma-associated antigen D4 (MAGED4) on the malignant biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), providing experimental evidence for its evaluation as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. MethodsGenes positively correlated with MAGED4 expression in HCC were screened using the LinkedOmics database, followed by GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Endogenously low-expressing SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cells were selected, with normal hepatic LO2 cells serving as controls. Stable overexpression cell lines were established via lentiviral infection (MAGED4 overexpression group), with RT-PCR and Western blot validating overexpression efficiency. The effects of MAGED4 overexpression on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, migration, and adhesion were systematically analyzed using CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, scratch healing assays, Transwell migration assays, and cell adhesion assays. ResultsBioinformatics analysis indicated that MAGED4 co-expressed genes were significantly enriched in biological processes closely associated with tumor proliferation and metastasis, including cell-cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. A stable MAGED4 overexpression cell model was successfully established. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that MAGED4-overexpressing SMMC-7721 and Huh7 cells exhibited a mesenchymal-like morphology, whereas LO2 cells maintained an epithelial-like morphology. Compared with the empty-virus control groups, the MAGED4-overexpressing groups showed significantly increased proliferative activity (48 h: t=3.887, 22.070, 8.866, all P<0.05; 72 h: t=3.231, 23.840, 9.848, all P<0.05; 96 h: t=5.123, 49.800, 5.909, P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.05), wound healing rates (12 h: F=40.90, 44.00, 200.50, all P<0.001; 24 h: F=112.00, 34.89, 249.20, all P<0.001), and numbers of migrated cells (F=239.20, 59.79, 132.80, all P<0.001), along with significantly decreased numbers of adherent cells (F=73.65, 85.91, 138.00, all P<0.001), while no significant differences were observed in cell cycle phase distribution in all three cell lines. ConclusionMAGED4 enhances proliferation and migration while suppressing adhesion in both HCC and normal hepatocytes, however, induces mesenchymal-like morphological changes exclusively in HCC cells, suggesting that MAGED4 is capable of driving HCC progression and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
3.Expert consensus on local anesthesia application in pediatric dental therapies.
Yan WANG ; Jing ZOU ; Yang JI ; Jun WANG ; Bin XIA ; Wei ZHAO ; Li'an WU ; Guangtai SONG ; Yuan LIU ; Xu CHEN ; Jiajian SHANG ; Qin DU ; Qingyu GUO ; Beizhan JIANG ; Hongmei ZHANG ; Xianghui XING ; Yanhong LI
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(4):455-461
Dental treatments for children and adolescents have unique clinical characteristics that differ from dental care for adults in terms of children's physiology, psychology, and behavior. These differences impose specific requirements on the application of local anesthesia in pediatric dental procedures. This article presents expert consensus on the principles of local anesthesia techniques in pediatric dental therapies, including the use of common anesthetic drugs and dosage control, safety and efficacy evaluation, and prevention and management of complications. The aim is to improve the safety and quality of pediatric dental treatments and offer guidance for clinical application by dentists.
Humans
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Child
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Anesthesia, Local/methods*
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Consensus
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Anesthesia, Dental/methods*
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Adolescent
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Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage*
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Dental Care for Children
4.Expert consensus on clinical randomized controlled trial design and evaluation methods for bone grafting or substitute materials in alveolar bone defects.
Xiaoyu LIAO ; Yang XUE ; Xueni ZHENG ; Enbo WANG ; Jian PAN ; Duohong ZOU ; Jihong ZHAO ; Bing HAN ; Changkui LIU ; Hong HUA ; Xinhua LIANG ; Shuhuan SHANG ; Wenmei WANG ; Shuibing LIU ; Hu WANG ; Pei WANG ; Bin FENG ; Jia JU ; Linlin ZHANG ; Kaijin HU
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(5):613-619
Bone grafting is a primary method for treating bone defects. Among various graft materials, xenogeneic bone substitutes are widely used in clinical practice due to their abundant sources, convenient processing and storage, and avoidance of secondary surgeries. With the advancement of domestic production and the limitations of imported products, an increasing number of bone filling or grafting substitute materials isentering clinical trials. Relevant experts have drafted this consensus to enhance the management of medical device clinical trials, protect the rights of participants, and ensure the scientific and effective execution of trials. It summarizes clinical experience in aspects, such as design principles, participant inclusion/exclusion criteria, observation periods, efficacy evaluation metrics, safety assessment indicators, and quality control, to provide guidance for professionals in the field.
Humans
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Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use*
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods*
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Consensus
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Bone Transplantation
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Research Design
5.Predicting mortality risk in severe ards patients using indirect calorimetry-based oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates
Ke GUAN ; Huihuang ZOU ; Yuna HU ; Ling YE ; Yanwei CHENG ; Jingjing NIU ; Cunzhen WANG ; Ke QIN ; Tingyuan ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuhan SUN ; Wenliang ZHU ; Qingbo FAN ; Zhisong GUO ; Yongchun CHEN ; Wenjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(3):396-403
Objective:To investigate the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO 2), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2), and Oxygen Consumption/lactate (VO 2/Lac) with risk of death in patients with severe ARDS. Methods:A retrospective cohort study method was used, and the study subjects were hospitalized for >5 days adult patients with severe ARDS in the central intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023. The following patients were excluded: IC test was not completed on the 4th day of ICU admission, IC test results were unreliable, mechanical ventilation duration had exceeded 48 h at the time of ICU transfer or admission, palliative care patients and pregnant and parturient women. Using indirect calorimetry to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 values on the 4th day of admission, reviewing medical records to obtain general condition, disease information, blood gas analysis (including lactate value), diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and following up deaths by telephone and time of death. The primary outcome measure was death at 90 days, and the secondary outcome measure was death at 28 days, length of stay in ICU, total length of stay, and total hospitalization cost. Cox regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between VO 2, VCO 2, VO 2/Lac and primary and secondary outcome indexes. Results:A total of 216 patients were enrolled, 78 patients (36.1%) died and 138 patients (63.9%) survived at 90 days. After correction for confounders, the results of multifactorial Cox regression analysis suggested that compared with the Q4 group, HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2 Q1 and Q2 groups was 3.21 (1.38, 7.49) and 3.24 (1.42, 7.38), and HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VCO 2 Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups was 5.88 (2.33, 14.84), 4.26 (1. 60, 11.34) and 3.54 (1.34, 9.35), respectively, and the HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2/Lac Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups were 8.72 (3.01, 25.25), 8.43 (2.91, 24.47) and 4.04 (1.34, 12.17) respectively. P-trends were all <0.05, indicating that VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were linearly and negatively associated with the risk of 90-day mortality. In addition, VO 2, VCO 2, and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 28-day risk of death and higher VO 2/Lac was negatively associated with length of ICU stay. Conclusions:VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 90-day mortality risk and 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe ARDS and may be independent risk factors predicting mortality risk of such patients.
6.MAGED4 activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through SIRT7 to promote glioma cell proliferation
Ai Ye ; Ziliang Zhong ; Feng Li ; Huan Xie ; Xiaoqiong Zou ; Guojian Wang ; Zi Wang ; Bin Luo ; Qingmei Zhang ; Xiaoxun Xie
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(12):2235-2246
Objective:
To determine the expression of melanoma-associated antigens D4(MAGED4) and SIRT7 in human glioma, and to analyze the potential effects of MAGED4 and SIRT7 on glioma cell proliferation.
Methods:
The MAGED4 and SIRT7 expression levels and their correlation were compared by the China glioma genome atlas(CGGA), human protein atlas(HPA), and UALCAN databases. Survival analysis, ROC curve analysis, and Cox regression analysis were used to predict the outcome of MAGED4 and SIRT 7 in glioma patients. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis were used to explore the biological functions of MAGED4 and SIRT7 in glioma. Western blot experiment was used to investigate whether MAGED4 protein exerted its regulatory effects on the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via SIRT7. The effect of MAGED4 on cell proliferation in glioma through SIRT7 was explored by CCK-8.
Results:
The analysis results of CGGA, UALCAN, and HPA databases showed that the expression levels of MAGED4 and SIRT7 in glioma tissues were higher than those in normal brain tissue, and the expression were positively correlated. Results of survival, ROC, and Cox analysis showed that high expression of MAGED4 and SIRT7 mRNA were risk factors for poor prognosis in glioma. Results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that MAGED4 and SIRT7 were associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling in glioma, and Western blot results showed that MAGED4 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by regulating SIRT7. The CCK-8 results showed that MAGED4 promotes the proliferation of glioma cells through SIRT7.
Conclusion
MAGED4 and SIRT7 are highly expressed in glioma and associated with poor prognosis, and MAGED4 promotes glioma cell proliferation through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by SIRT7.
7.Research progress in application of dissolvable microneedles in delivery of vaccine
Bin WANG ; Dayang ZOU ; Kehui WANG ; Xianhuang LI ; Linhao LI ; Renhui ZHOU ; Xingyue DU ; Wei LIU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(21):3344-3348
Dissolvable microneedles(DMNs)offer significant advantages for vaccine delivery,including pain relief,saving drug dose,no contamination of sharp instruments and autonomous operation.The review introduces the materials,fabri-cation processes and physical characteristics of DMNs,focusing on its application in delivering various vaccines,such as influenza vaccines,COVID-19 vaccines,viral hepatitis vaccines and the measles-rubella vaccine.Current research dem-onstrates that DMNs provide significant advantages in enhancing vaccine immunogenicity,boosting vaccine stability and reducing vaccination costs.Yet,challenges confronting the development of DMNs remain in terms of unclear material me-tabolism,skin safety,difficulties in large-scale production and lack of quality standards and regulations.With the continu-ous progress of microneedle technique and constant improvement of policies and regulations,DMNs are expected to play an important role in boosting the convenience of vaccination and raising the coverage rate of vaccination,thereby making significant contributions to human health undertakings.
8.Application of VWF Antigen and Activity Testing Based on ABO Blood Group in Risk Assessment of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Bin YAN ; Tian-Xi HU ; Sha LI ; Jia-Wei LI ; Wei-Peng DU ; Hui-Xin ZOU ; Ya WANG ; Tao TAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1688-1693
Objective:To explore the clinical value of plasma von Willebrand factor antigen(VWF:Ag)and VWF activity(VWF:GPIbM)based on ABO blood group in the risk assessment of deep vein thrombosis(DVT).Methods:A total of 163 patients with DVT who sought medical treatment from March 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the case group,and 135 healthy volunteers during the same period were selected as the control group.The differences of ABO blood groups,plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbM levels between the two groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the clinical value of VWF testing in predicting DVT events.Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for DVT.Results:The levels of plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbM in the DVT group were significantly higher than those in the control group both overall and across ABO blood type subgroups(P<0.01).Within the DVT group,the levels of plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbM in patients with non-O blood type were significantly higher than those with blood type O[VWF:Ag:219.74%±63.64%vs 162.21%±56.03%,P<0.01;VWF:GPIbM:228.10%(185.15%,249.10%)vs 148.25%(116.48%,225.48%),P<0.01].The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of VWF:Ag for predicting DVT events was 0.855,with a cut-off value of 142.4%,sensitivity of 82.2%and specificity of 72.6%;the AUC of VWF:GPIbM was 0.861,with a cut-off value of 141.2%,sensitivity of 84.7%,and specificity of 71.1%.Univariate analysis showed that both VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbM were influencing factors for DVT events(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that VWF:Ag>142.4%(OR=13.961,95%CI:7.654-25.464,P<0.01)and VWF:GPIbM>141.2%(OR=17.615,95%CI:9.155-33.892,P<0.01)were independent risk factors for DVT events.Conclusion:Levels of VWF:Ag and VWF:GPIbM are significantly elevated in non-O blood type DVT patients.VWF:Ag>142.4%and VWF:GPIbM>141.2%are independent risk factors for DVT events.VWF testing based on ABO blood group aids in the precision prevention and control of DVT.
9.A Multicenter Controlled Study on the Evaluation of Aseptic Compounding Operations Ability of PIVAS Personnel by Media Fill Test
Fan ZHANG ; Yuanyuan MA ; Xinyi WANG ; Donghui LAO ; Yongguang SHANG ; Xiaohong ZHU ; Yuzhen ZOU ; Lei JIAO ; Weiyan TANG ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Mei DONG ; Cuilian ZHANG ; Lulu SUN ; Bin ZHAO
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1848-1853
Objective To evaluate the practical application of the Media Fill Test(MFT)in assessing aseptic compounding competency of personnel in Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services(PIVAS).Methods A multicenter controlled study was conducted across six tertiary hospitals(center ①-⑥)in China.Participants were divided into an inexperienced group(Group A,n=118)and an experienced group(Group B,n=118),each performing five MFT operations.Positive controls validated medium efficacy.Contamination rates and pass rates were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.Results Valid samples included 584 for Group A and 588 for Group B.The sample pass rate was 66.78%(390/584)in Group A and 91.67%(539/588)in Group B,while personnel pass rates were 46.15%(54/117)and 80.51%(95/118),respectively,with significant intergroup differences(both P<0.01).All centers except Center ⑥ showed significantly higher pass rates in Group B(all P<0.05).Conclusion MFT effectively differentiates technical proficiency levels and is suitable for training evaluation of novice PIVAS staff.
10.Experience of parents engaging in kangaroo mother care for preterm infants in the NICU:a qualitative Meta-synthesis
Weizhen ZOU ; Liqing YUE ; Bingyu LI ; Xiuwen CHEN ; Bin PENG ; Tiange ZHANG ; Qiang PENG ; Huiqiong CHEN ; Moyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(20):2534-2541
Objective To systematically evaluate and analyze qualitative studies of parental engagement in kangaroo mother care experiences for preterm infants in the NICU,aiming to provide references for promoting the early recovery of preterm infants in NICU and improving the quality of nursing services.Methods Relevant were searched for qualitative studies of parental engagement in kangaroo mother care for preterm infants in NICU.The search time limit was from the construction of the database to July 19,2024.The quality of the included literature was assessed using the Joanna Brigg Institute's(JBI)Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care's Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research,and the results were integrated using the meta-integration methods.Results A total of 17 papers were included in the literature,and 61 findings were extracted,grouped into 10 new categories.These were further synthesized into 4 integrated findings:physical and psychological perceptions of participation in kangaroo mother care;challenges to participation in kangaroo mother care;facilitators of participation in kangaroo mother care;expectations and suggestions for kangaroo mother care.Conclusion Hospital administrators should further improve the management specifications of kangaroo mother care for preterm infants in NICU,optimize resource allocation and strengthen publicity.At the same time,healthcare professionals should actively promote the establishment of peer and family support systems and increase participation in kangaroo mother care to facilitate early recovery of preterm infants in NICU and to continuously promote the improvement of nursing service quality.


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