1.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine in treating cardiotoxicity induced by anticancer drugs
Linling SU ; Xianxia YUAN ; Wenyu JIANG ; Ling MO ; Jiaxue WU ; Min WANG ; Dongling LIU ; Yang HAI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):393-400
Cardiotoxicity induced by antineoplastic agents is an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. This article systematically summarizes the clinical manifestations of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, molecular targeted cancer therapies, and immunotherapeutic drugs, and identifies the core injury mechanisms, including cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity falls under the category of “heat toxins” characterized by dual deficiency of qi and blood, upward flaming of heart heat, stagnation of the heart vessels, and meridian obstruction induced by phlegm-dampness. Therefore, by reviewing the preventive and therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of tonic medicines, interior heat-clearing medicines, blood-circulating and stasis-resolving medicines, phlegm-transforming, cough-suppressing and panting-relieving medicines, and interior-warming medicines, this paper concludes that TCM prevention and treatment of this condition adheres to the formulation principle of “reinforcing healthy qi, removing toxins, and resolving blood stasis”. Its mechanisms of action—including antioxidation effects, regulation of autophagic balance, antagonism of inflammatory responses, and improvement of microcirculation—are highly consistent with modern medical treatment strategies (e.g., dexrazoxane for inhibiting iron-dependent oxidative stress, statins for anti-inflammatory effects). This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the collaborative and precise prevention and treatment of anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity through the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
2.Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal compounds for pulmonary nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yanlong LI ; Xinze ZHENG ; Lingyan LAN ; Ying WANG ; Wei SU ; Jiahui CHEN ; Xiangjun QI ; Xuewei LI ; Bo AN ; Ling YU ; Lingling SUN ; Lizhu LIN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1119-1128
Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound in treating pulmonary nodules, providing evidence-based medical evidence for TCM intervention in pulmonary nodules. Methods Computer search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed was conducted to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM compound intervention in pulmonary nodules, with the retrieval time from the inception to November 29, 2023. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included, covering 8 provinces across the country, with a total sample size of 1301 patients. The TCM compounds used in the included studies all incorporated the method of dissolving phlegm and dissipating nodules. There was a high risk of bias uncertainty in the included studies. Meta-analysis results suggested that TCM compound could significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules [MD=−1.41, 95%CI (−1.70, −1.13), P<0.001], decrease the number of nodules [MD=−0.37, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.01), P=0.05], alleviate clinical symptoms [MD=−4.84, 95%CI (−6.04, −3.64), P<0.001], and improve lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MD=0.55, 95%CI (0.09, 1.01), P=0.02; FEV1/forced vital capacity, MD=6.12, 95%CI (4.47, 7.78), P<0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of malignancy between the experimental group and the control group [MD=−0.01, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.00), P=0.09]. Conclusion TCM compound can significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules, decrease the number of nodules, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve lung function, but future multicenter, large-sample, high-quality RCTs are still needed to further explore and verify this conclusion.
3.Development and verification of a HPLC method for quantification of residual 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin content in DTacP intermediate products
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(07):837-845
Objective To develop and verify a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) method for the determination of 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin residues in the intermediate products of diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis combined vaccine, adsorbed(DTacP), so as to use it for the detection of 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin residues in purified and detoxified antigens of pertussis.Methods The chromatographic conditions were as follows: the chromatography column C18 was used, the mobile phase was 15% methanol aqueous solution with the flow rate of 0. 5 mL/min, the column temperature was set to 25 ℃, and the detection wavelength was 200 nm. The method was verified for specificity, linearity and range, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, robustness, and limit of quantitation(LOQ). The established method was used to detect the 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin residues in two batches of intermediate products and finished products of DTacP.Results Residual 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin was detected at the target peak position in both purified antigen and detoxified antigen spiked samples, and the resolution of the target peaks was more than 2. The method exhibited good linearity in the range of 10 to 200 ??g/mL, r > 0. 99, with a LOQ of 10 ??g/mL. The RSDs of the test results of each spiked antigen in six samples were less than 5%, and the recovery rates were between 90% and 110%. The RSDs of the intra-assay precision of six samples were all less than 5%, and the RSDs of the inter-assay precision of the 12 samples prepared by different personnel were all less than 5%. When the flow rate and column temperature were adjusted by ± 20%,the recovery rates of the samples to be tested were between 90% and 110%. After purification, no residual 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin was detected in the detoxified antigens, bulk solutions and finished products.Conclusion An HPLC method for the determination of 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin residues in the intermediate products of DTacP was successfully established, which is simple to operate with high accuracy and good specificity, and suitable for detecting the 2, 6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin residues in the intermediate products of DTacP.
4.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
5.Activation timing and synergy characteristics of lower limb muscles in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Peng CHEN ; Sizhuo ZHANG ; Ling WANG ; Huiwu ZUO ; Cheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):708-720
ObjectiveTo investigate the lower limb muscle synergy patterns during jumping in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). MethodsFrom March to November, 2022, 23 patients after ACLR were enrolled as observation group, and 24 healthy ones matched in height, body mass and exercise level were recruited as control group at Wuhan Sports University. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data of lower limb muscles were collected during a single-leg vertical jump task. Non-negative matrix factorization was applied for synergy analysis. The number of synergies, variance accounted for, synergy structure (muscle weight) and activation coefficient were extracted. ResultsThree types of muscle synergy patterns were identified on the affected side and contralateral side of the observation group, and the control group. For Synergy 1, the weight of biceps femoris was higher on both the affected and contralateral sides than in the control group (P < 0.01); the weight of semitendinosus was higher on the affected side than on the contralateral side (P < 0.05). For Synergy 2, the weight of lateral gastrocnemius and soleus were higher on both sides of the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). For Synergy 3, the weight of gluteus maximus was lower on the affected side than on the contralateral side and in the control group (P < 0.05); the weight of tibialis anterior was higher on the affected side than on the contralateral side and in the control group (P < 0.001); the weight of vastus lateralis was lower on the contralateral side than on the affected side and in the control group (P < 0.001). In the observation group, the peak activation time and stop time of Synergy 3 were delayed bilaterally (P < 0.05). ConclusionPatients after ACLR exhibit altered structural and temporal characteristics of lower limb muscle synergy during jump task. The hamstrings show increased participation during the pre-activation phase, and calf muscles undertake more stabilizing functions during the landing phase.
6.Experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in Treating Acute Mastitis from the Perspective of "Membrane Collaterals"
Fang ZHANG ; Dongyang DENG ; Xiao LIU ; Rong WEI ; Ling WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1148-1152
This paper summarizes Professor LIU Shangyi's clinical experience in treating acute mastitis based on the "membrane collaterals" theory. It is considered that constraint and stagnation of the membrane collaterrals is the primary pathogenic factor, with damp, heat, phlegm, and stasis being the secondary manifestations. If untreated, the condition can progress to heat toxin injuring the membrane. In treatment, the emphasis is diffusing and unblocking membrane collaterals, unblocking breast and relieving constraint. The clinical course of the disease can be divided into three stages including the early stage with mild constraint heat, the middle stage with escalating toxic heat, and the later stage with a decline of pathogens but deficiency of healthy qi. In correspondence, self-made Tongru Formula (通乳方) for diffusing membrane and venting constraint, self-made Toumo Jiedu Formula (透膜解毒方) for unblocking membrane and relieving toxin, and Tuoli Xiaodu Powder (托里消毒散) with modifications for restoring membrane and rectifying healthy qi should be used, respectively.
7.RUNX3 regulates FAP to influence the proliferation of mouse lung primary fibroblasts
Junbo YOU ; Xianchen WANG ; Hui LING ; Jiahao FAN ; Qi CHEN ; Hui TAO ; Jiming SHA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):606-611
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced activation of mouse primary pulmonary fibroblasts (PFs), and its effects on fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression, cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis. MethodsPFs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and cultured. A RUNX3 knockdown model was established using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cells were assigned to the control group (Control), TGF-β1-treated group (TGF-β1), negative control group (TGF-β1+siRNA-NC), and RUNX3-silenced group (TGF-β1+si-RUNX3). In addition, a RUNX3 overexpression rescue experiment was performed based on TGF-β1 stimulation. Protein and mRNA levels of RUNX3, FAP, and typeⅠcollagen (COL1A1) were measured by Western blot and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. Co-expression of COL1A1 and FAP was examined by double immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared with the Control group, RUNX3, FAP, and COL1A1 expression levels were upregulated in PFs in the TGF-β1 group (P<0.01). The CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance value was reduced in the RUNX3 knockdown group compared with the negative control group (P<0.01). Consistently, the EdU assay demonstrated a lower proportion of EdU-positive cells in the RUNX3 knockdown group than in the negative control group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence double staining revealed decreased fluorescence intensities of COL1A1 and FAP in the RUNX3 knockdown group relative to the negative control. Under RUNX3 overexpression conditions, these fluorescence signals exhibited a partial rebound (P<0.01). ConclusionRUNX3 in TGF-β1-induced PFs may promote cell proliferation and collagen synthesis by positively regulating FAP expression. Targeting the RUNX3/FAP axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
8.Effect of Oral Sodium Butyrate on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via The Gut-muscle Axis in Antibiotic-pretreated CT26 Tumor-bearing Mice and Its Mechanism
Shu-Ling ZHANG ; Jun-Wei WANG ; Shi-Liang HU ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Shun-Chang LI ; Jia FAN ; Jun-Zhi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):724-739
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of oral sodium butyrate on skeletal muscle atrophy in CT26 tumor mice through the gut microbiota-skeletal muscle axis and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF BALB/c male mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n=18) and a ABX-depleted group (ABX, n=42). The ABX mice were pretreated with a quadruple antibiotic cocktail via oral gavage (0.2 ml per administration, once daily, 6 d per week, for 2 weeks), whereas NC received an equal volume of sterile water. The quadruple antibiotic cocktail consisted of metronidazole (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L), ampicillin (1 g/L), and gentamicin (1 g/L). Following successful pretreatment, six mice from each group were randomly selected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis and designated as the Abx group and the NC0 group, respectively. Theremaining mice in ABX were subcutaneously inoculated in the dorsum with 0.2 ml of CT26 cell suspension (at a cell density of 1×107/ml). Then these mice were randomly allocated into three subgroups: a control tumor bearing model group (0_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving low-dose oral sodium butyrate (L_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving high-dose oral sodium butyrate (H_NaB, n=12). And mice in NC were inoculated at the same site with 0.2 ml of normal saline. The administration dose for L_NaB was 0.3 g/(kg·d), that for H_NaB was 0.5 g/(kg·d), while NC and 0_NaB were given the same volume of normal saline (0.2ml per time, once daily, 6 d per week, for 4 weeks). The general condition of mice was monitored, and forelimb grip strength gastrocnemius muscle mass and its muscle fiber cross-sectional area were measured for each group. The structural changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents. Pathological alterations in the intestinal wall were examined via HE staining. Serum and gastrocnemius muscle levels of TNF‑α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS were quantified using ELISA. The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the small intestine, as well as proteins associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle, were detected by Western blot analysis. Results(1) The alpha-diversity in Abx was significantly lower than that in NC0 (P<0.01), a significant decrease of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius (P<0.01), with the majority of gut microbiota being effectively depleted. (2) Compared with NC, the subcutaneous tumors of mice in 0_NaB were prominent, a significant increase of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius, accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight at the end of the 3th and 4th week (P<0.05), and a significant weakening of the forelimb grasping strength at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.01). Compared with 0_NaB, the tumor mass of mice in L_NaB and H_NaB showed a significant decreasing trend, and the grip strength of the forelimbs significantly increased at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) Compared with 0_NaB, the Shannon and Observed species indices in α diversity of L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with 0_NaB, L_NaB exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P< 0.01), while H_NaB showed significant reductions in the relative abundances of both Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with 0_NaB, the small intestinal tissue structure in L_NaB and H_NaB was more intact, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced, and the capillaries were slightly dilated. The expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins in L_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.01). (5) The LPS concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF‑κB p65 in L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05). The serum TNF‑α concentration in H_NaB and TNF-α concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle of the L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). ConclusionOral administration of NaB can improve gut microbiota α diversity, adjusting its composition, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, reducing the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response, and delaying skeletal muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanism may involve down regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle.
9.Regulatory effect of ten-eleven translocation 2-mediated epigenetics and the interaction between gut microbiota and immunity on autoimmune hepatitis
Lifen WANG ; Ling LI ; Guangwei LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):697-703
Ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2), as a core enzyme in epigenetic regulation, dynamically regulates the differentiation and function of CD4+ T cells by mediating DNA demethylation. Recent studies have shown that TET2 deficiency can promote the progression of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) by disrupting the Th17/Treg balance and activating inflammatory signals along the gut-liver axis. This article systematically reviews the bridging role of TET2 between CD4+ T cells and gut microbiota, explores the molecular mechanisms by which it drives AIH through the gut microbiota-epigenetics-immunity network, and discusses the potential intervention strategies targeting the TET2-microbiota axis.
10.Research on the Correlation Between "Tiangui (天癸)" and Female Reproductive Genetic Diseases
Kun MA ; Ling WANG ; Lihua SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):1027-1032
This article further reveals the significance of "tiangui (天癸)" in female reproductive genetic diseases by analyzing the core influence of the "kidney-tiangui-chong and ren mai (冲任)-uterus" reproductive axis on the processes of birth, growth, robustness, and aging in females. Approaching tiangui through its heredity, material basis, temporality, rhythmicity, functional diversity and genetic polymorphism, and integrating reproductive genetics with epigenetics, it explores the potential associations between the characteristics of tiangui and the pathogenesis, clinical features, and therapeutic targets of female reproductive genetic diseases. This study furnishes a novel genetic interpretation of the physiological and pathological features of tiangui, offering scientific basis for the integrated prevention and treatment of female reproductive genetic diseases with traditional Chinese and western medicine.


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