1.Gandouling Regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR Autophagy Signaling Pathway via LncRNA H19 for Treatment of Wilson Disease Liver Fibrosis
Xin YIN ; Han WANG ; Daiping HUA ; Lanting SUN ; Yunyun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):131-138
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms and pathways through which Gandouling (GDL) exerts its effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis in Wilson disease. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the model group, the GDL low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.24, 0.48, 0.96 g·kg-1), and the penicillamine group (90 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A copper-loaded Wilson disease rat model was established by gavage administration of 300 mg·kg-1 copper sulfate pentahydrate to all groups except the normal group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type-Ⅲ peptide (PC-Ⅲ), and collagen type-Ⅳ (C-Ⅳ). Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of liver tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of liver tissues and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and their phosphorylated forms, as well as autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ) in liver tissues. Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence signal intensity was observed by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatocytes, unclear nuclear boundaries with cell cleavage and necrosis, and collagen fiber deposition around confluent areas. The levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagic vesicles, with autophagic lysosomes exhibiting a single-layer membrane structure following degradation of most envelopes. Expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.01), and fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ were markedly enhanced. The protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were reduced (P<0.01), while LncRNA H19 expression was increased (P<0.01), and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were decreased (P<0.01). After treatment with GDL, the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved, with decreased levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ. The number of autophagic vesicles was significantly reduced, and expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins were lower (P<0.01). The fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ weakened dose-dependently. The protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were elevated (P<0.01), while the expression level of LncRNA H19 was reduced (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGDL may alleviate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway via LncRNA H19. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Anti-tumor Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Effect of Softening Hardness and Dissipating Mass: A Review
Yue HU ; Linfeng WANG ; Yue LI ; Rui LIU ; Baojin HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):276-286
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The global burden of malignant tumors keeps increasing, and the increased morbidity and mortality make malignant tumors one of the major challenges to global health. Currently, malignant tumors are mainly managed by surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which, however, usually cause serious adverse reactions, such as tissue damage, immune function inhibition, and multidrug resistance, affecting the prognosis and quality of life of the patients. Traditional Chinese medicine with low toxic and side effects and multi-target, multi-system, and multi-pathway therapeutic effects has shown positive therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. In particular, the traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of softening hardness and dissipating mass, which contains a variety of active ingredients, have shown strong inhibitory effects on tumor cells. Such medicine can not only directly attack tumor cells and inhibit their proliferation and invasion but also exert therapeutic effects by inducing apoptosis, blocking tumor-related signaling pathways, and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. In addition, traditional Chinese medicine can improve the overall efficacy of cancer treatment by regulating the immune status of the body and reversing the drug resistance of tumor cells. Traditional Chinese medicine can exert the anti-tumor effect by regulating intracellular signaling pathways, which is one of the research hotspots in this field. Signaling pathways such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) play a key role in the formation and development of tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine can regulate the growth, apoptosis, and metabolic process of tumor cells by affecting the activity of these signaling pathways, thus exerting the therapeutic effects on tumors. Based on these mechanisms, a large number of experimental studies and clinical trials have proved that traditional Chinese medicine has broad prospects in anti-tumor treatment. To further verify these research results and provide a basis for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of new drugs, a systematic review and integrated analysis of the research reports on the anti-tumor effect of traditional Chinese medicine was carried out to summarize the anti-tumor mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine. This review is expected to promote the wide application of traditional Chinese medicine in anti-tumor treatment worldwide and bring more hope and possibility to cancer patients. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
		                        		
		                        			 Objective:
		                        			This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
		                        		
		                        			 Objective:
		                        			This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals. 
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test. 
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05). 
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Cyclin F Expression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Its Effect on Biological Behavior of Renal Carcinoma Cell Lines
Min SU ; Yan WANG ; Jie HUA ; Tianyun WANG ; Shengnan XU ; Xiang KUI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):474-480
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the expression of Cyclin F in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), its clinicopathological characteristics, and its effect on the biological behavior of renal cancer cell lines Methods RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Cyclin F in fresh ccRCC specimens. Immunohistochemistry assay was performed to detect the expression of Cyclin F protein in 80 paraffin samples. CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to determine the effects of Cyclin F overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of renal cancer cell lines. Results The expression of Cyclin F in cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues at the mRNA level (P<
		                        		
		                        	
6.Exercise Modulates Protein Acylation to Improve Cardiovascular Diseases
Feng-Yi LI ; Wen-Hua HUANG ; Jing ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1453-1467
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is complex, and dynamic imbalances in protein acylation modification are significantly associated with the development of CVD. In recent years, most studies on exercise-regulated protein acylation modifications to improve cardiovascular function have focused on acetylation and lactylation. Protein acylation modifications are usually affected by exercise intensity. High-intensity exercise directly affects oxidative stress and cellular energy supply, such as changes in ATP and NAD+ levels; moderate-intensity exercise is often accompanied by improvements in aerobic metabolism, such as fatty acid β-oxidation and TCA cycle, which modulate mitochondrial biogenesis. The above processes may affect the acylation status of relevant regulatory enzymes and functional proteins, thereby altering their function and activity and triggering signaling cascades to adapt to exercise’s metabolic demands and stresses. Exercise regulates the levels of acylation modifications of H3K9, H3K14, H3K18, and H3K23, which are involved in regulating the transcriptional expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, glycolysis, inflammation, and hypertrophic response by altering chromatin structure and function. Exercise can regulate the acylation modification of non-histone-specific sites in the cardiovascular system involved in mitochondrial function, glycolipid metabolism, fibrosis, protein synthesis, and other biological processes, and participates in the regulation of protein activity and function by altering the stability, localization, and interaction of proteins, and ultimately works together to achieve the improvement of cardiovascular phenotypes and biological functions. Exercise affects acyl donor concentration, acyltransferase, and deacetylase expression and activity by influencing acyl donor concentration, acyltransferase, and deacetylase. Exercise regulates the abundance of acyl donors such as acetyl coenzyme A, propionyl coenzyme A, butyryl coenzyme A, succinyl coenzyme A, and lactoyl coenzyme A by promoting glucose and lipid metabolism and improving intestinal bacterial flora, which in turn affects protein acylation modification, accelerates oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid in the body, and activates the energy-sensing molecule, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), to improve cardiovascular function. Exercise may affect protein acylation modifications in the cardiovascular system by regulating the activity and expression of adenoviral E1A binding protein of 300 kDa (p300)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CBP), general control nonderepressible 5-related N-acetyltransferases (GNAT), and alanyl-transfer t-RNA synthetase (AARS), which in turn improves cardiovascular function. The relationship between exercise and cardiovascular deacetylases has attracted much attention, with SIRT1 and SIRT3 of the silence information regulator (SIRT) family of proteins being the most studied. Exercise may exert transient or long-term stable cardiovascular protective benefits by promoting the enzymatic activity and expression of SIRT1, SIRT3, and HDAC2, inhibiting the enzymatic activity and expression of HDAC4, and mediating the deacylation of metabolic regulation-related enzymes, cytokines, and molecules of signaling pathways. This review introduces the role of protein acylation modification on CVD and the effect of exercise-mediated protein acylation modification on CVD. Based on the existing studies, it analyzes the possible mechanisms of exercise-regulated protein acylation modification to improve CVD from the perspectives of acylation modification donors, acyltransferases, and deacetylases. Deciphering the regulation of cardiovascular protein acylation and modification by exercise and exploring the essential clues to improve cardiovascular disease can enrich the theoretical basis for exercise to promote cardiovascular health. However, it is also significant for developing new cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment targets. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Effects of Exercise Training on The Behaviors and HPA Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rats Through The Gut Microbiota
Xue-Mei CHEN ; Yin-Hua LI ; Jiu-Gen ZHONG ; Zhao-Ming YANG ; Xiao-Hui HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1511-1528
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveThe study explores the influence of voluntary wheel running on the behavioral abnormalities and the activation state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rats through gut microbiota. MethodsSD female rats were selected and administered either400 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) solution or an equivalent volume of saline via intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of pregnancy. The resulting offspring were divided into 2 groups: the ASD model group (PASD, n=35) and the normal control group (PCON, n=16). Behavioral assessments, including the three-chamber social test, open field test, and Morris water maze, were conducted on postnatal day 23. After behavioral testing, 8 rats from each group (PCON, PASD) were randomly selected for serum analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) concentration, to evaluate the functional state of the HPA axis in rats. On postnatal day 28, the remaining 8 rats in the PCON group were designated as the control group (CON, n=8), and the remaining 27 rats in the PASD group were randomly divided into 4 groups: ASD non-intervention group (ASD, n=6), ASD exercise group (ASDE, n=8), ASD fecal microbiota transplantation group (FMT, n=8), and ASD sham fecal microbiota transplantation group (sFMT, n=5). The rats in the ASD group and the CON group were kept under standard conditions, while the rats in the ASDE group performed 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running intervention starting on postnatal day 28. The rats in the FMT group were gavaged daily from postnatal day 42 with 1 ml/100 g fresh fecal suspension from ASDE rats which had undergone exercise for 2 weeks, 5 d per week, continuing for 4 weeks. The sFMT group received an equivalent volume of saline. After the interventions were completed, behavioral assessments and HPA axis markers were measured for all groups. ResultsBefore the intervention, the ASD model group exhibited significantly reduced social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, and exploratory interest, as well as impaired spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in the PASD group were significantly higher than those in the PCON group (P<0.05). Following 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running, the ASDE group showed significant improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, spatial learning, memory, and navigation skills compared to the ASD group (P<0.05), with a significant decrease in serum CORT concentration (P<0.05), and a downward trend in CRH and ACTH concentration. After 4 weeks of fecal microbiota transplantation in the exercise group, the FMT group showed marked improvements in social ability, social novelty preference, spontaneous activity, exploratory interest, as well as spatial learning, memory, and navigation abilities compared to both the ASD and sFMT groups (P<0.05). In addition, serum ACTH and CORT concentration were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and CRH concentration also showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionExercise may improve ASD-related behaviors by suppressing the activation of the HPA axis, with the gut microbiota likely playing a crucial role in this process. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Treatment of Thyroid Nodules,Breast Nodules,and Uterine Fibroids Based on the Theory of "Liver Governing the Free Flow of Qi"
Yujiao SONG ; Min ZHU ; Zhuonan JIANG ; Hua GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1409-1412
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Guided by the theory of "liver governing the free flow of qi", it is believed that liver fail to govern the free flow of qi may lead to qi stagnation, phlegm coagulation, and stasis, which is the core pathogenesis of thyroid nodules, breast nodules and uterine fibroids; qi stagnation, phlegm coagulation, and stasis are not only the important pathological products, but also the obstruction to the liver's function, and the two affect each other as the cause of each other. In clinic, it is advocated that using the treatment method of soothing the liver, rectifying qi, and resolving constraint, with prescription of Tongqi Powder (通气散) as the basic formula, and modified according to symptoms. For liver depression and qi stagnation syndrome, the formula chooses modified Tongqi Powder to soothe the liver and rectify qi; for qi stagnation and phlegm coagulation syndrome, the formula chooses modified Tongqi Powder plus Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to soothe the wood and regulate the earth, and resolve phlegm and dissipate masses; for qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, the formula applies modified Tongqi Powder plus Taohong Sizu Decoction (桃红四物汤) to move qi and invigorate blood circulation, unblock the collaterals and dispel accumulation. At the same time, according to the characteristics of thyroid nodules, breast nodules, and uterine fibroids and their different disease locations, medicinals were added or subtracted according to the symptoms, so as to treat both the symptoms and the root cause of the disease simultaneously. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Confronting the unknown: Diagnosis of an ovarian tumor in Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser type II: A rare case report
Ma. Carmella Cagas Calvelo ; Adonis A. Blateria
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;49(1):62-67
Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with a normal 46, XX karyotype. It affects approximately 1 in 4500–5000 female live births and ranks as the second-most common cause of primary amenorrhea. This case report describes a 28-year-old nulligravid woman who presented with primary amenorrhea, difficulties during sexual intercourse manifesting as pain and resistance, and an incidental finding of a right ovarian new growth. Physical examination revealed normal secondary sexual characteristics and a blind-ending vagina measuring 5 cm in depth. Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed the presence of a transverse vaginal septum with hematocolpos, an infantile uterus with endometrium and cervix, a right ovarian new growth, and a normal left ovary. Both kidneys appeared normal, and hormonal assays were within normal limits. Karyotype analysis confirmed a genotype of 46, XX, indicating a normal chromosomal complement for a female without any detectable structural or numerical chromosomal abnormalities, consistent with typical female development. She subsequently underwent ultrasound-guided excision of the transverse vaginal septum combined with laparoscopic oophorocystectomy. Intraoperatively, findings included a normal left ovary, a right ovarian new growth, absence of fallopian tubes, and an infantile uterus. Histological analysis confirmed a serous cystadenoma in the right ovary. Karyotype analysis confirmed a genotype of 46, XX. The index case was diagnosed with MRKH type II (atypical), characterized by the absence of fallopian tubes and a right ovarian new growth without associated renal, skeletal, or cardiac anomalies.
Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Cystadenoma, Serous
10.Mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang on Damp-heat Type Diabetes Enteropathy Rats Based on TGR5/GLP-1 Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Flora
Yujin WANG ; Yulong QIE ; Hua JIANG ; Chen YUAN ; Xirui DENG ; Xuelian MENG ; Wenli WANG ; Yanjin SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):10-18
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huanglian Wendantang on damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy rats based on the G protein coupled bile acid receptor 5/glucagon like peptide-1 (TGR5/GLP-1) signaling pathway and intestinal flora. MethodsA total of 72 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week. Twelve SD rats were randomly selected as a blank group and fed with an ordinary diet. The rest of the SD rats were fasted for 12 hours without water. A rat model with damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy was made by left intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg·kg-1) and high sugar and high fat diet (20% sucrose solution + high fat diet) in a humid and hot environment (artificial climate box: temperature 30-34 ℃, relative humidity: 85%-95%). After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, a metformin group (200 mg·kg-1), low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose Huanglian Wendantang groups (7.10, 14.20, 28.39 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. The normal group and the model group were orally administered with physiological saline once a day for 6 consecutive weeks. During the observation period, the weight and blood glucose levels of rats were measured and recorded weekly. After the administration, fresh feces were collected from rats, and 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to study the differences and changes in intestinal flora among different groups. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological morphological changes of colon tissue were examined. The expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 in colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 proteins in colon tissue was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight, an increase in blood glucose, and significant damp-heat symptoms. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 was decreased (P<0.01), and the pathogenic bacteria were increased. Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improvements in body weight, blood glucose levels, and damp-heat syndrome in rats. Among them, the high-dose group of Huanglian Wendantang displayed the most significant improvement effect, with significantly reduced inflammation levels (P<0.01) and elevated expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 (P<0.01). Colonic pathological sections showed that Huanglian Wendantang could effectively ameliorate colonic pathological changes. The 16S rRNA sequencing result indicated a significant increase in beneficial bacteria in the treatment groups. ConclusionHuanglian Wendantang can effectively ameliorate the damp-heat symptoms and blood glucose levels in rats with damp-heat type diabetes enteropathy, and it may exert an effect by regulating the TGR5/GLP-1 signaling pathway and intestinal flora disorder. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            

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