1.Characteristic Analysis of Effective Components and Compounds of TCM for Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway Targeting
Haoyang WANG ; Lin GUO ; Hui ZHAO ; Lihua CAO ; Na LI ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):282-290
Breast cancer is a kind of malignant tumor with a complex mechanism, and its morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year, which seriously threatens women's health. At present, the main clinical treatments are surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and drug therapy, but they are often accompanied by side effects and adverse reactions, which affect the therapeutic effect. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the advantages of multi-component and multi-target treatment in the fight against breast cancer. The wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the classic pathways in cancer research. Abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits β-catenin degradation by blocking the formation of Axin/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/adenomatous polyposis coli complex, thus promoting β-catenin nuclear metastasis, and it binds to T cell transcription factor/lymphoenhancer factor-1 to initiate downstream target genes and further interfere with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells to affect the tumor process. Previous studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds can mediate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells, thus playing an anti-breast cancer role, and the biochemical process involved in the regulation of therapeutic drugs has not been systematically combed. By analyzing and collating Chinese and foreign literature at the present stage, this paper discussed the association mechanism between Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and breast cancer and analyzed the internal mechanism of TCM monomers and compounds in mediating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to exert anti-breast cancer effect. The statistical results showed that the flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids in TCM monomers could target the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and block the further development of malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. TCM compounds with functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and tonifying kidney and liver were commonly used to intervene in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to prevent breast cancer. Compared with the current inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the application of TCM monomers and compounds is expected to bring low-toxicity and high-efficiency breast cancer treatment drugs to the clinical practice, and the existing results provide a reference for the subsequent screening, research, and development of TCM small-molecule compounds and TCM compounds against breast cancer.
2.Four new sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Atractylodes macrocephala
Gang-gang ZHOU ; Jia-jia LIU ; Ji-qiong WANG ; Hui LIU ; Zhi-Hua LIAO ; Guo-wei WANG ; Min CHEN ; Fan-cheng MENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):179-184
The chemical constituents in dried roots of
3.Epidemiological characteristics of nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles in community children under 5 years in Haidong City, Qinghai Province
Hui ZHOU ; Zizhe GUO ; Xueyao LIANG ; Shuangfei XU ; Weibing WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):39-47
ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of the nasopharyngeal microbiota in children under 5 years of age in Haidong City, Qinghai Province and analyze its associated factors, so as to provide basic data for the evolution and development of nasopharyngeal microbiota in children. MethodsA total of 230 community children from Haidong City, Qinghai Province were included in the study. Participants’ basic information was collected by local volunteers from parents/guardians at enrollment. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to identify the bacterial diversity and abundance of nasopharyngeal microbial community. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the characteristics of the nasopharyngeal microbiota, compare the differential species, and investigate the correlation with age. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in either Chao1 index or Shannon index of nasopharyngeal microbial communities among children with different ages (P>0.05). Besides, the structure of nasopharyngeal microbiota in children of different ages was different, either (P=0.020). Age, ethnicity and delivery mode, to some extent, could explain the differences in the structure of nasopharyngeal microbiota in children. There were statistically significant differences in the abundance of Dolosigranulum, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium in the nasopharyngeal microbiota of children with different ages (P<0.05). Differential analysis revealed that Corynebacterium was found to be over-represented in children under 1 year of age, while Dolosigranulum was found to be over-represented in children between 2 and 3 years old. Furthermore, the results of correlation analysis showed that, Moraxella was positively correlated with Corynebacterium, Dolosigranulum and Streptococcus, but negatively correlated with Pseudomonas. In addition, a strong positive correlation was detected between the Dolosigranulum and Corynebacterium. ConclusionThe diversity of nasopharyngeal microbial community among children under 5 years in Haidong City, Qinghai Province is stable. However, there are differences in the species structure, mainly in the abundance difference of Dolosigranulum, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium. This study provides basic data on the evolution and maturation of nasopharyngeal microbial communities in early childhood, which can provide a scientific basis for the early prevention and diagnosis of respiratory tract infections in children.
4.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
5.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
6.The Mediating Effect of Vitamin D on the Association Between Exercise and Triglyceride in Adolescents: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Bochuan HUANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Jiaxuan LIU ; Hui PAN ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):584-590
To investigate the mediating role of vitamin D in the association between exerciseand triglyceride among adolescents, as well as its potential molecular mechanisms. This prospective cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling, enrolling 2021-grade students from Jining No. 7 Middle School on June 5, 2023. Moderate-intensity exercise frequency was assessed via standardized questionnaires, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence, and triglyceride levels were determined via fully automated biochemical analysis. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships among moderate-intensity exercise, triglyceride, and vitamin D. A mediation model was constructed using the Baron & Kenny causal steps approach, adjusting for confounders including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), dairy intake, sweet food consumption, and fast-food intake. Subgroup analyses were performed based on BMI. The significance of the mediation effect was confirmed using both the Bootstrap and Sobel tests. A total of 354 adolescents meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including 142 females (40.11%) and 212 males (59.89%), with a median age of 13.25(12.83, 13.83)years. Spearman's analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between moderate-intensity exercise and triglyceride levels ( Vitamin D serves as a key mediator in the triglyceride-lowering effect of exercise among adolescents, independent of age, sex, and dietary habits. This mediation effect is particularly pronounced in adolescents with BMI < 24 kg/m2. The underlying mechanism may involve vitamin D-regulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression and suppression of inflammatory pathways, suggesting that targeting vitamin D signaling could be a potential molecular strategy for early intervention in adolescent dyslipidemia.
7.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
8.Regulation of Immune Function by Exercise-induced Metabolic Remodeling
Hui-Guo WANG ; Gao-Yuan YANG ; Xian-Yan XIE ; Yu WANG ; Zi-Yan LI ; Lin ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1574-1586
Exercise-induced metabolic remodeling is a fundamental adaptive process whereby the body reorganizes systemic and cellular metabolism to meet the dynamic energy demands posed by physical activity. Emerging evidence reveals that such remodeling not only enhances energy homeostasis but also profoundly influences immune function through complex molecular interactions involving glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. This review presents an in-depth synthesis of recent advances, elucidating how exercise modulates immune regulation via metabolic reprogramming, highlighting key molecular mechanisms, immune-metabolic signaling axes, and the authors’ academic perspective on the integrated “exercise-metabolism-immunity” network. In the domain of glucose metabolism, regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hyperglycemia, thereby attenuating glucose toxicity-induced immune dysfunction. It suppresses the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and interrupts the AGEs-RAGE-inflammation positive feedback loop in innate and adaptive immune cells. Importantly, exercise-induced lactate, traditionally viewed as a metabolic byproduct, is now recognized as an active immunomodulatory molecule. At high concentrations, lactate can suppress immune function through pH-mediated effects and GPR81 receptor activation. At physiological levels, it supports regulatory T cell survival, promotes macrophage M2 polarization, and modulates gene expression via histone lactylation. Additionally, key metabolic regulators such as AMPK and mTOR coordinate immune cell energy balance and phenotype; exercise activates the AMPK-mTOR axis to favor anti-inflammatory immune cell profiles. Simultaneously, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is transiently activated during exercise, driving glycolytic reprogramming in T cells and macrophages, and shaping the immune landscape. In lipid metabolism, exercise alleviates adipose tissue inflammation by reducing fat mass and reshaping the immune microenvironment. It promotes the polarization of adipose tissue macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, exercise alters the secretion profile of adipokines—raising adiponectin levels while reducing leptin and resistin—thereby influencing systemic immune balance. At the circulatory level, exercise improves lipid profiles by lowering pro-inflammatory free fatty acids (particularly saturated fatty acids) and triglycerides, while enhancing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function, which has immunoregulatory properties such as endotoxin neutralization and macrophage cholesterol efflux. Regarding protein metabolism, exercise triggers the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that act as intracellular chaperones and extracellular immune signals. Exercise also promotes the secretion of myokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-15, irisin, FGF21) from skeletal muscle, which modulate immune responses, facilitate T cell and macrophage function, and support immunological memory. Furthermore, exercise reshapes amino acid metabolism, particularly of glutamine, arginine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), thereby influencing immune cell proliferation, biosynthesis, and signaling. Leucine-mTORC1 signaling plays a key role in T cell fate, while arginine metabolism governs macrophage polarization and T cell activation. In summary, this review underscores the complex, bidirectional relationship between exercise and immune function, orchestrated through metabolic remodeling. Future research should focus on causative links among specific metabolites, signaling pathways, and immune phenotypes, as well as explore the epigenetic consequences of exercise-induced metabolic shifts. This integrated perspective advances understanding of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for immune regulation and offers theoretical foundations for individualized exercise prescriptions in health and disease contexts.
9.Elevated blood pressure and its association with dietary patterns among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17 years
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):863-867
Objective:
To understand the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and its association with dietary patterns in children and adolescents in China, providing evidence for developing dietary intervention of hypertension in children and adolescents.
Methods:
Data were derived from the China Children s Nutrition and Health System Survey and Application Project(2019-2021). A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to include 7 933 participants from 28 survey sites in seven major regions of Northeast, North, Northwest, East, Central, South and Southwest China. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between demographic characteristics, nutritional status and elevated blood pressure. Exploratory factor analysis identified dietary patterns, which were divided into three quartile groups (T3, T2, T1) based on factor scores (compliance for dietary pattern) from high to low, and multivariate Logistic regression model assessed the correlation between elevated blood pressure and dietary patterns.
Results:
The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 15.4% among Chinese children aged 7-17 years. Significant differences were observed across nutritional status (reference: underweight; normal weight: OR =1.57; overweight: OR = 2.61 ; obesity: OR =3.85), urban/rural residence (reference: rural; urban: OR =0.86), and paternal education (reference: junior high school and below; bachelor degree or above: OR =0.68) ( P <0.05). The detection rates of high blood pressure in T3 group children and adolescents with four dietary patterns (staple food, animal based food, snacks, vegetables and fruits) were 15.7%, 14.6%, 16.8%, and 15.8%, respectively. After adjusting for residence, paternal education, and nutritional status, the "snack dietary pattern" (mainly candy, sugar sweetened beverages, and processed snacks) showed positive associations with elevated blood pressure in T2 ( OR =1.21) and T3 ( OR =1.19) tertiles ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The snack dietary pattern is a related factor for elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents. Restricting unhealthy snack intake may promote cardiovascular health.
10.Detection of germline variants in pancreatic cancer by next-generation sequencing and correlation analysis of clinical factors
Hui-Qin JIANG ; Li ZHANG ; Fei HUANG ; Xin-Ning CHEN ; Li YU ; Min-Na SHEN ; Bei-Li WANG ; Bai-Shen PAN ; Wei GUO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the rate of germline variants in patients with pancreatic cancer and clinical characteristics related with germline variants.Methods A total of 271 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were enrolled in this study.Germline variants of 21 tumor susceptibility genes were detected by next-generation sequencing,and the relationship between germline variants and clinical factors such as age of onset,family history and personal history was analyzed.Results The rate of germline P/LP variants was 6.3%in unselected pancreatic cancer patients,but was high as 17.1%in genetic high-risk group patients(those with a family or personal history of cancer,or early-onset).Genes with higher frequency of germline variants in pancreatic cancer patients were PALB2,BRCA2,and ATM.Conclusion The rate of germline variants in overall pancreatic cancer patients is not high,but it increases significantly in genetic high-risk group,proving the importance of clinical factors in the screening of hereditary pancreatic cancer.


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