1.Treatment of Parkinson's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Lulu JIA ; Ying LI ; Jiale YIN ; Nan JIA ; Xiaoxi LIU ; Li LING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):315-322
Parkinson's disease(PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, which seriously affects the lives of patients. With the acceleration of aging process, the number of patients continues to rise. Its main pathological features are aggregation of α-synuclein and degenerative death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. However, the pathogenesis of PD is still unclear. According to reports, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB) signaling pathway is highly expressed and activated in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which is closely related to neurophysiological processes such as neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. It plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PD. At present, the treatment methods of Western medicine for PD are mainly based on drugs such as levodopa and dopamine agonists to alleviate motor symptoms, but with the increase of dose, the adverse reactions are significantly enhanced. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has attracted people to explore its therapeutic effects on PD due to its characteristics of homology of medicine and food, economy, minor adverse reactions and multi-target action. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the role of BNDF/TrkB pathway in the pathogenesis of PD and the mechanism of TCM formulas, extracts and monomers in the treatment of PD by regulating the BNDF/TrkB pathway according to retrieving the latest research reports at home and abroad, so as to provide a reference for the clinical application of related TCM and the development of new drugs for PD.
2.Role of SPINK in Dermatologic Diseases and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Yong-Hang XIA ; Hao DENG ; Li-Ling HU ; Wei LIU ; Xiao TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):417-424
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type (SPINK) is a skin keratinizing protease inhibitor, which was initially found in animal serum and is widely present in plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses, and they act as key regulators of skin keratinizing proteases and are involved in the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation, primarily through the inhibition of deregulated tissue kinin-releasing enzymes (KLKs) in skin response. This process plays a crucial role in alleviating various skin problems caused by hyperkeratinization and inflammation, and can greatly improve the overall condition of the skin. Specifically, the different members of the SPINK family, such as SPINK5, SPINK6, SPINK7, and SPINK9, each have unique biological functions and mechanisms of action. The existence of these members demonstrates the diversity and complexity of skin health and disease. First, SPINK5 mutations are closely associated with the development of various skin diseases, such as Netherton’s syndrome and atopic dermatitis, and SPINK5 is able to inhibit the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively preventing the metastasis of melanoma cells, which is important in preventing the invasion and migration of malignant tumors. Secondly, SPINK6 is mainly distributed in the epidermis and contains lysine and glutamate residues, which can act as a substrate for epidermal transglutaminase to maintain the normal structure and function of the skin. In addition, SPINK6 can activate the intracellular ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways through the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and protease receptor-2 (EphA2), which can promote the migration of melanoma cells, and SPINK6 further deepens its role in stimulating the migration of malignant tumor cells by inhibiting the activation of STAT3 signaling pathway. This process further deepens its potential impact in stimulating tumor invasive migration. Furthermore, SPINK7 plays a role in the pathology of some inflammatory skin diseases, and is likely to be an important factor contributing to the exacerbation of skin diseases by promoting aberrant proliferation of keratinocytes and local inflammatory responses. Finally, SPINK9 can induce cell migration and promote skin wound healing by activating purinergic receptor 2 (P2R) to induce phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor and further activating the downstream ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In addition, SPINK9 also plays an antimicrobial role, preventing the interference of some pathogenic microorganisms. Taken as a whole, some members of the SPINK family may be potential targets for the treatment of dermatological disorders by regulating multiple biological processes such as keratinization metabolism and immuno-inflammatory processes in the skin. The development of drugs such as small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies has great potential for the treatment of dermatologic diseases, and future research on SPINK will help to gain a deeper understanding of the physiopathologic processes of the skin. Through its functions and regulatory mechanisms, the formation and maintenance of the skin barrier and the occurrence and development of inflammatory responses can be better understood, which will provide novel ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases.
3.Research progress on strategies to target intestinal microbiota to improve drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy
Hui-ling LI ; Bi-qing LIU ; Ying-nan FENG ; Xin HU ; Lan ZHANG ; Xian-zhe DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):260-268
A growing body of research points out that gut microbiota plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. By optimizing the composition of intestinal microbiota, it is possible to effectively improve immunotherapy resistance and enhance its therapeutic effect. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of intestinal microbiota influencing tumor immunotherapy resistance, expounds the current strategies for targeted regulation of intestinal microbiota, such as traditional Chinese medicine and plant components, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics and dietary therapy, and explores the potential mechanisms of these strategies to improve patients' resistance to tumor immunotherapy. At the same time, the article also briefly discusses the prospects and challenges of targeting intestinal microbiota to improve tumor immunotherapy resistance, which provides a reference for related research to help the strategy research of reversing tumor immunotherapy resistance.
4.Accuracy of multivariate discriminant analysis versus fibrosis-4 in evaluating the liver fibrosis degree in patients with chronic HBV infection
Hongyu LIU ; Xiaoting LI ; Jianning JIANG ; Chao JIN ; Cailian CAI ; Keshan WANG ; Fangpeng LING ; Bingling FAN ; Minghua SU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):677-683
ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) versus fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) in assessing liver fibrosis degree in patients with HBV infection, as well as the possibility of MDA as an indicator for disease progression. MethodsA total of 263 patients with HBV infection who underwent liver biopsy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from April 2010 to April 2024 were included, and their clinical data were collected. According to the results of pathological examination, they were divided into non-significant fibrosis group (F<2) with 126 patients and significant fibrosis group (F≥2) with 137 patients. The correlation of MDA and FIB-4 with liver fibrosis degree was analyzed, and MDA and FIB-4 were compared in terms of their accuracy in assessing significant liver fibrosis. A total of 62 patients completed follow-up, and according to the presence or absence of progression to liver cirrhosis at the last follow-up visit, they were divided into progressive group with 21 patients and non-progressive group with 41 patients; the efficacy of MDA and FIB-4 in diagnosing disease progression was analyzed and compared. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison between two groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. The Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for the analysis of baseline data and data at the end of follow-up, and the binary Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for progression to liver cirrhosis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of indicators, the Z-test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC), and the paired chi-square test was used for comparison of the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the two indicators. ResultsThe correlation coefficient between FIB-4 and liver fibrosis degree was 0.378, while the correlation coefficient between MDA and liver fibrosis degree was -0.325 (both P<0.001). FIB-4 had an AUC of 0.688, a sensitivity of 64.96%, a specificity of 68.87%, a positive predictive value of 67.42%, a negative predictive value of 63.36%, an accuracy of 65.40%, and a cut-off value of 1.01, while MDA had an AUC of 0.653, a sensitivity of 52.55%, a specificity of 78.57%, a positive predictive value of 72.73%, a negative predictive value of 60.37%, an accuracy of 65.02%, and a cut-off value of 0.29, suggesting that compared with FIB-4, MDA had a lower sensitivity (P=0.004) and a higher specificity (P=0.001). The progressive group had a significantly higher age than the non-progressive group at baseline (t=2.611, P=0.011). For the progressive group, there was an increase in FIB-4 and a reduction in MDA from baseline to the end of follow-up (both P<0.001), while the non-progressive group showed no significant changes (both P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that aspartate aminotransferase (odds ratio [OR]=0.940, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.885 — 0.998, P<0.05) and MDA (OR=0.445, 95%CI: 0.279 — 0.710, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors for disease progression. MDA had an AUC of 0.893 and an optimal cut-off value of -0.01 in diagnosing the disease progression of liver cirrhosis. ConclusionMDA has a comparable accuracy to FIB-4 in the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis, and MDA<-0.01 has a high accuracy in diagnosing the progression of liver fibrosis to liver cirrhosis, which can help to reduce the need for liver biopsy in clinical practice.
5.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Investigator Initiated Trial on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Malignant Tumors Conducted by Western Medicine Institutions
Xuechen GENG ; Yanmei LIU ; Qianqian BU ; Qinchang ZHANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Yuquan TAO ; Liu LI ; Ling LI ; Haibo CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):878-882
Investigator initiated trial (IIT) represents a primary format for clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As key implementation sites for TCM-based IIT targeting malignant tumors, western medicine institutions often face unique challenges in conducting such studies, which limit their feasibility and standardization. This paper reviews the registration status of TCM-based IIT for malignancies conducted in western medical institutions and analyzes key difficulties, including complex project initiation and management processes, limited TCM knowledge and skills among western medicine physicians, and relatively low patient acceptance of TCM. From a practical perspective, the study proposes several optimization strategies. These include improving the review and management mechanisms of TCM-related IIT within western medical institutions, establishing multidisciplinary clinical research teams that integrate TCM and western medicine, and enhancing investigators' training in TCM theory and clinical skills. Additionally, the study suggests standardizing IIT operational procedures, objectifying the collection of TCM diagnostic information, refining subject recruitment methods, and increasing TCM involvement in patient follow-up and management. These investigator-oriented, TCM-featured, and operable strategies aim to promote the high-quality development of TCM-based IIT in western medicine institutions and enhance the clinical application of TCM.
6.Pathological changes in the total knee joint during spontaneous knee osteoarthritis in guinea pigs at different months of age
Xiaoshen HU ; Huijing LI ; Junling LYU ; Xianjun XIAO ; Juan LI ; Xiang LI ; Ling LIU ; Rongjiang JIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2218-2224
BACKGROUND:The guinea pig is considered to be the most useful spontaneous model for evaluating primary osteoarthritis in humans because of its similar knee joint structure and close histopathologic features to those of humans. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the pathological process of spontaneous knee osteoarthritis in guinea pigs by analyzing the histopathology of the total knee joint of guinea pigs aged 1 to 18 months. METHODS:Eight healthy female Hartley guinea pigs in each age group of 1,6,10,14,16,and 18 months old were selected.The quadriceps femoris was taken for hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the total knee joint was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue.The histopathology of the cartilage,subchondral bone,synovium,meniscus,and muscles were observed under light microscope.Mankin's score and synovitis score were compared,and the correlation analysis was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:As the guinea pig age increased,the Mankin's score increased(P<0.05),and the pathological score of synovitis also gradually increased(P<0.05),and there was a significant positive correlation between the two(r=0.641,P<0.001).The incidence rate of subchondral bone marrow lesion in 18-month-old guinea pigs was 50%,and the incidence of meniscus injury was 37.5%.In addition,osteophyte and narrowing of the joint space were observed,and only a few guinea pigs had inflammation in the quadriceps femoris.To conclude,guinea pigs develop significant cartilage defects,synovial inflammation,subchondral bone lesions,meniscus injury,osteophyte formation,and joint space narrowing as they age,all of which are similar to the pathological processes of primary knee osteoarthritis in humans,making it an ideal model of spontaneous knee osteoarthritis.
7.Analysis of red blood cell transfusion reactions in China from 2018 to 2023
Bo PAN ; Xiaoyu GUAN ; Jue WANG ; Yunlong PAN ; Liu HE ; Haixia XU ; Xin JI ; Li TIAN ; Ling LI ; Zhong LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):704-710
Objective: To analyze the demographic characteristics of patients with red blood cell transfusion reactions, the usage of red blood cell preparations, and the differences in the composition ratio of adverse reactions based on multi-center data from the Haemovigilance Network, in order to reveal the clinical characteristics of red blood cell transfusion and its underlying issues. Methods: Clinical data of patients who experienced transfusion reactions after red blood cell transfusion in the Haemovigilance Network from 2018 to 2023 were collected. The demographic characteristics of patients who experienced transfusion reactions with different types of red blood cell preparations, the utilization of these preparations, and the differences of the composition ratios of transfusion reactions were analyzed. Count data were expressed as numbers (n) or percentages (%), and comparisons between groups were performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Red blood cell transfusion reactions were more common in females (53.56%), with the majority of patients aged 50-69 years (35.54%). The Han polulation accounted for the vast majority of patients (92.77%), and patients in the hematology and obstetrics/gynecology departments had a relatively high proportion of transfusion reactions (13.26% and 14.26%, respectively). Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells and suspended red blood cells were the most common types of transfusion reactions reported among red blood cell preparations. Allergic reactions and non-hemolytic febrile reactions were the most common transfusion reactions, and there were significant differences in the composition ratios of allergic reactions (χ
=869.89, P<0.05) and non-hemolytic febrile reactions (χ
=812.75, P<0.05) across various types of red blood cell preparations. Conclusion: There are differences in the demographic characteristics and composition ratio of transfusion reactions among different red blood cell preparations. The management of red blood cell transfusion reactions should be tailored to patient characteristics and conditions, and the selection and use of blood products should be optimized to reduce or avoid the occurrence of transfusion reactions, such as considering the use of washed red blood cells for patients with a history of transfusion allergies or those prone to allergies.
8.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
9.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
10.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

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