1.Invasion and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer Mediated by Traditional Chinese Medicine via Cell Signaling Pathway: A Review
Min GUO ; Wenyan YU ; Naicheng ZHU ; Yuwei YAN ; Chen ZHONG ; Xiudan CHEN ; Nanxin LI ; Guojuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):323-330
Colorectal cancer is a common and malignant tumor in the digestive tract. Invasion and metastasis of cancer cells are key factors leading to the high mortality rate and postoperative recurrence of colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy is the main treatment method for preventing recurrence of this disease. However, there are many toxic side effects in clinical application, which seriously hinder the treatment process. Therefore, it is imperative to search for efficient and low-toxicity drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating colorectal cancer and offers advantages such as safety, effectiveness, multiple targets, multiple pathways and minimal toxic side effects, which have made it increasingly popular worldwide. According to TCM, the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is rooted in both deficiency and excess. TCM formulas mainly focus on tonifying the body to address the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer, such as Jianpi compound, Jianpi Xiaoai decoction, and Bushen Jiedu Sanjie decoction. TCM monomers, such as emodin, berberine, and tanshinone, mainly focus on clearing heat and removing toxin, circulating blood and transforming stasis, and resolving swelling and dispersing nodules. Signaling pathways play a crucial role for analyzing invasion and metastasis, and research has shown that pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase (PI3K/Akt), Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activating factor 3 (JAK2/STAT3), nuclear factors-κB (NF-κB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play important roles in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer can be inhibited via regulating the key proteins and related factors in these pathways. In this review, we searched various literature databases, such as PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP, using keywords such as "colorectal cancer", "signaling pathway", "invasion and metastasis", and "traditional Chinese medicine", to summarize and analyze the relevant pathways of TCM compounds and monomers against invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer published in the past five years. The review aims to provide new insights and references for in-depth research on the therapy for invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer and new drug development.
2.Optical coherence tomography angiography in diabetic retinopathy: focusing on microvascular changes
Xiongyi YANG ; Guoguo YI ; Yanxia CHEN ; Siyu YANG ; Shibei AI ; Cong ZHENG ; Mingzhe CAO ; Min FU
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):179-190
AIM:To investigate the value of optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)indicators in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to provide patients with diabetic nephropathy(DN)with more sensitive OCTA screening indicators to detect concurrent DR at an early stage.METHODS: A total of 200 patients who treated in the ophthalmology department of the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from 2022 to 2023 were included, including 95 first-diagnosed DR patients and 105 patients without DR, and all patients underwent OCTA examination and a collection of demographics and renal function parameters. After a quality check, automated measurements of the foveal avascular zone area, vessel density(VD), and perfusion density(PD)of both 3 mm×3 mm and 6 mm×6 mm windows were obtained.RESULTS: Using random forest and multivariate Logistic regression methods, we developed a diagnostic model for DR based on 12 variables(age, FBG, SBP, DBP, HbA1c, ALT, ALP, urea/Scr, DM duration, HUA, DN, and CMT). Adding specific OCTA parameters enhanced the efficacy of the existing diagnostic model for DR(outer vessel density in 6 mm×6 mm window, AUC=0.837 vs 0.819, P=0.03). In the study of DN patients, the parameters in the 6 mm×6 mm window improved the diagnostic efficacy of DR(inner VD; outer VD; full VD; outer PD; full PD).CONCLUSION:The outer VD in the 6 mm×6 mm window can enhance the efficacy of the traditional DR diagnostic model. Meanwhile, compared with the 3 mm×3 mm window, the microvascular parameters in the 6 mm× 6 mm window focusing on DN patients can be more sensitive to diagnosing the occurrence of DR.
3.Efficacy comparison of small-incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond assisted laser in situ keratomileusis in the treatment of myopia with astigmatism
Min ZHOU ; Suying YU ; Wanjiang DONG ; Long CHEN ; Miao HE
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):292-296
AIM: To compare the efficacy of small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)in the treatment of patients with myopia and astigmatism.METHODS: Retrospective analysis. A total of 100 cases(200 eyes)of patients with myopia and astigmatism treated in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were collected. Among them, 50 cases(100 eyes)were divided into SMILE group and 50 cases(100 eyes)were divided into FS-LASIK group according to the treatment plans. The visual acuity and astigmatism, corneal morphology parameters, subjective visual quality scores, ocular surface indicators, postoperative complications, and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and after surgery.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), astigmatism, corneal asphericity Q value, corneal surface regularity index(SRI), corneal thickness, and corneal curvature between the two groups before surgery and at 1 d, 1, and 6 mo after surgery(all P>0.05). At 1 and 6 mo after surgery, the subjective visual quality score, the quality of life score, Schirmer I test(SⅠt)and tear film break-up time(BUT)in the SMILE group were better than that in the FS-LASIK group(all P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the SMILE group was lower than that in the FS-LASIK group at 6 mo after surgery(P=0.005).CONCLUSION: Both SMILE and FS-LASIK have good clinical effects in the treatment of myopia with astigmatism, but the SMILE could alleviate ocular surface injury, reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of lifes for patients.
4.Effect of Berberine-Baicalin Combination on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Due to Internal Accumulation of Dampness-heat in Mice from Perspectives of Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics
Mengjie CHEN ; Yimin LIU ; Yun ZHOU ; Keming YU ; Min XIA ; Hongning LIU ; Yanhua JI ; Zhijun ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):52-64
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which the combination of berberine (BBR) and baicalin (BAI) ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat from the perspectives of gut microbiota and metabolomics. MethodsAntibiotics were used to induce pseudo-sterile mice. Thirty pseudo-sterile mice were randomized into a normal fecal microbiota transplantation group (n=10) and a T2DM (syndrome of internal accumulation of dampness-heat) fecal microbiota transplantation group (n=20). The mice were then administrated with suspensions of fecal microbiota from healthy volunteers and a patient with T2DM due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat by gavage, respectively. Each mouse received 200 µL suspension every other day for a total of 15 times to reshape the gut microbiota. The T2DM model mice were then assigned into a model group (n=8) and a BBR-BAI group (n=11). BBR was administrated at a dose of 200 mg·kg-1, and BAI was administrated in a ratio of BBR-BAI 10∶1 based on preliminary research findings. The administration lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin (INS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured to evaluate the effects of the BBR-BAI combination on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver function in T2DM mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the colon tissue. The expression of claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and occludin in the colon tissue was determined by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to assess the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the colon tissue. The fecal microbiota composition and differential metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), respectively. ResultsThe BBR-BAI combination lowered the FBG, HbA1c, and INS levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated insulin resistance (P<0.01) in T2DM mice. Additionally, BBR-BAI elevated the levels of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BBR-BAI increased the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Phascolarctobacterium, and Akkermansia (P<0.05), while significantly decreasing the relative abundance of Alistipes, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter (P<0.05). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 28 differential metabolites, which were primarily involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism. ConclusionBBR-BAI can ameliorate T2DM due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat by modulating the relative abundance of various bacterial genera in the gut microbiota and the expression of fecal metabolites.
5.Effect of neferine on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease cells
Cuiqing CHEN ; Chenchen TAN ; Diancui WANG ; Min JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):197-202
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neferine (NEF) on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) cells by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway, and explore the mechanism of this drug to improve PD. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 100 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) for 24 h to construct a PD cell model. PD model cells were divided into model group (PD group), NEF low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (NEF-L, NEF-M, NEF-H group, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L), and high concentration of NEF+AMPK inhibitor group (NEF-H+Compound C group, 10.0 μmol/L NEF+50 μmol/L Compound C). The cells treated without MPP+ and NEF were used as the control group. The ultrastructure of the cells in each group was observed; the amount of autophagosomes, survival rate, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the protein expressions of Caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1, as well as the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, AMPK and ULK1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with PD group, the amount of autophagosomes in NEF-L, NEF-M and NEF-H groups was increased, and membrane potential was increased; survival rate, LC3- Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, protein expression of Beclin-1, and protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1 were significantly increased or up-regulated; the apoptotic rate, protein expressions of Caspase-3 and p62, and protein phosphorylation level of mTOR were significantly decreased or down-regulated, and the above improvements were in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the above improvement effect of high concentration of NEF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS NEF can promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of PD model cells by up-regulating protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1, and down-regulating protein phosphorylation level of mTOR, thus playing a protective role in nerve cells.
6.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.
7.Effect of neferine on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease cells
Cuiqing CHEN ; Chenchen TAN ; Diancui WANG ; Min JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):197-202
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neferine (NEF) on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) cells by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway, and explore the mechanism of this drug to improve PD. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 100 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) for 24 h to construct a PD cell model. PD model cells were divided into model group (PD group), NEF low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (NEF-L, NEF-M, NEF-H group, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L), and high concentration of NEF+AMPK inhibitor group (NEF-H+Compound C group, 10.0 μmol/L NEF+50 μmol/L Compound C). The cells treated without MPP+ and NEF were used as the control group. The ultrastructure of the cells in each group was observed; the amount of autophagosomes, survival rate, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the protein expressions of Caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1, as well as the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, AMPK and ULK1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with PD group, the amount of autophagosomes in NEF-L, NEF-M and NEF-H groups was increased, and membrane potential was increased; survival rate, LC3- Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, protein expression of Beclin-1, and protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1 were significantly increased or up-regulated; the apoptotic rate, protein expressions of Caspase-3 and p62, and protein phosphorylation level of mTOR were significantly decreased or down-regulated, and the above improvements were in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the above improvement effect of high concentration of NEF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS NEF can promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of PD model cells by up-regulating protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1, and down-regulating protein phosphorylation level of mTOR, thus playing a protective role in nerve cells.
8.Systematic review and case report on intraocular ointment after cataract surgery
Paul* MWALE ; Yan* ZHENG ; Xiaomin CHEN ; Min KE
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):344-350
Intraocular ointment is conventionally placed on the eye to prevent infection after cataract surgery. The purpose of this study is to report a case and conduct a systematic review of a rare occurrence of the entry of intraocular ointment after cataract surgery. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG data, China Science and Technology Journal Database and Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database were systematically searched from their commencement to 30th October 2023, and 19 literatures were screened out and 31 cases of intraocular ointment after surgery were collected. Among the 31 patients, the age of presentation ranged from 55 to 87 years with a median of 73, males accounted for 45.2% and females accounted for 32.3%. The length of the incision was generally 3.2 mm. Most of the patients detected ointment within 3 days post-operation and presented without complications(45.2%). The most common ocular manifestations were corneal edema, glaucoma and uveitis. Early postoperative follow-up is very important. Presence of anterior chamber ointment is a rare complication after cataract surgery, but it can lead to severe vision loss if not detected and treated on time. When patients complain of foreign body sensation in the in the eye after cataract surgery, ophthalmologists need to take a kin interest and examine the eye for early detection of ointment for appropriate intervention and prevent further complications.
9.Comparison of the effect of reducing the diameter of back optical zone diameter of CRT and VST designed orthokeratology lens in controlling myopia progression
Sili JING ; Yaqun WAN ; Dan CHEN ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Jue WANG ; Min YANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):475-480
AIM:To compare and analyze the effectiveness and safety of reducing the diameter of the back optical zone diameter(BOZD)of orthokeratology lens designed by CRT and VST in controlling the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.METHODS:Retrospective study. The study subjects were 400 myopia patients aged 8-16 years who were admitted to the orthokeratology fitting center of our hospital from June 2019 to May 2022, with 400 eyes(including right eye data analysis). The subjects were divided into CRT-S group(BOZD<6.0 mm), CRT group(BOZD=6.0 mm), VST-S group(BOZD<6.2 mm), VST group(BOZD=6.2 mm)according to the brand of orthokeratology lens and BOZD group, with 100 cases in each group. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), corneal flat K value, axial length, spherical equivalent, and incidence of corneal injury were collected and analyzed at 1 d, 1 wk, 1 and 6 mo, 1 and 2 a, respectively.RESULTS:After wearing lenses for 1 d, the UCVA of the VST-S group improved the fastest, but after 1 wk, all groups reached a good UCVA, and there was no significant difference between groups. The corneal flat K value of the CRT-S group decreased the most after wearing lenses for 6 mo, and there was no significant difference in the corneal flat K value of all groups after 1 year of lens wearing. At each time point, the axial length growth decreased significantly after reducing the BOZD of the same brand of orthokeratology lens. At 6 mo, there was no significant difference in the axial length growth and defocus ring diameter between the CRT-S group and the VST-S group, but at 1 and 2 a, the VST-S group had significantly lower axial length growth and defocus ring diameter than the CRT-S group. The growth of the diopter sphere and spherical equivalent(SE)was significantly reduced when the BOZD of the same brand of orthokeratology lens was reduced at 2 a follow-up. The VST-S group had the smallest changes in the degree of SE and had the best myopia control effect. There was no significant difference in the change value of the diopter cylinder and the incidence of corneal injury among the four groups.CONCLUSION:Reducing the BOZD of the orthokeratology lens can effectively control the growth of the axial length and the progression of myopia degree. The myopia control effect of the VST lens is better than that of the CRT lens after reducing the BOZD. Reducing the BOZD of the orthokeratology lens does not increase the risk of additional corneal injury.
10.Systematic review and case report on intraocular ointment after cataract surgery
Paul* MWALE ; Yan* ZHENG ; Xiaomin CHEN ; Min KE
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):344-350
Intraocular ointment is conventionally placed on the eye to prevent infection after cataract surgery. The purpose of this study is to report a case and conduct a systematic review of a rare occurrence of the entry of intraocular ointment after cataract surgery. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG data, China Science and Technology Journal Database and Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database were systematically searched from their commencement to 30th October 2023, and 19 literatures were screened out and 31 cases of intraocular ointment after surgery were collected. Among the 31 patients, the age of presentation ranged from 55 to 87 years with a median of 73, males accounted for 45.2% and females accounted for 32.3%. The length of the incision was generally 3.2 mm. Most of the patients detected ointment within 3 days post-operation and presented without complications(45.2%). The most common ocular manifestations were corneal edema, glaucoma and uveitis. Early postoperative follow-up is very important. Presence of anterior chamber ointment is a rare complication after cataract surgery, but it can lead to severe vision loss if not detected and treated on time. When patients complain of foreign body sensation in the in the eye after cataract surgery, ophthalmologists need to take a kin interest and examine the eye for early detection of ointment for appropriate intervention and prevent further complications.

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