Effective T cell function within the tumor microenvironment is critical to the success of cancer immunotherapy. Although natural compounds from traditional Chinese medicine play important roles in regulating antitumor immunity, their underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood, and their therapeutic efficacy is often limited by suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties. Here, we systematically investigate the immunomodulatory effects of pterostilbene (PTE), a bioactive compound from the traditional Chinese medicine Resina Draconis, and develop a nanodelivery strategy to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in combination with PD-1 blockade. PTE promotes CD8+ T cell activation both in vitro and in vivo, as evidenced by upregulation of CD69 and PD-1 and increased secretion of IFN-gamma and granzyme B. The induction of PD-1 provides a rationale for combination with PD-1 blockade, resulting in enhanced antitumor efficacy. To address pharmacokinetic limitations, PTE is encapsulated into FDA-approved poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (PTE@PLGA), which prolongs systemic circulation and enhances tumor accumulation, thereby leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. Our findings identify PTE as a promising immunomodulator for cancer immunotherapy and establish nano-delivery as an effective strategy to overcome pharmacokinetic barriers, thereby underscoring the translational potential of PTE.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between symptom burden and nutritional status under Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution classification in patients undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsData on the physical constitution, symptom burden, and nutritional status of 640 patients with malignant tumors within the 21st–28th days of chemotherapy treatment were collected and analyzed. ResultsSymptom burden was found to have a positive correlation with nutritional risk and TCM bias (except for idiosyncrasies), suggesting that constitution bias may be an important internal factor for the aggravation of clinical symptoms and malnutrition in patients with cancer. ConclusionThe relationship between symptom burden and nutritional status in chemotherapy under the guidance of TCM constitution can be studied to predict the nutritional status and symptom burden of patients after chemotherapy to guide the symptom and nutritional management of patients with cancer in the chemotherapy stage.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation exercise on postoperative quality of life (QoL) and symptom cluster (pain, fatigue, shortness of breath) in lung cancer survivors, meanwhile, to explore the interrelationships among these symptoms. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from six databases. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses stratified by intervention duration, multiple sensitivity tests and trim-and-fill analysis were performed. Study-level correlation and regression analyses investigated symptom associations. Evidence certainty was assessed via GRADE. Ten RCTs with 852 participants were included. Perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation modestly improved QoL (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.91; 95

BackgroundCervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in gynecology, posing a serious threat to women’s health. Particularly for the recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer (R/M CC), the available treatment options are limited and often yield suboptimal outcomes. Although the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has brought some improvement in the efficacy for R/M CC, low response rates to ICIs remain a significant challenge in the treatment of R/M CC. In recent years, acupuncture has demonstrated certain clinical efficacy in enhancing the immune function of patients with malignant tumors. This study aims to preliminarily explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with ICIs for R/M CC and providing data support for subsequent large-scale clinical studies.MethodsThe study is designed as a multicenter, open-label, randomized, and controlled clinical trial. A total of 90 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The experimental group will receive the standard therapeutic regimen including ICIs regimen combined with acupuncture, while the control group will receive the standard therapeutic regimen including ICIs alone. Treatment will be discontinued upon completion of four cycles, disease progression, or intolerable toxicity. Follow-up assessments will be scheduled every 12 weeks until patient death, loss to follow-up, or 2 years after randomization. The primary endpoint of this study is the Objective Response Rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints include Progression-Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS), immune function, and quality of life. Additionally, detailed records of all adverse events (AEs) will be maintained.DiscussionThis study will be the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with ICIs for R/M CC, aiming to explore the synergistic enhancement of ICIs by acupuncture as an adjuvant therapeutic modality.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06591078.

BACKGROUND:Acute kidney injury (AKI) during vancomycin treatment remains a rare occurrence in adult patients with haematological malignancies (HMs). The objective of this multicentre study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for AKI during vancomycin treatment in patients with HM. METHODS:The present study examined patients who were admitted to hospital and receiving vancomycin therapy between 2009 and 2024 at three tertiary hospitals. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI during vancomycin treatment. RESULTS:The study comprised a total of 610 out of 982 patients. The incidence of AKI during vancomycin treatment among patients with HM was 13.0% (79/610). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that cardiac insufficiency (OR 3.305, 95% CI = 1.498-7.290, p = 0.003), chronic kidney disease (OR 5.074, 95% CI = 1.636-15.735, p = 0.005), hypoalbuminaemia (OR 2.930, 95% CI = 1.515-5.664, p = 0.001), concomitant spironolactone (OR 3.362, 95% CI = 1.586-7.290, p = 0.002) and chemotherapeutic drugs (OR 6.683, 95% CI = 2.025-22.051, p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for AKI during vancomycin treatment. CONCLUSION:The occurrence of AKI in adult patients with HM during vancomycin treatment is a prevalent issue and is associated with a number of clinical and treatment-related factors. HM patients with cardiac dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, hypoalbuminaemia or concomitant spironolactone, chemotherapeutic agents may have a higher risk of AKI during vancomycin treatment.

This study aimed to identify the incidence rate, severity and distribution characteristics of symptoms in ovarian cancer patients during first-line maintenance therapy, and to determine the composition of symptom clusters, so as to provide evidence for clinical medical staff to optimize symptom management strategies for ovarian cancer patients receiving first-line maintenance therapy. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Ovarian cancer patients undergoing first-line maintenance therapy were enrolled to investigate their symptom burden, and exploratory factor analysis was used to identify symptom clusters. A total of 220 patients were included in this study. The results showed that among the 38 symptoms, fatigue had the highest incidence rate, and sleep disturbance was the most severe in terms of symptom intensity. Based on the incidence rate and severity of symptoms, a total of 6 symptom clusters were identified, namely the gastrointestinal-cardiac symptom cluster, joint discomfort symptom cluster, fatigue-related symptom cluster, emotional disturbance symptom cluster, menopausal symptom cluster, and xerostomia-bitter taste symptom cluster. The top three symptom clusters in terms of severity were the fatigue-related symptom cluster, gastrointestinal-cardiac symptom cluster and menopausal symptom cluster. Ovarian cancer patients receiving first-line maintenance therapy present complex, diverse symptoms grouped into six symptom clusters. This study’s findings may inform targeted comprehensive symptom management to reduce their symptom burden.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the association between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in breast cancer survivors. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients at Guang'anmen Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, during the period from April 9, 2023, to July 2, 2024. Data were collected on participants' common sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, scores on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), and TCM constitution classification. Statistical analyses employed independent samples t-test, χ 2 test, Fisher's exact test, one-way analysis of variance, Spearman's correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:A total of 279 eligible breast cancer patients enrolled in this study. The most prevalent TCM constitutions were 'Qi-depression', 'Peaceful' and 'Yang-deficiency'. All nine TCM constitutions of breast cancer patients exhibited significant correlations with FCR scores. The strongest positive correlation was observed between 'Qi-stagnation' and FCR (r= 0.5576, P < 0.0001), followed by 'Qi-deficiency' (r = 0.4465, P < 0.0001). By contrast, the Peaceful correlation showed a significant negative correlation with FCR (r = －0.363, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TCM constitution, lymph node metastasis, and endocrine therapy were influencing factors for FCR in breast cancer patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with TCM constitution in breast cancer patients. After adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, disease stage, pathological type, immunohistochemical status, lymph node metastasis, disease duration, and treatment modality, FCR, disease stage, age, and surgical modality were found to be significantly associated with TCM constitution (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates a significant association between TCM constitution and FCR in breast cancer patients, suggesting that FCR can potentially be interpreted within the theoretical framework of TCM. These findings thus provide a theoretical foundation for TCMC-informed management strategies targeting FCR in breast cancer patients.

BackgroundWith prolonged survival of breast cancer patients, symptom management is increasingly pivotal. Sleep disturbance, a prevalent and persistent quality-of-life-impairing symptom, remains incompletely elucidated, thus this study aims to clarify its clinical characteristics and influencing factors.MethodsA total of 150 breast cancer patients were recruited. Sleep disturbance was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), fatigue via the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS-R), and emotional status through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to ascertain associated factors.ResultsApproximately 68.67% of patients exhibited “moderate” or “severe” sleep disturbance (PSQI score >10), with difficulty falling asleep as the predominant type of sleep disturbance. Univariate analysis showed that receipt of ovarian function suppression (OFS) and/or aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression were associated with exacerbated sleep disturbance, while multivariate analysis revealed that each 1-point increase in pain, fatigue, and depression scores was independently associated with a 23.7%, 25.0%, and 23.7% higher risk of severe sleep disturbance, respectively.ConclusionSleep disturbance is highly prevalent and severe in breast cancer patients, with difficulty falling asleep as the core feature. Clinical practice should focus on patients with the aforementioned influencing factors, prioritizing interventions targeting shortened sleep latency.

INTRODUCTION:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent cancer type worldwide. The global aging population situation is severe. Research on the disease burden of CRC among the 65+ years elderly population, especially the risk factors, is still insufficient. Studies based on the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database can guide screening and prevention strategies.METHODS:As part of the 2021 GBD Study, we estimated the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of CRC by sex and geographic location in the 65+ years elderly population, as well as the number of DALYs due to CRC-related risk factors.RESULTS:In 2021, diet low in whole grains (age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASDR), 290.11 [117.98-440.48] per 100,000), diet low in milk (ASDR, 239.69 [64.75-399.12] per 100,000), diet high in red meat (ASDR, 239.02 [-0.08 to 486.82] per 100,000) were the top 3 risk factors contributing to ASDR for both sexes combined globally. From 1990 to 2021, the ASDR for CRC attributable to 10 risk factors decreased for both sexes combined except high body-mass index (average annual percent change, 0.10 [0.02-0.18]).DISCUSSION:Over the past decade, the average annual percent change of age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized mortality rate, and ASDR of CRC cases among people aged 65 and above globally has shown a downward trend overall, but the burden pattern varies by Socio-demographic Index quintile and GBD region, with an upward trend in middle to low Socio-demographic Index regions. There are differences in the incidence, mortality, and major risk factors of CRC in different regions. Reducing the prevalence of related risk factors is key to reducing CRC DALYs.

Abstract Background This study evaluates the changing burden of hepatitis C (HCV) among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in China from 1990–2021 and forecasts trends to 2035. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we analyzed age-standardized rates (ASRs) for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to acute and chronic HCV in this population. Statistical analyses included estimating annual percentage changes (EAPCs), applying Poisson-based age-period-cohort (APC) modeling to assess epidemiological drivers, and employing Bayesian APC modeling for future projections. Decomposition analysis was used to quantify contributions from population growth, aging, and epidemiological factors. Results From 1990 to 2021, all ASRs for HCV among women of reproductive age in China showed significant declines, with rates of decrease surpassing global averages. Despite this progress, China remained a high-burden country for this group in 2021, with a large reservoir of chronic HCV cases. A notable rebound in the incidence of chronic HCV occurred after 2010. Epidemiological trends displayed clear age stratification: the most substantial improvements were observed in younger cohorts (aged 15–24 years), while older groups (aged 45–49 years) experienced slower declines or recent rebounds in incidence. Decomposition analysis indicated that the reduction in disease burden was primarily driven by epidemiological improvements (e.g., in prevention and treatment), which successfully offset the adverse effects of population growth. This pattern contrasts with the global trend, where increasing burden is largely attributed to demographic factors. Projections suggest a continued decline in ASRs and case numbers through 2035, although the rate of decline is expected to slow. Conclusions Historical HCV control measures for women of reproductive age in China have been effective, as evidenced by steep declines in mortality and DALYs. However, persistent challenges include a substantial existing patient pool and a resurgent incidence, particularly among older individuals within this demographic. This study precisely quantifies a successful epidemiological transition and identifies a shift in risk profiles, underscoring the continued need for sustained, age-tailored public health interventions to achieve HCV elimination goals.

Vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity remains a major clinical concern, yet evidence in older patients is limited and largely derived from small single-center studies. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury (VI–AKI). In this retrospective cohort study, patients aged ≥ 65 years who received vancomycin at three tertiary hospitals in Shanghai between 2009 and 2024 were included. AKI was defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors. The primary outcome was VI–AKI incidence; secondary outcomes included renal recovery and all-cause mortality. A predefined subgroup analysis assessed the association between vancomycin trough concentrations and VI–AKI in patients undergoing therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Among 3,762 patients, VI–AKI occurred in 640 (17.0

This study aimed to systematically predict and elucidate the potential therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of Compound Pien Tze Huang Tablets(PZHT) in the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy(AH) in children by integrating network pharmacology with animal experiments. Chemical components of PZHT were retrieved from the TCMSP, HERB 2.0, and SwissADME databases, which identified 276 putative bioactive components with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. A total of 1 266 potential targets corresponding to these components were predicted. Meanwhile, 943 AH-related targets were retrieved from the GeneCards and OMIM databases. Intersection analysis yielded 316 common targets between PZHT and AH. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis further identified 10 core targets, including BCL2, ESR1, interleukin(IL)-6, GSK3B, EGFR, PARP1, KDR, MMP2, HSP90AA1, and SRC. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses suggested that PZHT might exert therapeutic effects mainly through inflammation-and immunity-related pathways, such as the tumor necrosis factor(TNF) and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. On the basis of network pharmacology predictions, a rat model of AH was induced by ovalbumin(OVA) combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) for experimental validation. The results demonstrated that compared with the model group, PZHT groups at different doses showed significantly reduced frequencies of nasal rubbing and sneezing, with the middle-dose exhibiting the most pronounced improvement. In addition, the PZHT groups showed significant declines in the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, as well as Th2-type immune response-related cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and the levels of allergy-related indicators, including OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(sIgE) and histamine. Histopathological examinations revealed that PZHT alleviated nasal mucosal injury, goblet cell hyperplasia, edema, and inflammatory infiltration, and suppressed abnormal lymphoid hyperplasia in the nasopharyngeal region. In conclusion, by combining network pharmacology analysis with animal experimental validation, this study demonstrates that PZHT exerts therapeutic effects on AH in children through multi-target and multi-pathway regulation. The mechanism may involve coordinated modulation of Th2-type immune responses and key inflammatory signaling pathways, which leads to attenuation of local inflammation and abnormal lymphoid tissue proliferation. These findings provide experimental evidence and a theoretical basis for the clinical application of PZHT in the treatment of AH in children.

Emerging evidence suggests that the microbiota may influence cancer metastasis and has been associated with multiple stages of the metastatic cascade. This review synthesizes recent advances using a unified framework centered on the three main stages of metastasis: invasion, circulation, and colonization. We highlight evidence linking several microbial taxa, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and Escherichia coli, to metastatic progression, and discuss how they may promote metastasis through distinct mechanisms in specific contexts. We further summarize stage-specific evidence indicating that the microbiota may contribute to local invasion, hematogenous dissemination, and distant colonization, offering a perspective on microbiota-associated metastatic progression. Finally, we discuss major limitations of the current literature, including the preponderance of preclinical and correlative evidence, constraints on causal inference, cancer-type and model dependence, low-biomass contamination, and open questions in interpreting tumor- and blood-derived microbial signals.

Background: Neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis (GBX) dysregulation are key pathological drivers of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Zhi-Zi-Chi Decoction (ZZCD), a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula, has been clinically used to alleviate mental disturbances via the TCM principle of "clearing heat and relieving restlessness." Still, its modern neuroprotective mechanisms, especially its links to gut microbiota and central signaling pathways, remain incompletely elucidated. Purpose: This study aimed to systematically investigate the therapeutic effects of ZZCD on chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced neurodysfunction in mice and clarify its mechanisms from the perspectives of TCM theory, material basis, gut microbiota-metabolite axis, and central signaling pathways. Method: CRS mice were treated with ZZCD or protocatechuic acid. Behavioral tests evaluated depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified ZZCD's chemical constituents; 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analyzed gut microbiota and metabolite changes. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and proteomics examined neuroinflammation, microglial polarization, and signaling pathway activity (PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AMPK). Results: ZZCD reversed CRS-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and suppressed neuroinflammation. Mechanistically, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 424 ZZCD constituents, with prenol lipids, organooxygen compounds, and flavonoids as the most abundant. ZZCD reversed CRS-induced imbalance in gut microbiota, reducing pro-inflammatory Prevotella and enriching beneficial Lactobacillus, and mediated the enrichment of the prebiotic metabolite PCA in colonic and serum samples, which crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to exert neuroprotection. Additionally, ZZCD and PCA normalized the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and activated AMPK, promoting M2 microglial polarization and restoring synaptic plasticity. Conclusions: ZZCD exerts antidepressant effects by a gut-microbiota-dependent modulation of PCA-PI3K/Akt/mTOR and AMPK dual axes that converts microglia from M1 to M2, providing ethnopharmacological evidence and a mechanistic rationale for its clinical application in major depressive disorder.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with vancomycin (VAN) plus piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) remains controversial, with over two-thirds of current evidence originating from US populations. This study evaluated AKI risk with VAN/PTZ vs VAN plus other beta-lactams (BLs) in Chinese patients, where VAN plus meropenem dominates empirical therapy. This study included patients receiving >48 h of VAN combined with a single BL. We compared AKI risk between VAN/PTZ and VAN/other-BLs. The primary outcome was incidence of stages 2-3 AKI, and the secondary outcome was major adverse kidney events at 60 days (MAKE60). Propensity score matching was used to match patients between comparison groups, and ORs were calculated. Among 8,460 screened patients, 5,632 were ultimately included: 279 received VAN/PTZ, 4,197 received VAN/carbapenems, and 1,156 received VAN/cephalosporins. Matched cohorts showed balanced demographics and clinical features. VAN/PTZ showed no elevated AKI risk when compared to VAN/other-BLs (OR = 1.20, 0.61-2.42), as well as compared to VAN/meropenem (OR = 1.13, 0.57-2.24) or VAN/cefepime (OR = 0.82, 0.34-1.96). Consistently, no elevated MAKE60 was observed when VAN/PTZ compared to VAN/other-BLs (OR = 1.20, 0.61-2.42), VAN/meropenem (OR = 1.24, 0.76-2.01), or VAN/cefepime (OR = 0.65, 0.28-1.47). This large multicenter cohort of Chinese patients demonstrated that VAN/PTZ was not associated with increased risk of AKI or MAKE60. IMPORTANCE:Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with vancomycin (VAN) plus piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) remains controversial. Research evaluating this risk remains limited in Chinese cohorts. To the best of our knowledge, this multicenter retrospective cohort study is the largest study to date comparing the risk of AKI for VAN/PTZ against VAN plus other beta-lactams (BLs), VAN/meropenem (MEN), or VAN/cefepime (FEP) in the Chinese population. The study indicated that VAN/PTZ did not demonstrate an increased risk of stages 2-3 AKI and MAKE60 compared to VAN plus other BLs, as well as VAN/MEN, VAN/FEP. Our findings challenge common concerns about nephrotoxicity of VAN/PTZ mainly from Western populations and provide new safety evidence for clinical practice in China. While residual confounding inherent to observational designs remains a limitation, this study offers the highest-quality real-world evidence to date supporting non-inferior renal safety of VAN/PTZ relative to VAN plus other BLs in Asian populations.

In response to the lack of pediatric hospice services and the urgent need for systematic construction in China, the study firstly combed the development and research achievements of pediatric hospice care in China and abroad, and then focused on the current situation of research and service in China. Through comparative analysis, several challenges are identified, including structural imbalances in resource allocation and service accessibility, significant data gaps, and narrow or disconnected research directions. Therefore, the study suggests building a comprehensive pediatric hospice service system in China from a holistic perspective. This involves leveraging the specialized operations of social organizations and social work institutions, fostering close collaboration with multidisciplinary professionals, diversifying service providers, developing localized care models, and promoting the practical implementation of services.

Background:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant contributor to global mortality. However, the existing therapeutic approaches often fall short of achieving favorable outcomes especially in metastatic CRC. Brucea javanica Oil Emulsion Injection (BJOEI) as adjuvant therapy also showed superiority for cancer treatment in clinical practice. This trial aims to gather preliminary data to inform a phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of BJOEI in combination with best supportive care (BSC) for patients with advanced colorectal cancer who are refractory to all existing therapies. Methods:The study is designed as a multicenter, randomized, and controlled clinical trial. 60 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental or control group in a ratio of 1:1. The experimental group will receive BJOEI and BSC, while the control group will undergo BSC. The treatment will cease upon disease progression or when toxicity becomes intolerable. Follow-up assessments will be scheduled every 2 months, continuing until the patient dies, is lost to follow-up, or reaches 12 months post-randomization. The main outcome measured will be progression-free survival (PFS). Additional outcomes to be evaluated are clinical symptoms, quality of life, and overall survival (OS). Detailed records of adverse events (AEs) will be maintained. Expected outcomes:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a monotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who have failed multiple lines of standard treatment. Trial registration:Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05897749. Registered on 09 May 2023.

Cervical cancer, a prevalent female malignancy, is treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Yet, prognosis remains influenced by multiple factors. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is an important link in the malignant progression of tumor cells and has an important impact on the progression and prognosis of cervical cancer. This study aimed to analyze effect of Baofukang suppository on the related indexes of EMT of tumor cells in cervical cancer patients. Eighty patients with cervical cancer received in The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2020 to March 2022 were randomized into a control group (chemotherapy alone, n=40) and a study group (chemotherapy + Baofukang, n=40). Post-treatment, the study group showed significantly lower mRNA levels of EMT markers Vimentin and N-cadherin, and higher E-cadherin and β-catenin (p<0.05). Additionally, interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased while interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) increased (p<0.05). Immune function improved, with higher CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios, and lower CD8+ (p<0.05). The adverse reactions between two groups were not unconspicuous (p>0.05). The adjuvant therapy of Baofukang Suppository can effectively regulate the relevant indexes of tumor cell EMT, delay or prevent the EMT of tumor cells.

BackgroundAcupuncture and moxibustion have been shown to be safe and effective methods for bidirectional immunomodulatory function. Clinical practice and many studies have shown that acupuncture and moxibustion have a certain clinical effect on immune promotion in patients with malignant tumors.MethodsEight electronic databases were searched systematically for articles published through December 31, 2024. Study Selection Randomized controlled trial studies (RCTs) that reported The number of T lymphocytes cells in patients with malignant tumors who received acupuncture and/or moxibustionon treatment were included. For continuous variables, effect estimates were calculated as mean difference (MD); and for dichotomous variables, the risk ratio (RR) was calculated. A funnel plot was used to analyze potential publication bias.Results33 studies involving 2610 participants were included. Patients who received acupuncture and/or moxibustion treatment had higher CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cell levels, but lower CD8+ levels. At the same time, the anti-tumor treatment effect was better than that of the control group.ConclusionsEvidence from this meta-analysis, acupuncture and moxibustion can enhance the immune function and improve the prognosis of malignant tumor patients. Further studies are recommended to support and confirm these findings.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023465759.

Epilepsy is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications, more than one-third of patients continue to experience seizures. Given the urgent need to explore new treatment strategies for epilepsy, recent research has highlighted the potential of targeting gliosis, metabolic disturbances, and neural circuit abnormalities as therapeutic strategies. Astrocytes, the largest group of nonneuronal cells in the central nervous system, play several crucial roles in maintaining ionic and energy metabolic homeostasis in neurons, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and modulating synaptic plasticity. This article briefly reviews the critical role of astrocytes in maintaining balance within the central nervous system. Building on previous research, we discuss how astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the onset and progression of epilepsy through four key aspects: the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal signaling, dysregulation of metabolic homeostasis in the neuronal microenvironment, neuroinflammation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits. We summarize relevant basic research conducted over the past 5 years that has focused on modulating astrocytes as a therapeutic approach for epilepsy. We categorize the therapeutic targets proposed by these studies into four areas: restoration of the excitation-inhibition balance, reestablishment of metabolic homeostasis, modulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and reconstruction of abnormal neural circuits. These targets correspond to the pathophysiological mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to epilepsy. Additionally, we need to consider the potential challenges and limitations of translating these identified therapeutic targets into clinical treatments. These limitations arise from interspecies differences between humans and animal models, as well as the complex comorbidities associated with epilepsy in humans. We also highlight valuable future research directions worth exploring in the treatment of epilepsy and the regulation of astrocytes, such as gene therapy and imaging strategies. The findings presented in this review may help open new therapeutic avenues for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and for those suffering from other central nervous system disorders associated with astrocytic dysfunction.