ISSN 2960-1290(Online) Editor: Shibin Cheng (Brown University), Alexei (Columbia University), Aytek Erdil (University of Cambridge), Cosimo Arnesano (University of Southern California), Freya Baetens (Cambridge University), Osman (Carnegie Mellon University) MedScien upholds a rigorous review process to ensure that only high-quality studies are published, providing readers with reliable and well-researched content. The journal offers a comprehensive platform covering a diverse range of topics, from fundamental medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to clinical specialties including cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics. This broad scope keeps readers informed about the latest advancements across various medical fields. Additionally, MedScien places a strong emphasis on the practical applications of research findings, promoting studies that have real-world relevance for clinical practice and healthcare policy-making. By bridging theoretical research with practical implications, the journal serves as an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals and medical researchers alike.
The Medicinal Value and Clinical Use of Isoliquiritin
Isoliquiritin has garnered increasing interest in recent years due to its promising therapeutic properties. It is kind a flavonoid compound derived from the roots and rhizomes of plants from a traditional Chinese medicine licorice. This plant belongs to Leguminosae Glycyrrhiza genus and were listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. Traditionally, the dry root and the rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. has been used for the extraction of isoliquiritin. The active compound, isoliquiritin, is now emerging as a key player in modern clinical research, attributed to its diverse pharmacological activities and potential clinical applications. Recent studies have illuminated isoliquiritin’s multifaceted roles in modulating cellular processes and its potential benefits in treating a range of conditions. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are particularly noteworthy, as they contribute to mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation—two underlying factors in many chronic diseases. Additionally, isoliquiritin’s effects on several signal pathways of cells have led to exploration in the context of relative disorders, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The growing body of evidence supporting isoliquiritin’s efficacy prompts a reevaluation of its clinical potential and therapeutic viability. This paper aims to explore the current state of research on isoliquiritin, focusing on its pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications. By analyzing currently available data and assessing ongoing clinical trials, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview about the role of isoliquiritin in modern medicine and to identify the future directions about its research and application.
The Source and Extraction of Isoliquiritin
Licorice, as a traditional herb that belongs to Leguminosae Glycyrrhiza genus, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Currently, it was also listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. Isoliquiritin, as a flavonoid compound, is widely present in the dry roots and the rhizomes of plants that belongs Glycyrrhiza genus (common name as licorice), which includes Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.. It has attracted widespread attention for its various biological activities. Isoliquiritin is one of the active ingredients, demonstrating various potential medicinal values such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. Although isoliquiritin has shown great potential in the field of medicine, its extraction and utilization still face some challenges. At present, the extraction of isoliquiritin mainly relies on plant sources, and the sustainable utilization of plant resources and optimization of extraction methods directly affect its production efficiency and cost. In addition, the biosynthetic pathway of isoliquiritin has not been fully elucidated, which limits the possibility of large-scale production through biotechnological means. This article aims to systematically review the sources and extraction methods of isoliquiritin, explore its potential applications in modern medicine, and analyze the shortcomings and future research directions in current research. This will provide important theoretical basis and practical guidance for the further development and utilization of isoliquiritin.
Targeted Therapeutic Strategy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Leveraging RNA Editing
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastation X-linked recessive genetic disorder involving progressive muscle tissue degeneration and premature death, primarily occurring in males. Current therapies such as corticosteroids and gene replacement are of limited value and suffer from the problems of enormous side effects and restrictions based on viral vectors. RNA base editing is a new-generation therapeutic strategy for genetic diseases like DMD with advantages of being reversible, less likely to lead to off-target risks than DNA editing, and direct disease-causing mRNA mutation correction. This study reviews the literature for RNA base editing as a therapy for DMD. Major RNA editing technologies, adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing by engineered ADAR enzymes , are introduced for their potential to edit out premature stop codons in the DMD mRNA to restore functional dystrophin protein expression. Key milestones include the miniaturization of editors suitable for adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery, demonstration of efficacy in humanized DMD mouse models with dystrophin restoration and functional muscle improvement. The findings reveal the therapeutic utility of RNA base editing for DMD and propose new directions for its future clinical application.
Applications of CRISPR in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disorders are marked by the immune system’s erroneous recognition and ongoing assault on the body’s own tissues, impacting roughly 5-10% of individuals. Existing interventions, such as immunosuppressive drugs, can ease outward symptoms but cannot eliminate the root cause, while long-term use may bring about risks like heightened infection susceptibility or organ damage due to toxicity. CRISPR gene editing technology, which allows for accurate genomic modifications through Cas9 endonuclease and programmable guide RNA, has exhibited potential in treating monogenic diseases and certain tumors. However, its use in complex autoimmune conditions is still in the early investigative stage, with current approaches centered on editing genes that regulate immune cell activity and reestablishing immune tolerance. Notable research limitations include inefficient cell-type-specific delivery systems, unaddressed off-target modifications, and insufficient verification of long-term safety. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of CRISPR-based therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases, encompassing the identification of disease-related genes (e.g., TLR7 in SLE and PTPN22 in RA), editing techniques (gene knockout, knock-in, and base editing), and the regulation of immune cell functions. Preclinical results show reduced production of autoantibodies, inhibited inflammatory responses, and mitigated tissue harm in models of SLE and RA. These findings offer a scientific foundation for the development of targeted, curative treatments, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional therapies. Future investigations should focus on improving editing accuracy, refining delivery systems, and performing extended safety evaluations to expedite the clinical application of personalized CRISPR-based treatments for autoimmune disorders.
Correlation Study and Treatment of Malignant Tumors with Differentiation Induction in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of strengthening the body's vital energy and eliminating pathogenic factors. It suggests that tumors are linked to qi stagnation, blood stasis, and imbalance between yin and yang. This study explores the correlation between TCM treatment and tumor differentiation, and proposes innovative treatments under TCM theory. By combining clinical observations, research experiments, and collaborative diagnosis and treatment between TCM and Western medicine, the goal is to prevent tumor occurrence and metastasis. Some components of TCM can directly induce tumor cell differentiation and synergize with Western medicine treatment.
A review of studies on the impact of social isolation and loneliness on Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease affecting the elderly, is on a continuous global rise in incidence and prevalence, placing a heavy burden on the individual, the family, and society. In recent years, more and more researches have revealed that social isolation and loneliness are important factors of risk for the development of AD. The purpose of this review is to systematically sort out the existing cohort research evidence on the impact of social isolation and loneliness on AD, to deeply explore the underlying neurobiological, psychological, and inflammatory response mechanisms, and to pay special attention to the gender specificity of the effects of social isolation and loneliness on AD, and to analyze the differences in cognitive decline, psychological problems, and disease progression between females and males, as well as their possible causes, with a view to providing new directions for future research and AD early prevention and intervention strategies for AD, with a view to providing new perspectives and theoretical basis for future research directions and early prevention and intervention strategies for AD.
Meniscus injuries are recognized as critical to knee joint function and mobility. This paper examines different diagnostic and treatment strategies for meniscal injuries. Technological advancements such as MRI and arthroscopies, alongside physical diagnostic tests like the Apley test, have significantly improved the accuracy of diagnosis. Treatment depends on severity and individual needs, ranging from conservative management to surgery like meniscectomies or meniscus repairs. Research shows that accelerated rehabilitation may be effective in certain conditions, but standard protocols are being developed. This study uses recent findings and patient outcome data to emphasize the importance of diagnostic and treatment methods in managing meniscus injuries.
Structural Analysis and Control Optimization of Finger Exoskeleton Design Modeling
With the increasing incidence of hand dysfunction caused by stroke, spinal cord injury, and other conditions, finger exoskeletons have emerged as a critical technology in rehabilitation medicine, assistive technology, and human-computer interaction. This paper reviews the structural analysis and control optimization of finger exoskeleton design and modeling. It first elaborates on their application significance in aiding functional recovery for patients, assisting daily activities for people with disabilities, and enhancing human-machine interaction efficiency, while highlighting core challenges such as biomechanical compatibility, motion precision, and control efficiency. Then, it analyzes structural design aspects including mechanical architectures (rigid, soft-rigid hybrid, modular adjustable) and key considerations like biomechanical constraints and wearability. It also discusses control optimization strategies such as trajectory planning, force control, and impedance control. Finally, it identifies current limitations in structure, compatibility, and algorithms, and prospects future directions like sensor network integration and bionic design. This review offers valuable insights to promote the technical advancement and practical application of finger exoskeletons.
Advances in Brain Cancer Therapy: Exploration of Small Molecules and Nanomedicine
Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies of the central nervous system, with high recurrence rates and poor prognosis posing a serious threat to patient survival. Current therapeutic approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have improved survival to some extent but remain limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), tumor heterogeneity, and drug resistance. In recent years, small-molecule drugs and nanomedicine-based delivery systems have shown great potential in overcoming these barriers. Small molecules such as temozolomide (TMZ) and targeted agents play important roles in combination therapies, yet issues of BBB penetration and resistance persist. Nanomedicine platforms—including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and exosomes—enable enhanced drug accumulation at tumor sites and controlled release, offering new strategies to break through the limitations of conventional therapies. However, clinical translation faces challenges related to safety, regulatory approval, and high costs. Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence–driven drug discovery, CRISPR-based gene editing, liquid biopsy for early detection, and theranostics (therapy combined with diagnostics) hold promise for more precise and personalized treatment of brain cancer. This review summarizes the current therapeutic strategies and limitations of brain cancer, highlights advances in small-molecule and nanomedicine approaches, and discusses challenges and future perspectives for their clinical translation.
Nutritional Correlation between Gut Microbiota and Obesity
Obesity is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disease that has become a global public health crisis, with more than 1.3 billion individuals affected worldwide. Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a critical factor linking nutrition and obesity. Alterations in microbial diversity and composition—particularly an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio—are closely associated with enhanced energy harvest, impaired intestinal barrier function, systemic low-grade inflammation, and metabolic disorders. These microbial imbalances form a vicious cycle that exacerbates obesity and related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutritional strategies targeting the gut microbiome have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. Dietary interventions rich in fiber, polyphenols, and prebiotics can remodel microbial communities, increase short-chain fatty acid production, and improve metabolic regulation. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation, particularly multi-strain formulations, have shown benefits in modulating microbial homeostasis and reducing visceral fat. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as an innovative approach, improving insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers, though its long-term efficacy and safety remain uncertain. Advances in metagenomics, metabolomics, and precision nutrition are expected to refine personalized microbiome-based therapies. Overall, understanding the bidirectional interaction between gut microbiota and obesity provides a scientific basis for developing effective nutritional interventions, which may contribute to comprehensive strategies for obesity prevention and treatment.
CAR-T Cell Therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a common blood malignancy tumor that originates from the uncontrolled growth of immature lymphocytes. This process destabilizes normal hematopoiesis and gradually deteriorates the health of patients. There are some conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can improve survival for some patients. However, regarding Relapsed or Refractory (R/R) cases, their efficacy remains very limited, which is a significant challenge in clinical practice. To address these challenges, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has unveiled an innovative immunotherapeutic therapy. By carrying out genetic engineering on autologous T cells of patients, this strategy allows them to accurately identify and eradicate malignant lymphoblasts. Among these strategies, CD19-directed CAR-T therapy has accomplished notable clinical breakthroughs. Research shows that 70% to 90% of patients suffering from R/R ALL achieve total remission after receiving CAR-T therapy. In most cases, minimal residual disease becomes undetectable within a relatively short period. These findings also reflect this therapy can induce rapid remission and offer patients improved long-term survival outlook. At the same time, research in this field is expanding. But, in relation to safety hurdles including Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS), the risk of relapse in certain patients, and the logistical challenges posed by complex manufacturing and high costs. This research explores recent research on CAR-T therapy in ALL, highlighting both its treatment developments and existing limitations. The purpose is to provide a thorough understanding that may advise future clinical practice and translational research.
Single - cell Sequencing in Stem Cell Nanotargeted Therapy for Triple - negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks the expression of three Targeted hormone receptors, namely Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR), and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), leading to difficulties in implementing Targeted therapy. Its high Heterogeneity is primarily regulated by the Interaction between the Tumor microenvironment (TME) and Cancer stem cell subpopulations (CSCs). The Immunosuppressive microenvironment within the TME promotes the survival and Metastasis of tumor stem cells, while CSCs, by secreting Immune checkpoint molecules, in turn promote the immunosuppressive microenvironment and simultaneously remodel the TME.This study, by investigating their interactions and the integration of single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq) technology, aims to identify the Heterogeneity of Triple-negative breast cancer stem cells (TNBC-CSCs) and their surface markers, to elucidate the molecular characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functional properties of CSCs, and to seek prognosis-related therapeutic targets for different subtypes of TNBC. Simultaneously, novel nanomaterials, such as nCOF, will be utilized to deliver drugs to overcome the difficulties in drug delivery for TNBC, thereby achieving precise drug release.
AI-Enabled Smart Watch Detection of Cardiac Arrest: A Review
Cardiac arrest is a common cause of death, with a high mortality rate if it occurs outside of hospitals and does not receive immediate care. This paper explored the possibilities of using the widespread technology, smart watches, in the detection of cardiac arrest, with the assistance of AI and deep learning algorithms. After understanding cardiac arrest and the electrocardiogram (ECG) waves for diagnosis, current smart watch technology is more focused on other ECG readings, and despite its accuracy, it cannot support the detection of cardiac arrest. However, with the use of deep learning and generative AI, the potential of early onset cardiac arrest detection seems to be likely in the near future. Currently, smart watches are capable of capturing 3-lead ECG readings, as well as precordial ECG diagrams. With further research in AI training and hardware upgrades, early onset cardiac arrest detection is possible, and could help save many lives from cardiac arrest.
Advances and Challenges in Artificial Intelligence and Statistical Methods for the Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
This study reviews the research progress, current applications, and future challenges of artificial intelligence and statistical methods in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Dubbed the ‘king of cancers’ due to its insidious early symptoms and rapid metastasis, pancreatic cancer exhibits low early detection rates, with traditional CT, MRI, and biomarker diagnostics demonstrating limited sensitivity. Artificial intelligence demonstrates significant potential in deep learning, machine learning, multimodal data analysis, medical image recognition, and clinical decision support systems, substantially enhancing the detection rate of small lesions and diagnostic accuracy. By integrating multi-source medical imaging, genomic, and clinical data, AI not only improves screening efficiency but also assists clinicians in formulating personalised treatment strategies. However, current limitations include inadequate data standardisation, insufficient explainability, and insufficient external validation. Future efforts should rely on large-scale, multicentre clinical studies to advance the clinical translation and practical application of AI models in pancreatic cancer early screening, thereby providing new avenues for reducing mortality rates.
The PI3K-AKT Signaling Axis Modulates Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Multidrug Resistance
Worldwide, GC ranks among the top five most commonly diagnosed cancers, with its incidence and mortality rates remaining at a high level for a long time. Patients with advanced GC often lose the opportunity for surgical resection due to disease spread, and their treatment relies heavily on systemic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. However, patients still tend to experience a decline in therapeutic efficacy during the treatment cycle and eventually fall into the dilemma of treatment failure, with MDR being the core cause of this outcome. A large number of studies have shown that the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a crucial role in tumor drug resistance, through mechanisms including inhibiting apoptotic pathways, promoting tumor growth, and regulating tumor metabolism. This review focuses on the specific pathways by which the aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT axis regulates MDR in GC—including the modulation of autophagy, enhancement of drug efflux, promotion of anti-apoptotic responses, and suppression of ferroptosis in cancer cells. It also summarizes key MDR-related targets within this pathway (encompassing proteins such as NF-κB, mTOR, and NRF2) and further explores how the dysregulated PI3K/AKT pathway influences tumor resistance from both chemotherapy and radiotherapy perspectives. The ultimate aim of this article is to provide a novel and comprehensive theoretical framework for the application of PI3K/AKT axis inhibitors in GC combination therapy strategies.
Progress in research on effects of chronic stress on brain structure and function
As a cumulative and persistent form of stress, chronic stress has been shown to have a profound impact on the structure and function of the human brain. This article reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of chronic stress acting on the brain and its key role in mood and cognitive dysfunction. Long-term activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to sustained elevation of cortisol, disrupting negative feedback regulation and causing neurotoxic damage to key brain regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. At the same time, chronic stress can interfere with the neurotransmitter system, especially the dopamine and serotonin pathways, leading to emotional instability, anhedonia, and decreased cognitive flexibility. In addition, synaptic plasticity and functional remodeling of neural networks are also significantly affected, manifested by inhibition of long-term enhancement (LTP), abnormal enhancement of long-term inhibition (LTD), decreased synaptic connectivity, and dysregulation of emotion-cognitive circuits. These mechanisms interact to form a vicious circle that increases the risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of chronic stress not only helps to reveal the brain's adaptation and dysregulation response to stress, but also provides a theoretical basis for early intervention, biomarker identification and treatment strategy development.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
To Assess the Effectiveness of Caffeine Consumption as a Potential Therapeutic Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
The second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson's disease (PD), requires new approaches because there are currently no disease-modifying therapies. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential of caffeine consumption for PD, focusing on the alleviation of motor and cognitive symptoms as well as potential neuroprotective mechanisms. Utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar, initially, 12,187 articles (2015-2025) were screened, with five clinical trials meeting the inclusion criteria (full-text, English, human or animal studies). Results indicated mixed outcomes: higher cognitive performance in low-demand activities [1] and improved motor function (e.g., lower UPDRS-III scores [2] were associated with low-dose caffeine (<400 mg/day). Inhibition of adenosine A2A and MAO-B receptors was linked to neuroprotective benefits, including reduced alpha-synuclein toxicity and neuroinflammation [3, 4]. However, conflicting studies reported negligible benefits [5] or dose-dependent risks [6]. Small sample sizes, methodological variability, and reliance on animal models were among the limitations that raised concerns regarding reliability. Caffeine shows potential in reducing Parkinson's disease symptoms by blocking A2A receptors and influencing oxidative pathways, but inconsistent findings highlight the necessity for large-scale human trials and standardised dosage recommendations. Caffeine's potential as an adjuvant therapy is highlighted by these findings, although caution is advised because individual variations and safety implications are still unknown. Further research is essential to establish the optimal therapeutic strategies and long-term success in the management of Parkinson's disease.
Mechanisms and Clinical Applications of Tumor Mutational Burden in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Over the past few years, ICIs have rapidly emerged as primary standard treatments for advanced NSCLC, offering new therapeutic directions for the disease. However, some remain unresponsive to ICIs or develop resistance. Therefore, the development of predictive biomarkers is critically important for accurately identifying patients most likely to respond to immunotherapy. TMB serves as a promising biomarker in cancer immunotherapy, effectively assessing the tumor's neoantigen load. Tumor cells with high TMB can generate neoantigens, activating T cells to attack tumor cells and produce an immunotherapy response. Therefore, the presence of a high TMB in patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs correlates with sustained clinical responses and improved long-term outcomes. This paper elucidates the mechanism of action of TMB as a biomarker in immunotherapy for NSCLC, evaluates its clinical utility (demonstrating significantly improved ORR, PFS, and OS in patients with high TMB when combined with monoclonal antibodies) and identifies its limitations (including insufficient testing standardization and inability to directly reflect mutation burden). These findings aim to provide additional theoretical reference for clinical practice.
Recent Clinical Applications of Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Tumor Treatment
Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy remain the primary first-line treatments for malignant tumors, yet these diseases still exhibit high morbidity and mortality. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has fundamentally reshaped the therapeutic paradigm in oncology. ICIs target CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1, blocking the immunosuppressive pathways that tumors initiate against immune cells, which demonstrates efficacy in various types of cancer. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ICIs used as monotherapy and in combination of ICIs and chemotherapy can significantly improve clinical survival rates and have become a standard and effective treatment regimen for advanced NSCLC patients. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the combination use of ICIs and anti-angiogenic drugs have become first-line standards, and dual-blockade strategies also show therapeutic effects. The pan-cancer treatment targeting the MSI-H/dMMR molecular subtype breaks the traditional model and exhibits significant therapeutic potential for various solid tumors, e.g., pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Future efforts need to explore novel checkpoint molecules, identify predictive biomarkers, develop optimized combination regimens, and clarify the differences in ICIs efficacy among HCC patients with different etiologies. This article reviews the mechanism of action of ICIs, their therapeutic applications in NSCLC, HCC, pancreatic cancer, and other cancers, as well as current achievements and future directions.
The Role of Urban Green Spaces in the Context of Urbanization in Europe
Rapid urbanization has led to serious landscape fragmentation problems in metropolitan areas. Urban Green Spaces (UGS), as a key carrier connecting fragmented wildlife habitats, are considered a core component of modern cities. Currently, most research has not yet focused on the European region, so exploring the role of urban green spaces in mitigating habitat loss and supporting wildlife conservation in this area is of great significance. This study focuses on birds as the core research object (as they account for the highest proportion of urban wildlife species in the region), and chooses urban parks as the research object (as they are the most common type of urban green space in European metropolises). The study searched for relevant literature in the past 5 years through Google Scholar, combined with keyword screening and literature comparison analysis, and concluded that larger urban parks usually support higher bird diversity, which is particularly beneficial for forest related specialized bird species; Parks with more complex vegetation structures or closer to natural states can increase the richness and probability of specialized species in bird functional groups, while parks with simplified habitat structures are more likely to attract urban adaptable birds; Human interference has a significant negative impact on the stability of sensitive bird species and bird communities. This study can fill the gap in existing research in the European region and further explore the functional value of urban green spaces as supplementary habitats in human communities and as ecological corridors in fragmented landscapes.
CRISPR Technology in the Treatment of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA)
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a severe inherited retinal disease and one of the leading causes of childhood blindness. With the rise of gene therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has brought new hope for the treatment of LCA. This article reviews the research progress of CRISPR in LCA treatment. This article focuses on key experiments in LCA treatment, particularly animal models and clinical studies targeting core pathogenic genes such as CEP290, RPE65, and GUCY2D. Among them, the EDIT-101 clinical trial targeting CEP290 mutations achieved the first-ever CRISPR gene editing in humans and preliminarily validated its safety and efficacy in selected patients, confirming the feasibility of the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) strategy in non-dividing retinal cells. Although animal studies have shown that CRISPR can effectively repair mutations and restore some visual function, it still faces many challenges, including the low efficiency of HDR strategies in non-dividing cells, the need to optimize vector delivery efficiency for clinical applications, and the commercialization challenges posed by rare diseases. This article aims to provide reference and insights for future research directions in the field of LCA treatment using CRISPR.
The Application Value of Artificial Intelligence in Pulmonary Nodule Detection and Benign-Malignant Classification
Artificial intelligence demonstrates significant value in detecting pulmonary nodules and determining whether they are benign or malignant. With the ever-growing applications of low-dose CT screening, the detection speed of pulmonary nodules has increased substantially. However, manual diagnosis faces challenges including missed detections and inconsistent interpretations among different radiologists. This article provides a systematic review of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in lung cancer screening. It focuses on the automated identification, segmentation, and diagnostic classification of pulmonary nodules. We specifically examine the performance of deep learning models like CNN and U-Net, comparing results from multiple clinical studies. Research findings indicate that AI achieves high sensitivity of up to 98.98% in nodule detection and reaches AUC values between 0.88 and 0.936 in benign-malignant classification. These results are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, the performance of experienced radiologist teams. Additionally, AI shows potential in predicting pathological subtypes and improves diagnostic accuracy through multi-modal integration. By providing quantitative feature analysis and model integration, AI technology offers more objective and consistent diagnostic support. Its high sensitivity and substantial value as a diagnostic aid suggest that AI will likely become an essential component of standard clinical workflows in the near future.
Mechanisms, Imaging, and Targeted Strategies of Neuroinflammation-Driven Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in Neurodegenerative Diseases
This study focuses on the mechanisms of neuroinflammation-driven blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage in neurodegenerative diseases such as ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and systematically explores the integration of in vivo imaging techniques and targeted therapeutic strategies. It analyzes the effects of immune cells, cytokines, and core signaling pathways in neuroinflammation on the BBB, evaluates the application value of imaging technologies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) in inflammation monitoring, and discusses the roles of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra) and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2). The results show that neuroinflammation impairs BBB integrity through oxidative stress, activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), and peripheral immune infiltration; the dual regulatory effects of microglia and astrocytes, as well as the activation of signaling pathways such as NOD-like Receptor Pyrin Domain-Containing Protein 3 (NLRP3) and Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), are key mechanisms. Multimodal imaging techniques can accurately capture inflammatory dynamics, providing a basis for personalized treatment. Targeted strategies have shown significant efficacy in animal models, but species differences and time window control remain major challenges for clinical translation. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the inflammatory mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic regimens.
Rehabilitation treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease, with a global incidence rate of 0.5%-1.0%. The disease is mainly characterized by morning stiffness, swelling, deformation, and pain of the joints, which significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Currently, clinical treatment for the active phase of RA primarily relies on medications and surgery. While these approaches can alleviate inflammation and pain, they are prone to causing side effects such as liver function damage and gastrointestinal reactions. Therefore, rehabilitation therapy has become a key method to compensate for the limitations of medications and improve patients' functional abilities. This paper reviews three types of rehabilitation methods. Occupational therapy, cryotherapy, and orthotic rehabilitation engineering. In occupational therapy, individualized exercise programs, task-oriented training, and digital tools can improve patients' functions; however, the combined benefits of compensatory interventions and exercise training remain controversial. Cryotherapy can relieve symptoms, and cold air plasma can further inhibit synovial hyperplasia. Orthotics can improve joint function, and technologies such as 3D printing have facilitated the personalized development of orthotics. In the future, efforts should be made to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, explore combined therapies, establish standardized evaluation systems, and conduct large-sample long-term studies.
Artificial Intelligence in Assessing Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) assessment has long relied on traditional methods that are often subjective, time-consuming, and limited in predictive accuracy, creating a significant gap for more objective and scalable tools. To address this gap, artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the assessment and management of CVD, enabling a shift from these conventional approaches to data-driven, precise, and predictive paradigms. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements in AI applications across major CVD diagnostic modalities, including cardiac imaging (echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography), physiological signal processing (electrocardiogram and photoplethysmography from wearable devices), and multimodal risk prediction. AI algorithms demonstrate expert-level performance in automating the quantification of key metrics such as ejection fraction and coronary calcium, detecting subtle arrhythmias, and identifying early signs of cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, by integrating multimodal data—such as electronic health records (EHRs) and retinal images—AI models excel in predicting individual risks of major adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure (HF) hospitalization, and mortality, outperforming conventional risk stratification tools. Despite these significant developments, challenges related to data quality, model interpretability, and clinical integration still exist. The future focus will be on three major directions: introducing large language models (LLMs) to build a more intelligent patient management system, developing adaptive analysis systems with continuous learning capabilities, and expanding the application of AI in auxiliary diagnosis and treatment. Through a human-machine collaboration model, to provide clinical solutions for CVD prevention and treatment that are both personalized and preventive.
The Application of CRISPR Technology in Tumor-Targeted
This article gave an overview for CRISPR-Cas9 technology use and advancement in precise cancer treatment. As the burden of cancer worldwide continues to increase, traditional therapies is plagued by devastating side effects because of their non-cell specificity, and molecularly targeted therapies have the disadvantage of drug resistance and limited application, which cannot adapt to the needs of clinical treatment. In a recent development, the innovative gene-editing tool known as CRISPR has demonstrated great potential in the field of cancer treatment. This study provides an in-depth examination of the mechanisms and potential uses of CRISPR in precision cancer therapy, including the editing of key genes, the rejuvenation of tumor suppressor genes, the modification of immune cells, and the discovery of new treatment targets. Clinical trials showed that CRISPR-modified T cells show tolerable safety profile and limited efficacy to selected patients with hematologic malignancies. The findings showed CRISPR holds the promise to circumvent the limitations of current therapies and deliver novel cancer therapy. Yet, the off-target effect, the inefficient delivery, and complexity of the tumor microenvironment are significant barriers for clinical application. Future work includes how to increase editing precision and safety, adapt it to other tumor types, as well as combination strategy with other therapeutic approaches to elevate its clinical application towards precision oncology.
Dual Research on Drug Efficacy and Toxicity: A Multidisciplinary Integration Perspective
In modern society, drugs serve as the most prevalent approach to treating diseases. Nevertheless, while combating illnesses, drugs may also trigger adverse responses in the human body, encompassing side effects, toxic reactions, allergic reactions, secondary reactions, residual effects, and teratogenic effects. Take rifampicin as an example: excessive administration of this drug can lead to acute or chronic toxic damage to the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems, as well as disrupt the functions of the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, and endocrine organs.[1] Consequently, identifying the potential toxicity of drugs and safeguarding medication safety have become a crucial component in the process of drug research and development (R&D) and clinical application. As technologies like multi-omics, systems biology, and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to advance, interdisciplinary research has gradually evolved into a new paradigm for assessing drug efficacy and toxicology. This paper aims to explore the synergistic mechanisms underlying drug efficacy and toxicity across multiple biological levels, including molecular, cellular, organ, and systemic levels.
Treatment of Depression in Parkinson's Disease: Pathological Mechanisms and Clinical Practice
Depression, a non-motor symptom, frequently occurs alongside Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Its treatment necessitates balancing the alleviation of depressive symptoms against the risk of worsening motor symptoms. Conventional antidepressants exhibit limited efficacy, are prone to inducing adverse reactions, and further exacerbate issues such as diminished patient quality of life and increased caregiving burden. In-depth exploration of the pathological mechanisms of depression in Parkinson's Disease (PDD) and optimization of diagnosis and treatment strategies are of great significance. This article reviews the pathological mechanisms (abnormal neurotransmission, inflammation), clinical treatments (pharmacological treatment, TCM acupuncture, non-pharmacological combined treatment) and future research directions, which highlight the advantages of acupuncture and multi-method combined treatment. At present, some therapies in this field lack verification through large-sample studies. In the future, more studies need to be conducted to clarify the mechanisms, verify the efficacy and optimize the schemes, so as to provide references for clinical practice and scientific research of PDD.
Role of BDNF in the Pathogenesis of Central Nervous System Diseases and Targeted Therapy
Central nervous system diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Existing treatments are mostly symptomatic and hardly alter disease progression, so new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is of great significance for the survival of neuronal as well as synaptic plasticity, and its functional abnormalities are related to many central nervous system (CNS) diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target. This article first elaborates on the biological functions and action mechanisms of BDNF, then reviews its action mechanisms, expression changes, and advances in targeted therapy in traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression, covering relevant studies on intervention methods such as drugs, electroconvulsive therapy, and acupuncture. At present, there are problems in this field such as unclear mechanisms in some aspects and the need for further verification of some therapeutic approaches. In the future, in-depth research on BDNF-related mechanisms and therapeutic methods is required to promote the development of BDNF-targeted therapy for central nervous system diseases towards a more effective and safe direction, which thereby provides new strategies for disease treatment.
Clinical applications and progresses of Tripterygium wilfordii extracts in treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F (TW), commonly known as Thunder God Vine, is a perennial woody vine belonging to the Celastraceae family and has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including potent anti-inflammatory effects, the ability to modulate immune responses by regulating immune cell activity and cytokine secretion, and the capacity to induce apoptosis specifically in abnormal or pathological cells. Clinically, its application is particularly prominent in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) being one of the key conditions it targets. Previous research studies have sufficiently demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of extracts derived from TW in the management of SLE; however, the inherent toxicity of these extracts has significantly restricted their widespread adoption and long-term use in clinical practice. This article aims to systematically review the underlying pathological mechanisms of SLE and summarize the important clinical advances made over the past five years regarding the application of specific Tripterygium wilfordii extracts—namely tripterygium glycosides (TGs), triptolide (TP), and celastrol (CEL)—in the treatment of SLE.