Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim最新文献

{"title":"Ramadan fasting: A holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual health.","authors":"Mahmood Abdelkader, Danny Jandali, Emaad Khan, Yohana Fasel, Hira Adeel, Huda Haque, Faraan O Rahim","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims worldwide, characterized by fasting from dawn until sunset. This manuscript examines the holistic benefits of Ramadan fasting on physical, mental and spiritual health. Physically, fasting facilitates detoxification, enhances gut microbiota, aids in weight management and bolsters cardiovascular health. Mentally, it enhances neuroplasticity and focus, reduces stress and elevates mood, supported by self-reports and biomarker evidence. Spiritually, the practice deepens faith, strengthens community bonds and inspires acts of charity and compassion. Together, these elements offer a comprehensive approach to wellbeing, underscoring the interconnected benefits of physical discipline and spiritual reflection. Further research is encouraged to expand these findings and optimize the health potential of fasting. Please cite this article as: Abdelkader M, Jandali D, Khan E, Fasel Y, Adeel H, Haque H, Rahim FO. Ramadan fasting: A holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual health. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brain cortical activation and functional connection of Tai Chi Yunshou during different tasks: An fNIRS study","authors":"Hui Fu,&nbsp;Jin Fan,&nbsp;Xiao-bo Liu,&nbsp;Yu-xi Li,&nbsp;Jia-ming Zhang,&nbsp;Chen Xue,&nbsp;Jun Zhang,&nbsp;Cheng Xie,&nbsp;Zhong Zheng,&nbsp;Lin-bo Jiang,&nbsp;Juan Li,&nbsp;Dong-ling Zhong,&nbsp;Rong-jiang Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate brain activation and functional connectivity in the prefrontal and motor regions during observation, imagery and execution tasks of Tai Chi Yunshou in healthy adults using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 healthy adults (48 males and 52 females; aged [26.23 ± 6.84] years) without a history of neurological, psychiatric or chronic diseases. All participants completed observation, imagery and execution tasks of Tai Chi Yunshou: (1) in the observation task, participants watched videos of the Tai Chi Yunshou movement; (2) in the imagery task, participants repeatedly imagined performing the Tai Chi Yunshou movement following verbal instructions; and (3) in the execution task, participants physically performed the Tai Chi Yunshou movement. The forty-channel wearable fNIRS system was utilized to evaluate the real-time cortical responses during the tasks. Cortical activation was analyzed using a general linear model, functional connectivity was assessed by Pearson correlation, and directional interactions between brain regions were examined using Granger causality analysis (GCA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the observation task, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and frontopolar area (FPA) were deactivated (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). During the imagery task, right DLPFC, primary motor cortex (PMC) and premotor and supplementary motor cortex (PSMC) areas were activated. The bilateral Broca’s areas, bilateral DLPFC, bilateral orbitofrontal areas, right FPA, right PMC, right PSMC and right primary somatosensory cortex were activated during the execution task. Execution of Tai Chi Yunshou showed strong functional connectivity within prefrontal cortex (PFC), within sensorimotor area as well as between PFC and sensorimotor area. The results of GCA suggested that Tai Chi Yunshou execution engaged more robust and widespread causal interactions among cortical areas compared to observation and imagery tasks.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Different activation patterns were found among observation, imagery and execution of Tai Chi Yunshou. Compared with observation and imagery of Tai Chi Yunshou, execution of Tai Chi Yunshou activated and coordinated more brain regions in the PFC and sensorimotor areas, offering evidence that the practice of Tai Chi has the effect of harmonizing both the body and the mind.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Fu H, Fan J, Liu XB, Li YX, Zhang JM, Xue C, Zhang J, Xie C, Zheng Z, Jiang LB, Li J, Zhong DL, Jin RJ. Brain cortical activation and functional connection of Tai Chi Yunshou during different tasks: An fNIRS study. <em>J Integr Med.</em> 2026; 24(5):698–707.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 5","pages":"Pages 698-707"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148220066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Periplocin targets STAT3 to suppress MYC expression and inhibit multiple myeloma cell proliferation","authors":"Rong-fang Wei,&nbsp;Jing-xian Chen,&nbsp;Shu-ping Lai,&nbsp;Zi-ang Chen,&nbsp;Yan-ying Zhou,&nbsp;Ya-ping Liao,&nbsp;Yan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Periplocin, a bioactive component derived from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Periplocae Cortex, has recently emerged as a promising agent for cancer treatment. However, its mode of action, particularly in the context of multiple myeloma (MM), remains poorly characterized. This study investigates the antitumor efficacy of periplocin against MM and elucidates its underlying molecular mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay, while flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rates. The in vivo antitumor effect of periplocin was validated in a murine MM xenograft model. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses, network pharmacology, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were used to identify potential targets and signaling pathways of periplocin in treating MM. The Gene Expression Profiling database was used to evaluate the correlation between candidate gene expression and survival outcomes in MM patients. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate transcriptional activity, and CUT&amp;Tag polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the effect of periplocin on the binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein to the Myc proto-oncogene protein (MYC) promoter region. The protein expressions were explored via Western blotting analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Periplocin exhibited encouraging anti-MM activity in both cellular and animal models. Periplocin induced MM cell apoptosis and cell cycle blockade. Periplocin prevented the JAK2/STAT3/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade from being activated, impeding MM cell proliferation. Molecular docking and CETSA showed the interaction between periplocin and STAT3. RNA sequencing analysis showed that periplocin regulated STAT3-mediated expression of MYC, whose high expression was closely related to poor prognosis in MM. Moreover, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that periplocin significantly suppressed STAT3 transcriptional activity. The CUT&amp;Tag PCR results revealed that periplocin effectively inhibited the binding of STAT3 to the MYC promoter DNA region. Periplocin downregulated MYC expression.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Periplocin targets STAT3, suppressing MYC expression and leading to the inhibition of MM cell proliferation; this highlights its promise as a novel treatment option for MM.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Wei RF, Chen JX, Lai SP, Chen ZA, Zhou YY, Liao YP, Chen Y. Periplocin targets STAT3 to suppress MYC expression and inhibit multiple myeloma cell proliferation. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2026; 24(5):742–752.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 5","pages":"Pages 742-752"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148580576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hangzhou declaration on the global development of artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine","authors":"Xiao-hui Fan,&nbsp;Yu Li,&nbsp;Xiao-bo Lai,&nbsp;Jun-hua Zhang,&nbsp;Hai-yan Li,&nbsp;Kong-fa Hu,&nbsp;Jie Li,&nbsp;Jian-xin Chen,&nbsp;Hu-dan Pan,&nbsp;Chuan-biao Wen,&nbsp;Qing Ye,&nbsp;Hong-xing Kan,&nbsp;Xin-xue Li,&nbsp;Pan-fei Li,&nbsp;Yu Hu,&nbsp;Kai-xian Chen,&nbsp;Bo-li Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.07.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.07.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on the production of medical knowledge, research paradigms, healthcare services and the health industry. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a valuable part of human heritage and an important global health resource, is entering a period of historic innovation through its integration with AI. This convergence offers significant opportunities for the collation of classical literature, the inheritance of clinical experience, diagnosis and treatment, drug discovery, talent cultivation, industrial upgrading and health management. However, AI-enabled TCM is still in its infancy and faces challenges relating to theoretical compatibility, data quality, scientific evaluation, algorithmic transparency, ethical governance, standardization, interdisciplinary training and international coordination. The <em>Hangzhou Declaration on the Global Development of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Chinese Medicine</em> sets out a shared position and a consensus based on principles for trustworthy innovation in this emerging field. It emphasizes preserving the essence of TCM while pursuing innovation, prioritizing clinical value and patient safety, strengthening ethical governance, improving data standards and scientific evaluation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing international standards, bridging the digital divide, and cultivating globally competent talent. The Declaration aims to guide the responsible, open, inclusive and sustainable development of AI-enabled TCM, contributing to the health and well-being of humanity.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Fan XH, Li Y, Lai XB, Zhang JH, Li HY, Hu KF, Li J, Chen JX, Pan HD, Wen CB, Ye Q, Kan HX, Li XX, Li PF, Hu Y, Chen KX, Zhang BL. Hangzhou declaration on the global development of artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2026; 24(5):631–633.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 5","pages":"Pages 631-633"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148714298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-frequency electroacupuncture alleviates neuropathic pain via cannabinoid receptor type 2 signaling in the spinal cord dorsal horn","authors":"Zhou-yuan Wei,&nbsp;Jing-jing Zhang,&nbsp;Can Lin,&nbsp;Si-yi Li,&nbsp;Yu-rong Kang,&nbsp;Jing-qi Liang,&nbsp;Zhou-qi Liu,&nbsp;Xiao-fen He,&nbsp;Xiao-mei Shao,&nbsp;Jian-qiao Fang,&nbsp;Yong-liang Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.07.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.07.005","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study investigated the role of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) using a spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain (NP). The aim was to clarify the analgesic effects of different electroacupuncture (EA) frequencies in SNI rats and to explore whether the higher frequency exerts analgesic effects by modulating the CB2R signaling pathway.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;An SNI rat model was initially established. Mechanical allodynia was assessed using the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), and motor function was assessed using a gait analysis system. Expression levels of CB2R, phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified via immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. The functional role of the CB2R/p38 MAPK pathway was further investigated through intrathecal administration of the CB2R agonist AM1241 and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. The analgesic effects of low (2 Hz) and high-frequency (100 Hz) EA were observed in SNI rats, and the modulatory effect of the superior frequency (2 Hz) on this pathway was explored. The CB2R antagonist AM630 was co-administered with low-frequency EA to evaluate its impact on pathway activity.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;CB2R and p-p38 MAPK expression increased after SNI and they were mainly expressed in microglia. The SNI group exhibited a substantial increase in Iba1 and CD11b staining intensity, indicating robust microglial activation, along with elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Intrathecal administration of either the CB2R agonist AM1241 or the p-p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 increased the PWT, inhibited microglial activation and decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines in the SCDH. Both low and high-frequency EA were effective in alleviating pain induced by SNI. Low-frequency EA was significantly more effective than high-frequency EA in improving PWT. Low-frequency EA improves SNI-induced gait disturbances. Low-frequency EA ameliorated hyperalgesia in SNI rats by enhancing CB2R expression and suppressing p-p38 MAPK activation. AM630 reversed this analgesic effect. Moreover, EA attenuated microglial activation and lowered the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-6, in the SCDH. It also suppressed the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT). Notably, CB2R antagonism abolished all these effects.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;CB2R participates in SNI-induced NP by activating the p38 MAPK pathway. Low-frequency EA shows superior efficacy compared with high-frequency EA and alleviates NP through CB2R-mediated suppression of the p38 MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling in the SCDH.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;Please cite this article as: Wei ZY, Z","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 5","pages":"Pages 753-768"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148608880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Xiaobanxia decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, attenuates chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting via restoring AMPK/TFEB-mediated BNIP3/NIX mitophagy.","authors":"Lei Feng, Ya-Rong Zhai, Wan Liang, Shao-Jun Kan, Ke Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Xiaobanxia decoction (XBXD), a classical Chinese antiemetic formula, has potential benefits for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The present study investigates its antiemetic effect and explores the possible mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential therapeutic targets and pathways. The efficacy and mechanism of XBXD were evaluated using a cisplatin-induced rat pica model and an intestinal epithelial cell line-6 (IEC-6) cell injury model. Antiemetic effects were assessed by measuring kaolin intake, food consumption, and body weight. Gastric antrum and ileum pathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess tissue levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial injury and mitochondrial ROS were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Mitophagy and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway activation were assessed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the model group, XBXD significantly reduced kaolin consumption, alleviated gastric antrum and ileum pathological damage, and decreased IL-1β, IL-18 and ROS levels in both gastric antrum and ileum tissues. XBXD also improved mitochondrial ultrastructural morphology, reduced mitochondrial ROS, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, XBXD increased the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II/-I (LC3-II/LC3-I) ratio, reduced sequestosome-1 (p62) accumulation, and upregulated BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and Nip3-like protein X (NIX) expression, indicating restoration of mitophagy. Mechanistically, the AMPK/TFEB signaling pathway was triggered by the XBXD treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>XBXD ameliorates CINV in association with activation of the AMPK/TFEB pathway and the restoration of BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy. Please cite this article as: Feng L, Zhai YR, Liang W, Kan SJ, Nie K. Xiaobanxia decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, attenuates chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting via restoring AMPK/TFEB-mediated BNIP3/NIX mitophagy. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148921410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neural circuit mechanisms of acupuncture for pruritus: A review","authors":"Yi Hu,&nbsp;Si-xian Wu,&nbsp;Zhi-jie Xu,&nbsp;Yang Liu,&nbsp;Yun-hui Yi,&nbsp;Gui-ping Li,&nbsp;Yu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pruritus, or itch, is a common and distressing clinical symptom that severely impacts quality of life, and its complex pathophysiology presents a formidable challenge for clinical treatment. Acupuncture, an ancient and effective non-pharmacological therapy, has demonstrated significant potential in alleviating various types of pruritus. However, an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms has limited its widespread use and integration into modern medicine. This review synthesizes cutting-edge research on the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the antipruritic effects of acupuncture and delineates a comprehensive neurobiological framework for acupuncture’s action across the entire neuraxis, from peripheral neuro-immune interactions and spinal cord gating to supraspinal descending modulation and the remodeling of higher-order brain networks. This integrated perspective aims to provide a scientific foundation for optimizing clinical protocols and inspiring novel, circuit-based strategies for pruritus management.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Hu Y, Wu SX, Xu ZJ, Liu Y, Yi YH, Li GP, Zhang Y. Neural circuit mechanisms of acupuncture for pruritus: A review. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2026; 24(5):656–666.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 5","pages":"Pages 656-666"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147983927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting pancreatic cancer progression: The formononetin and salvianolic acid B combination suppresses JAK/STAT signaling via MBOAT2 downregulation","authors":"Ying Xu,&nbsp;Chen-shan Xu,&nbsp;Hang-bin Jin,&nbsp;Wei-gang Gu,&nbsp;Hong-zhang Shen,&nbsp;Lei Lu,&nbsp;Yan Chen,&nbsp;Dong-chao Xu,&nbsp;Xiao-feng Zhang,&nbsp;Jian-feng Yang,&nbsp;Yu Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Formononetin and salvianolic acid B (FcS) are the primary bioactive components of the <em>Astragalus mongholicus</em>–<em>Salvia miltiorrhiza</em> herbal pair, a classic combination for treating pancreatic cancer associated with qi deficiency and blood stasis. This study elucidates the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of FcS in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A zebrafish xenograft model was used to screen bioactive combinations derived from <em>A. mongholicus</em> and <em>S. miltiorrhiza</em>, identifying FcS as a candidate with antitumor activity. Its efficacy was evaluated in vivo using the zebrafish model, orthotopic LSL-<em>Kras</em>^G12D/+, LSL-<em>Trp53</em>^R172H/+ and <em>Pdx-1</em>-Cre (KPC) mice, and subcutaneous xenograft models. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and colony formation assays, and migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and transwell assays. Membrane-bound O-acyltransferase 2 (MBOAT2) was identified as a potential target through a molecular docking study and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis. <em>MBOAT2</em> knockdown cells were used to explore its roles and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway in FcS-mediated inhibition.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the zebrafish model, FcS strongly inhibited pancreatic tumor growth. FcS reduced tumor volume, the expression of proliferation marker Ki-67, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in KPC mice. In vitro, FcS inhibited pancreatic cancer cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, which was accompanied by downregulation of MBOAT2 expression. TCGA analysis linked high <em>MBOAT2</em> expression to aggressive phenotypes. <em>MBOAT2</em> knockdown reduced the survival, proliferation and invasion of BxPC-3 cells. Rescue experiments revealed that <em>MBOAT2</em> knockdown attenuated the antitumor effects of FcS, possibly through modulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. FcS also inhibited tumor proliferation in xenograft models, and MBOAT2 expression was elevated in tumor tissues from pancreatic cancer patients.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>FcS suppresses pancreatic cancer progression via MBOAT2 downregulation and JAK/STAT pathway inhibition, which highlights MBOAT2 as a potential therapeutic target.</div><div><br>Please cite this article as: Xu Y, Xu CS, Jin HB, Gu WG, Shen HZ, Lu L, Chen Y, Xu DC, Zhang XF, Yang JF, Wang Y. Targeting pancreatic cancer progression: The formononetin and salvianolic acid B combination suppresses JAK/STAT signaling via MBOAT2 downregulation. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2026; 24(5):725–741.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"24 5","pages":"Pages 725-741"},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148220062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends in contemporary integrative medicine: Challenges and recommendations.","authors":"Kai-Xian Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nowadays, humanity is facing the serious dual challenges of chronic non-communicable diseases and emerging infectious diseases. The holism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its multi-target and multi-level regulatory effects exhibit distinctive features and advantages in addressing contemporary global health challenges and has become an important component of China's national health strategy. Nevertheless, research paradigms simply based on reductionism are inadequate to address the prevention and treatment of complex diseases caused by multiple factors. The modern interpretation of the holistic theoretical framework of TCM and its scientific connotation requires methodological breakthroughs, and the high-quality evidence system for TCM also needs urgent improvement. Contemporary integration of TCM and Western medicine should uphold the ideological essence of TCM, such as holism and \"preventive treatment of disease,\" making full use of interdisciplinary modern technologies. By seizing the opportunities brought by the rapid development of new technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, integrative medicine can uphold integrity while promoting innovation, forge ahead, and advance the inheritance and development of integrated TCM and Western medicine. Please cite this article as: Chen KX. Trends in contemporary integrative medicine: Challenges and recommendations. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149040708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The design of \"dynamic-static evaluation by parallel groups within subpopulations\" for clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine.","authors":"Wen Zhang, Nian Huang, Ying-Si Lai, Xin-Lin Chen, Wang-Jian Zhang, Mo-Yan Qiu, Xue-Jing Lu, Lan-Ying Liu, Can-Dong Li, Jing Gu, Ji-Qian Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2026.08.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To more precisely evaluate the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine, we propose a novel study design called dynamic-static evaluation by parallel groups within subpopulations. The design includes 3 elements: subpopulations of patients based on TCM differentiation of syndrome and disease; parallel control groups inside or outside subpopulations; comprehensive evaluation for the combined effects of static and dynamic treatment. Using dry eye disease (disease-based syndromes), renal edema (syndrome-based diseases), and end-stage renal disease (method-based diseases and/or syndromes) as examples, we demonstrate potential applications of the design. Considering both characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine and modern research standards, the dynamic-static evaluation by parallel groups within subpopulations design provides a novel method for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine. Please cite this article as: Zhang W, Huang N, Lai YS, Chen XL, Zhang WJ, Qiu MY, Lu XJ, Liu LY, Li CD, Gu J, Fang JQ. The design of \"dynamic-static evaluation by parallel groups within subpopulations\" for clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med. 2026; Epub ahead of print.</p>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}