1.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
2.Effect of finite element method in treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children
Xiaojun SUN ; Huaming WANG ; Dehong ZHANG ; Xuewen SONG ; Jin HUANG ; Chen ZHANG ; Shengtai PEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1897-1904
BACKGROUND:Developmental dysplasia of the hip often leads to limb deformities in children,and the research related to its diagnosis and treatment has been gradually clarified.Recently,the finite element method has been paid attention to by scholars in the research related to developmental dysplasia of the hip because of its advantages. OBJECTIVE:Through literature search and review of the relevant research progress of finite element method in children's developmental dysplasia of the hip and treatment,analyze and summarize its advantages and disadvantages,and explore the direction of further research in the future. METHODS:PubMed,SCI,CBM,and CNKI were searched for relevant articles published from January 2014 to November 2023 with the key words of"developmental dysplasia(dislocation)of the hip,dysplasia of the hip,finite element analysis(method),pavlik harness,fixation in herringbone position,biomechanics,pelvic osteotomies,pemberton,salter,dega,periacetabular osteotomy,children"in Chinese and English.A small number of long-term articles were included,and 62 articles were finally included for analysis through screening. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mechanical environment of hip joint in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip was abnormal.The pressure in acetabulum was uneven.The stress increased and concentrated;the joint contact area decreased,and the local stress concentrated in femoral neck.(2)In the Pavlik sling and herringbone fixation,the mechanical environment of the hip was improved;the concentrated high stress area disappeared and the joint contact area increased,but the excessive abduction angle led to the increase of stress in the acetabulum and the lateral femoral head.(3)After pelvic osteotomy,the stress environment of hip joint and sacroiliac joint was improved.There was no single hinge in the three kinds of osteotomy,and the stress load position was different according to the age of the children.(4)After peri-acetabular osteotomy,the joint contact pressure was close to normal,but it was difficult to recover in patients with non-spherical femoral head.(5)The postoperative X-ray film findings could not show that the joint contact mechanics was the best.(6)It is indicated that the information that cannot be measured in the body can be obtained by using the finite element method,which can be operated in a virtual environment without the limitation of time and ethics.It can directly see the stress change area of normal and developmental dysplasia of the hip,explain the effectiveness of treatment from the point of view of mechanics,establish a specific finite element model and tailor-made operation plan for patients who need osteotomy.There is no standard or unified standard for the finite element modeling of developmental dysplasia of the hip and the material characteristic parameters of children's hip joint.Due to the inherent limitations of finite element method,it is impossible to analyze the model that contains bone,cartilage,ligament,muscle and other elements at the same time.The operation of finite element analysis is difficult,although it has advantages,it is not universal,and the current research sample size is small,which needs to be further expanded and verified.
3.Exploration of the Intervention Mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏) on Psoriasis Model Mice Based on Caspase-1/GSDMD Protein Pathway
Yatong LI ; Yuanwen LI ; Yutong DENG ; Xuewen REN ; Xuewan WANG ; Xinhui YU ; Tangyunni LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):170-177
ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment (青石止痒软膏, QAO) in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups, blank group, model group, calcipotriol group and QAO group, with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily, the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO, respectively, applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed, and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was assessed every other day. After 7 days, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein levels of Caspase-1,Pro-Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and gasdermin-D-N (GSDMD-N) were detected by Western Blot (WB). The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group mice showed redness, erythema, and white scales on their skin, with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening, elongated spines, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were elevated; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased; the protein levels of Caspase-1, Pro-Caspase-1,GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions; the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group, and on day 3, 5, and 7 in the calcipotriol group, were reduced; the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein, and the protein level of Caspase-1, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N, as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups; in the calcipotriol group, Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the calcipotriol group, the QAO group showed slightly redder skin, more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum, and less capillary dilation; the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased, while the score on day 5 was reduced; the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway, down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels, and alleviation of pyroptosis.
4.Research and clinical application progress of foot lengthening surgery.
Zhiyu WANG ; Baozhou ZHANG ; Xuewen WANG ; Ban LU ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Yingdong ZHANG ; Sihe QIN ; Yong WU ; Hui DU
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):937-941
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the research and clinical application progress of foot lengthening surgery.
METHODS:
Relevant research literature on foot lengthening surgery in recent years at home and abroad was reviewed, and a summary was made from aspects such as the types of lengthening surgery, the types of foot diseases treated by clinical application, effectiveness, and complications.
RESULTS:
Bone defects and shortening deformities of the foot are relatively common clinically. As an innovative treatment method, foot lengthening surgery has gradually attracted attention, mainly including the Ilizarov technique and one-stage bone grafting lengthening surgery. The former promotes bone regeneration based on the tension-stress principle and is widely used in the treatment of calcaneal defects and congenital metatarsal brachymetatarsia, achieving good curative effects. However, there are also complications such as pin-tract infection, joint stiffness and contracture, non-union and delayed union of bone, re-fracture, and alignment deviation. The latter has a short treatment cycle, but the lengthening length is limited. Bone graft resorption and soft tissue complications are its main complications.
CONCLUSION
Foot lengthening surgery will develop towards the direction of personalization, intelligence, and precision. With the help of multi-center research, biological materials, and intelligent technologies, the effectiveness and safety will be further improved to better restore the function and appearance of the foot.
Humans
;
Bone Transplantation/methods*
;
Bone Lengthening/methods*
;
Ilizarov Technique
;
Osteogenesis, Distraction/methods*
;
Foot Deformities/surgery*
;
Postoperative Complications
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Foot/surgery*
5.Advances in IP-10 and its genetic polymorphisms in relation to Kawasaki disease
Meng WANG ; Yanyan LIANG ; Wanyu FENG ; Xuewen SU ; Hua ZHU
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(6):405-409
Kawasaki disease(KD)is an acute systemic vasculitis primarily affecting small- and medium-sized arteries in children,with widespread inflammation as the major pathological hallmark. A subset of patients with KD exhibit resistance to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG)therapy,which significantly increases the risk of developing severe cardiovascular complications,particularly coronary artery lesions(CAL). Interferon gamma-inducible protein 10(IP-10),a chemokine,exerts its biological functions by binding to its specific receptor,chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3). In the relevant research on KD,the association between IP-10 and IP-10 gene polymorphism with KD has garnered significant attention from both domestic and international researchers. This article reviews the recent research progress on the relationship between IP-10,its gene polymorphism and KD,with the aim of providing references for the pathogenesis,prevention,treatment and prognosis of KD.
6.Collaborative application of surgery 4.0 in precise diagnosis, treatment and teaching of biliary surgery
Jiyao SHENG ; Zhenxiao WANG ; Xuewen ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(8):505-508
The complex anatomy and variations of the biliary system make biliary surgery the operation with the lowest error tolerance in abdominal surgery. With the advent of surgery 4.0 represented by artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and medical big data, biliary surgery has ushered in new development opportunities. Although surgery 4.0 provides high-precision navigation tools for biliary surgery, most of its potential remains untapped. The reason lies in that current technical applications mainly focus on single clinical scenarios. Only by expanding multi-dimensional application scenarios guided by clinical needs can biliary surgery achieve leapfrog development with the help of surgery 4.0. In this process, it is more necessary to cultivate compound and innovative surgical talents through medical-education collaboration, continuously injecting innovative momentum into the deep integration of surgery 4.0 technology and the field of biliary surgery.
7.Exploration on the Mechanism of Shujinxi External Granules in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Based on Network Pharmacology Combined with GEO Database Multi-Chips Analysis
Yingxin WU ; Rongxiao LIN ; Guocai CHEN ; Xuewen WANG ; Tietao WU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(3):690-700
Objective To explore the potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms of Shujinxi External Granules in the treatment of osteoarthritis(OA).Methods The chemical constituents and targets of Shujinxi External Granules were collected from TCMSP,TCMIP,TCMID and HERB databases,and the target genes related to OA were obtained from GEO database.Screening the overlapping targets,Cytoscape software was used to construct the"Shujinxi External Granules-compounds-OA-targets"and protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the overlapping targets through DAVID database,and the compounds and proteins with the highest degree values were selected for molecular docking by using AutoDock Vina.Results There were 85 components and 915 targets were found in Shujinxi External Granules.The 4 383 targets of OA were obtained,and 248 overlapping targets were screened out between Shujinxi External Granules and OA.The key target proteins were epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),cyclin-dependent kinase 1(CDK1),matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),and the key compounds were N-trans-feruloyltyramine,palmatine,balanophonin,aurantiamide acetate,Saroaspidin A,luteolin,schizandrin,rhynchophylline,rhynchophylline A,kaempferol,1-piperoylpiperidine.A total of 489 biological processes,162 cellular components and 87 molecular functions were obtained by using GO functional enrichment analysis,and 100 signaling pathways related to the therapeutic of Shujinxi External Granules were obtained by using KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.The molecular docking results showed that N-trans-feruloyltyramine,1-piperonoylpiperidine and rhynchophylline A had good binding ability to the key targets EGFR,CDK1 and MMP9,respectively.Conclusion The Shujinxi External Granules may bind to the key targets EGFR,CDK1,and MMP9 in the pathways in cancer,hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)and calcium signaling pathway through the key active components,such as N-trans-feruloyltyramine,rhynchophylline A,and 1-piperoylpiperidine,to exert the therapeutic effects on OA.
8.Clinical outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty using the INBONE Ⅱ prosthesis in younger patients
Xiangyu XU ; Baozhou ZHANG ; Pingping ZHANG ; Xuewen WANG ; Yong WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(1):19-24
Objective:To analyze the clinical outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) using the INBONE Ⅱ prosthesis in patients ≤50 years old with end-stage ankle arthritis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the consecutive patients who had undergone TAA using the INBONE Ⅱ prosthesis between September, 2016 and August, 2021 at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University. There were 12 males and 16 females with an age of (46.0±4.0) years and a body mass index of (24.9±3.3) kg/m 2. The clinical outcomes recorded and compared between pre-surgery and the last follow-up were tibial articular surface (TAS) angle, talar tilt (TT) angle, tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle, ankle plantarflexion angle, ankle dorsiflexion, ankle range of motion (ROM), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, MOS item short form health survey (SF-36), foot function index (FFI), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Patient satisfaction by 5-point Likert scale and complications were recorded. Results:All patients were followed up for (49.8±15.3) months. Except for plantar flexion and TAS, for all patients at the last follow-up, TT angle [0.4° (0, 0.6°)], FFI [20.0 (7.3, 48.0) points], and VAS pain score [2.0 (1.0, 2.8) points] were significantly reduced compared with the preoperative values [1.6° (0.3°, 4.4°), (99.9±40.6) points, and 6.0 (4.0, 6.8) points], while TLS angle (86.3°±2.8°), ankle dorsiflexion (13.5°±5.4°), ankle ROM (34.7°±7.9°), AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [82.0 (74.0, 89.0) points], and SF-36 score [122.5 (112.8, 130.2) points] were all significantly higher than the preoperative values [78.9°±5.7°, 10.3°±8.0°, 31.1°±12.0°, (49.9±3.2) points, and 97.7(89.8, 101.6) points] (all P<0.05). The rate of patient satisfaction at the last follow-up was 89.3% (25/28). No serious postoperative complications occurred and no revision surgery was required. Conclusion:TAA using the INBONE Ⅱ prosthesis has shown good clinical outcomes and a high rate of patient satisfaction in younger patients ≤50 years old with end-stage ankle arthritis.
9.Early-to-mid-term efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to peri-ankle fracture
Xuewen WANG ; Heng LI ; Xiaofeng GONG ; Liangpeng LAI ; Hui DU ; Yong WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(1):39-45
Objective:To evaluate the early-to-mid-term efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to peri-ankle fracture.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 29 patients who had been treated for traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to old peri-ankle fracture by SMO from March 2018 to March 2023 at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. There were 14 males and 15 females, 39.0 (25.0, 49.0) years in age. Types of old fracture: 4 lower tibiofibular fractures, 19 ankle fractures, and 6 pilon fractures. Surgery was conducted for 16 cases and conservative treatment for the remaining 13 cases. The interval between the old fracture and the current surgery was 10.0 (2.0, 19.5) years. The clinical efficacy was evaluated using the ankle-hindfoot score of American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS), foot function index (FFI), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Imaging analysis was conducted and imaging comparisons were made between pre-surgery and post-surgery in terms of tibial anterior surface (TAS) angle, tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle, talar tilt (TT) angle, and changes in modified Takakura staging. Complications were recorded. Surgical satisfaction was investigated at the final follow-up.Results:The 29 patients were followed up for 17.0 (14.0, 23.5) months. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(84.2±9.6) points], FFI [7.0 (3.0, 10.9) points], VAS pain score [2.0 (1.0, 3.0) points], and TAS angle [90.84° (86.70°, 92.50°)] at the final follow-up for all patients were significantly better than the pre-surgery values [(68.0±16.7) points, 20.9 (6.1, 29.1) points, 5.0 (2.0, 8.0) points, and 78.63° (74.30°, 85.00°)] (all P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the ankle arthritis grading did not show any significant change ( P>0.05) and there were no significant differences in TT angle or TLS angle between pre-surgery and post-surgery ( P>0.05). Incision failed to heal in 1 case, incision healing was delayed in 3 cases, and ankle arthritis progressed on imaging in 6 cases. As for patient self-assessed satisfaction, 23 cases felt very satisfactory, 4 cases quite satisfactory, and 2 cases common, giving an overall satisfaction rate of 93.1% (27/29). Conclusions:SMO has led to good early-to-mid-term efficacy in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis secondary to peri-ankle fracture, showing obvious pain relief and functional improvement after correction of the ankle joint alignment, limited postoperative complactions and a high rate of patient satisfaction.
10.Palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis: A new target for anti-myocardial fibrosis.
Xuewen YANG ; Yanwei ZHANG ; Xiaoping LENG ; Yanying WANG ; Manyu GONG ; Dongping LIU ; Haodong LI ; Zhiyuan DU ; Zhuo WANG ; Lina XUAN ; Ting ZHANG ; Han SUN ; Xiyang ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Tong LIU ; Tiantian GONG ; Zhengyang LI ; Shengqi LIANG ; Lihua SUN ; Lei JIAO ; Baofeng YANG ; Ying ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4789-4806
Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.

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