1.Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sleep Deprivation-induced Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Si-Ru YAN ; Ming-Yang CAI ; Ya-Xuan SUN ; Qing HUO ; Xue-Ling DAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2474-2485
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Sleep deprivation (SD) has emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with mounting evidence demonstrating its multifaceted role in accelerating AD pathogenesis through diverse molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms. SD is refined within the broader spectrum of sleep-wake and circadian disruption, emphasizing that both acute total sleep loss and chronic sleep restriction destabilize the homeostatic and circadian processes governing glymphatic clearance of neurotoxic proteins. During normal sleep, concentrations of interstitial Aβ and tau fall as cerebrospinal fluid oscillations flush extracellular waste; SD abolishes this rhythm, causing overnight rises in soluble Aβ and tau species in rodent hippocampus and human CSF. Orexinergic neurons sustain arousal, and become hyperactive under SD, further delaying sleep onset and amplifying Aβ production. At the molecular level, SD disrupts Aβ homeostasis through multiple converging pathways, including enhanced production via beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) upregulation, coupled with impaired clearance mechanisms involving the glymphatic system dysfunction and reduced Aβ-degrading enzymes (neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme). Cellular and histological analyses revealed that these proteinopathies are significantly exacerbated by SD-induced neuroinflammatory cascades characterized by microglial overactivation, astrocyte reactivity, and sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) through NF‑κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neurotoxicity. The synaptic and neuronal consequences of chronic SD are particularly profound and potentially irreversible, featuring reduced expression of critical synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), dendritic spine loss, and diminished neurotrophic support, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) depletion, which collectively contribute to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits. Mechanistic investigations identify three core pathways through which SD exerts its neurodegenerative effects: circadian rhythm disruption via BMAL1 suppression, orexin system hyperactivity leading to sustained wakefulness and metabolic stress, and oxidative stress accumulation through mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species overproduction. The review critically evaluates promising therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (melatonin, dual orexin receptor antagonists), metabolic strategies (ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids), lifestyle modifications (targeted exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), and emerging technologies (non-invasive photobiomodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation). Current research limitations include insufficient understanding of dose-response relationships between SD duration/intensity and AD pathology progression, lack of long-term longitudinal clinical data in genetically vulnerable populations (particularly APOE ε4 carriers and those with familial AD mutations), the absence of standardized SD protocols across experimental models that accurately mimic human chronic sleep restriction patterns, and limited investigation of sex differences in SD-induced AD risk. The accumulated evidence underscores the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of multimodal AD prevention strategies and highlights the urgent need for clinical trials evaluating sleep-focused interventions in at-risk populations. The review proposes future directions focused on translating mechanistic insights into precision medicine approaches, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to identify SD-vulnerable individuals, chronotherapeutic strategies aligned with circadian biology, and multi-omics integration across sleep, proteostasis and immune profiles may delineate precision-medicine strategies for at-risk populations. By systematically examining these critical connections, this analysis positions sleep quality optimization as a viable strategy for AD prevention and early intervention while providing a comprehensive roadmap for future mechanistic and interventional research in this rapidly evolving field. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2. MW-9, a chalcones derivative bearing heterocyclic moieties, ameliorates ulcerative colitis via regulating MAPK signaling pathway
Zhao WU ; Nan-Ting ZOU ; Chun-Fei ZHANG ; Hao-Hong ZHANG ; Qing-Yan MO ; Ze-Wei MAO ; Chun-Ping WAN ; Ming-Qian JU ; Chun-Ping WAN ; Xing-Cai XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):514-520
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of the MW-9 on ulcerative colitis(UC)and reveal the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a scientific guidance for the MW-9 treatment of UC. Methods The model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells was established. The effect of MW-9 on RAW264.7 cells viability was detected by MTT assay. The levels of nitric oxide(NO)in RAW264.7 macrophages were measured by Griess assay. Cell supernatants and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines containing IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were determined by ELISA kits. Dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC model in mice was established and body weight of mice in each group was measured. The histopathological damage degree of colonic tissue was assessed by HE staining. The protein expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was detected by Western blot. Results MW-9 intervention significantly inhibited NO release in RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 of 20.47 mg·L-1 and decreased the overproduction of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α(P<0.05). MW-9 had no cytotoxicity at the concentrations below 6 mg·L-1. After MW-9 treatment, mouse body weight was gradually reduced, and the serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly down-regulated. Compared with the model group, MW-9 significantly decreased the expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 protein. Conclusions MW-9 has significant anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying mechanism for the treatment of UC may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Bionic design,preparation and clinical translation of oral hard tissue restorative materials
Han ZHAO ; Yan WEI ; Xuehui ZHANG ; Xiaoping YANG ; Qing CAI ; Chengyun NING ; Mingming XU ; Wenwen LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Ying HE ; Yaru GUO ; Shengjie JIANG ; Yunyang BAI ; Yujia WU ; Yusi GUO ; Xiaona ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Xuliang DENG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(1):4-8
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Epidemiological Investigation of Dampness Syndrome Manifestations in the Population at Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease
Xiao-Jia NI ; Hai-Yan HUANG ; Qing SU ; Yao XU ; Ling-Ling LIU ; Zhuo-Ran KUANG ; Yi-Hang LI ; Yi-Kai ZHANG ; Miao-Miao MENG ; Yi-Xin GUO ; Xiao-Bo YANG ; Ye-Feng CAI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(3):531-539
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To make an epidemiological investigation on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dampness syndrome manifestations in the population at risk of cerebrovascular diseases in Guangdong area.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the clinical data related to the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in 330 Guangdong permanent residents.The diagnosis of dampness syndrome,quantitative scoring of dampness syndrome and rating of the risk of stroke were performed for the investigation of the distribution pattern of dampness syndrome and its influencing factors.Results(1)A total of 306(92.73%)study subjects were diagnosed as dampness syndrome.The percentage of dampness syndrome in the risk group was 93.82%(258/275),which was slightly higher than that of the healthy group(48/55,87.27%),but the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 = 2.91,P = 0.112).The quantitative score of dampness syndrome in the risk group was higher than that of the healthy group,and the difference was statistically significance(Z =-2.24,P = 0.025).(2)Among the study subjects at risk of cerebrovascular disease,evaluation time(χ2 = 26.11,P = 0.001),stroke risk grading(χ2= 8.85,P = 0.031),and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA)(χ2 = 9.28,P = 0.015)were the factors influencing the grading of dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease.Conclusion Dampness syndrome is the common TCM syndrome in the population of Guangdong area.The manifestations of dampness syndrome are more obvious in the population with risk factors of cerebrovascular disease,especially in the population at high risk of stroke,and in the population with a history of stroke or TIA.The assessment and intervention of dampness syndrome should be taken into account for future project of stroke prevention in Guangdong.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Progress on effect of CypA/CD147 in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular system disease infected by SARS-CoV-2
Ming-Ren MA ; Fei WANG ; Xiao-Qing CAI ; Yan LIU ; Ling MA
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(1):115-120
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic has been effectively controlled,but its related complications still cannot be ignored,especially the cardiovascular circulatory system is the active site of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a type Ⅰ transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in heart,kidney and testis.Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 invades host cells by binding to the cell surface receptor ACE2.However,there are still many deficiencies in the clinical application of vaccines and drugs developed based on this target.As a molecular chaperone,cyclophilin A(CypA)promotes protein folding and T cell activation.CD147 is one of the most widely studied CypA receptors,and the interaction of CypA/CD147 plays an important role in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells.However,there are few reports on the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the cardiovascular system through the CypA/CD147 signaling pathway.Based on this,this article summarizes the previous research evidence and the research basis of the research group,and reviews the structure and function of CypA/CD147,the role of CypA/CD147 in cardiovascular disease,and the cardiovascular disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 targeting CypA/CD147 signal pathway,in order to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19 complicated with cardiovascular system diseases.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Comparison and related factors of suicide risk among patients with schizophrenia,major depressive disorder,and bipolar disorder
Chuanlin LUO ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhaorui LIU ; Yanling HE ; Liang ZHOU ; Bo LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Yuandong GONG ; Yan LIU ; Jin LU ; Yanping ZHOU ; Changqing GAO ; Qing DONG ; Defang CAI ; Runxu YANG ; Tingting ZHANG ; Yueqin HUANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(1):1-8
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To describe and analyze suicide risk of patients with schizophrenia,major depressive disorder,and bipolar disorder.Methods:A total of 2 016 patients with schizophrenia,903 patients with major de-pressive disorder,and 381 patients with bipolar disorder from inpatients,clinics,or communities who met the diag-nostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition were recruited.All patients were interviewed by psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to diagnose mental disor-ders and assess suicide risk,as well as Clinical-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity(CRDPSS)to as-sess symptoms.Differences and risk factors of suicide risk among three types of mental disorders were explored u-sing multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:In the past one month,37 patients with schizophrenia(1.8%),516 patients with major depressive disorder(57.1%),and 102 patients with bipolar disorder(26.8%)had suicide risk.Compared with patients with schizophrenia,suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder(OR=36.50)and bipolar disorder(OR=20.10)increased.Female(OR=1.87),smoking(OR=1.76),family history of suicide(OR=5.09),higher score of CRDPSS hallucination(OR=1.80),and higher score of CRDPSS depression(OR=1.54)were risk factors of suicide risk of patients.Conclusions:Suicide risk of patients with ma-jor depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is higher than that of patients with schizophrenia.In clinical practice,it is important to regularly assess suicide risk of patients.Patients who experience symptoms of hallucination and de-pression should be paid more attention to.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Comparative Study of Two High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin 0/3-hour Algorithms for the Diagnosis of Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Chinese Population
Yaoyao CAI ; Yahui LIN ; Qing YANG ; Hong ZHAN ; Min LIU ; Shukui WANG ; Caidong LIU ; Guangxun FENG ; Tao ZHANG ; Yanmin YANG ; Jun ZHU ; Zhou ZHOU ; Yan LINAG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(11):1070-1077
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objectives:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and the predictive value for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of the 0/3-hour algorithm for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) recommended by the 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and the 2021 "Chinese Expert Consensus on Laboratory Testing and Clinical Application of Cardiac Troponin" in suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients in the Chinese population. Methods:This is a multicenter prospective observational study,including 1527 patients with suspected ACS from three clinical centers from January 2017 to September 2020.Plasma hs-cTnI levels were measured using the ARCHITECT assay at the time of presentation and 3 hours later in patients with suspected ACS (test determination).Clinical judgment (independent clinical judgment by cardiac experts,independent of the test results) was used as the gold standard to compare the sensitivity,specificity,and consistency of the two diagnostic algorithms,and to analyze their predictive value for MACE at 30 days and 180 days.MACE in this study was defined as a composite event of cardiovascular death,myocardial infarction,and unplanned coronary revascularization. Results:According to clinical judgment,there were 400 patients with NSTEMI and 1127 patients without NSTEMI.The 0/3-hour algorithm recommended by the 2021 Chinese Expert Consensus showed higher sensitivity in diagnosing NSTEMI than the 2015 ESC guidelines (91.50%[95% CI:88.32%-94.04%]vs.87.75%[95% CI:84.13%-90.80%]),but slightly lower specificity (93.88%[95% CI:92.32%-95.21%]vs.95.56%[95% CI:94.19%-96.69%]),with both differences being statistically significant (both P<0.001).In the follow-up at 30 days and 180 days,the incidence of MACE in patients diagnosed with NSTEMI by both algorithms was higher than in those without NSTEMI (P<0.001).The incidence of MACE at 30 days and 180 days for the group excluded from the diagnosis of NSTEMI by 2015 ESC guidelines was 0.19% and 1.120%,respectively,and for the NSTEMI group was 2.89% and 3.68%,respectively;for the group excluded from NSTEMI by the 2021 Chinese Expert Consensus,the incidence was 0.096% and 0.770%,respectively,and for the NSTEMI group was 2.91% and 4.36%,respectively.Cox analysis showed that the HR ratio for MACE at 180 days in the NSTEMI group diagnosed by both algorithms was 3.418 and 5.892,respectively,significantly higher than the group excluded from NSTEMI. Conclusions:The 0/3-hour algorithm recommended by the 2021 Chinese Expert Consensus has superior diagnostic sensitivity compared to the 2015 ESC NSTE-ACS guidelines,at the cost of slightly lower specificity.Both algorithms can effectively predict MACE within 180 days,but based on the data from this study,the algorithm recommended by the 2021 Chinese Expert Consensus is more sensitive in predicting the risk of MACE,and patients excluded from the diagnosis of NSTEMI by this method have a lower incidence of MACE,suggesting that its application in clinical practice may be more helpful in terms of long-term safe management of patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.A Review of Theoretical Research on Interpretation of Scientific Connotation of Compatibility of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compounds
Shiyun GUO ; Zhihao DENG ; Yan LI ; Yuxuan GUO ; Xiaoxin ZHU ; Yujie LI ; Ying CHEN ; Qing YANG ; Yi SUN ; Yajie WANG ; Qi LI ; Weiyan CAI ; Xiaogang WENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):338-344
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of application in China and has consistently played a vital role in treating diseases and saving lives. TCM prescriptions (compounds) constitute the primary form of clinical TCM treatment and significantly differ from western medicine (chemicals) due to the diverse composition and chemical constituents of TCM (compounds). Nevertheless, the potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway action characteristics of TCM prescriptions also demonstrate their possible (complementary) therapeutic advantages when compared with single-component chemical drugs. Therefore, driven by the development of modern science and technology and the demands of the modernization and internationalization of TCM, modern theories regarding the complexity of TCM prescription effects have been continuously proposed: Different from the abstract language of traditional prescription theory, the modern TCM prescription theory is more inclined to illustrate the connotation of prescription compatibility concretely and vividly from an experimental and scientific perspective. In this paper, new theories on the complexity of TCM prescriptions proposed in recent years are summarized to provide research references and ideas for the greater role of TCM prescriptions and a better scientific understanding. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Clinical Observation on the Sanjiao Tiaoqi Acupuncture in the Treatment of Post-stroke Respiratory Dysfunction
Ye-Han ZHANG ; Ming TANG ; Fan HUANG ; Ke-Da CAI ; Xiao-Shan HUANG ; Yan-Qing LU ; Tian-Long CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1517-1521
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Sanjiao Tiaoqi Acupuncture in the treatment of post-stroke respiratory dysfunction.Methods Seventy-two patients with post-stroke respiratory dysfunction were randomly divided into observation group and control group,36 cases in each group.The control group was given routine treatment,and the observation group was treated with Sanjiao Tiaoqi Acupuncture on the basis of the control group,both groups were treated for 14 consecutive days.After 2 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes of white blood cell count(WBC),C-reactive protein(CRP)and clinical pulmonary infection score(CPIS)were observed before and after treatment.The changes of diaphragmatic activity were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.Results(1)After treatment,the WBC and CRP levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the WBC and CRP levels,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the CPIS scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving CPIS scores,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the diaphragm mobility of patients in the two groups was significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving diaphragm mobility,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 91.67%(33/36)in the observation group and 75.00%(27/36)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Sanjiao Tiaoqi Acupuncture for post-stroke respiratory dysfunction can significantly promote the absorption of inflammatory factors in patients and improve diaphragm mobility,with remarkable clinical efficacy.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Study on the Characteristics of Gut Flora Related to Dampness Syndrome in Population at Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease and Their Influencing Factors
Hai-Yan HUANG ; Zhuo-Ran KUANG ; Xiao-Jia NI ; Qing SU ; Miao-Miao MENG ; Xiao-Bo YANG ; Ye-Feng CAI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2636-2647
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the characteristics of gut flora related to dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease and to explore their influencing factors.Methods Based on the results of epidemiological investigation of damp syndrome in at-risk population of cerebrovascular disease in Guangdong from October 2021 to February 2023,60 subjects(including 41 at-risk cases of cerebrovascular disease and 19 healthy controls)were included in the study.The identification of dampness syndrome and the risk rating of stroke were carried out for the subjects,and fecal samples were collected.High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the characteristics of gut flora.Results(1)A total of 53 cases(88.33%)were identified as dampness syndrome.There was significant difference in the quantitative score of dampness syndrome between the risk group and the healthy group,and between the low-,medium-and high-risk groups(P=0.016;P=0.041).(2)There was no statistical difference in the species and abundance of gut flora between the dampness syndrome group and the non-dampness syndrome group.(3)In the population identified as dampness syndrome,there was no significant difference in Alpha diversity between the healthy group and the risk group,but there was significant difference in Beta diversity analysis;LEfSe analysis found that Fusobacterium and Lactobacillus were enriched in the risk group;correlation analysis showed that the differential bacteria were related to the three risk factors of diabetes,dyslipidemia and obesity and carotid intima-media thickness(IMT).(4)In the population identified as dampness syndrome and having the risk of cerebrovascular disease,there was no significant difference in Alpha diversity among three groups with different levels of risks,while significant difference in Beta diversity was observed;LEfSe analysis showed that Acidaminococcaceae,Phascolarctobacterium and Butyricimonas were enriched in the low-risk group,Veillonellaceae was enriched in the medium-risk group,and Ruminococcus 2 and Alloprevotella were enriched in the high-risk group;correlation analysis showed that the differential bacteria were associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),white blood cell count(WBC),and neutrophil count(NEUT).Conclusion In the Guangdong population predominated by dampness syndrome,the severity of dampness syndrome is related to the risk of stroke,and the specific flora associated with sub-clinical atherosclerosis,inflammatory response and lipid metabolism are presented.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail