1.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
2.Mechanism of Mingshi Prescription in Regulating Opn4-dopamine Axis to Inhibit Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Delay Myopia Progression
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Lulu WANG ; Xin YAN ; Jianquan WANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Bobiao NING ; Shanshan YE ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI ; Danyu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):58-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Mingshi prescription regulates the retinal melanopsin-dopamine (Opn4-DA) axis in myopic mice to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the retina and sclera, thereby delaying axial elongation associated with myopia. MethodsSixty 4-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a form-deprived myopia group (FDM group), an intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells ablation group (ipRGCs group), a Mingshi Prescription group (MSF group, 5.2 g·kg-1), and an ipRGCs + MSF group (5.2 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent FDM modeling. Additionally, the ipRGCs and ipRGCs + MSF groups received retinal ipRGC ablation. Three weeks after modeling, the MSF and ipRGCs + MSF groups were administered Mingshi prescription via continuous gavage for six weeks. After refraction and axial length were measured in all mice, eyeballs were collected along with retinal and scleral tissues. Pathological and morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera were observed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the relative protein expression levels of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of Opn4, CHOP, and GRP78 in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was performed to detect the expression of Opn4 and DRD1 in retinal tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the FDM group showed a significant myopic shift in refraction (P<0.05) and a significant increase in axial length (P<0.05). The retinal layers were thinner, the number of ganglion cells was reduced, and collagen fibers in the sclera were loosely arranged with evident gaps. Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retinal and scleral tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the ipRGCs group exhibited further increases in myopic refraction and axial length (P<0.05), more pronounced thinning and looseness in the retinal, choroidal, and scleral layers, lower expression of Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA in the retina (P<0.05), and higher expression of CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA in the retina and sclera (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the MSF group showed significantly reduced refractive error and axial length (P<0.05), with improved cellular number, arrangement, and thickness in ocular tissues, increased Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina (P<0.05), and reduced CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retina and sclera (P<0.05). Similarly, the ipRGCs + MSF group showed significant improvements in terms of the above items compared with the ipRGCs group (P<0.05). ConclusionMingshi Prescription delays myopic axial elongation and refractive progression by regulating the Opn4-DA axis in the retina of myopic mice, thereby inhibiting ER stress in the retina and sclera. This intervention promotes Qi and blood nourishment of the eyes, softens the fascia, and restores ocular rhythm.
3.A thermo-sensitive hydrogel targeting macrophage reprogramming for sustained osteoarthritis pain relief.
Yue LIU ; Kai ZHOU ; Xinlong HE ; Kun SHI ; Danrong HU ; Chenli YANG ; Jinrong PENG ; Yuqi HE ; Guoyan ZHAO ; Yi KANG ; Yujun ZHANG ; Yue'e DAI ; Min ZENG ; Feier XIAN ; Wensheng ZHANG ; Zhiyong QIAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):6034-6051
Osteoarthritis (OA) causes chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life, with current treatments often proving insufficient and accompanied by adverse effects. Recent research has identified the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and its resident macrophages as crucial mediators of chronic OA pain through neuroinflammation driven by macrophage polarization. We present a novel injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel system, KAF@PLEL, designed to deliver an anti-inflammatory peptide (KAF) specifically to the DRG. This biodegradable hydrogel enables sustained KAF release, promoting the reprogramming of DRG macrophages from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies, we evaluated the hydrogel's biocompatibility, effects on macrophage polarization, and therapeutic efficacy in chronic OA pain management. The system demonstrated significant capabilities in preserving macrophage mitochondrial function, suppressing neuroinflammation, alleviating chronic OA pain, reducing cartilage degradation, and improving motor function in OA rat models. The sustained-release properties of KAF@PLEL enabled prolonged therapeutic effects while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. These findings suggest that KAF@PLEL represents a promising therapeutic approach for improving outcomes in OA patients through targeted, sustained treatment.
4.A promising novel local anesthetic for effective anesthesia in oral inflammatory conditions through reducing mitochondria-related apoptosis.
Haofan WANG ; Yihang HAO ; Wenrui GAI ; Shilong HU ; Wencheng LIU ; Bo MA ; Rongjia SHI ; Yongzhen TAN ; Ting KANG ; Ao HAI ; Yi ZHAO ; Yaling TANG ; Ling YE ; Jin LIU ; Xinhua LIANG ; Bowen KE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5854-5866
Local anesthetics (LAs), such as articaine (AT), exhibit limited efficacy in inflammatory environments, which constitutes a significant limitation in their clinical application within oral medicine. In our prior research, we developed AT-17, which demonstrated effective properties in chronic inflammatory conditions and appears to function as a novel oral LA that could address this challenge. In the present study, we further elucidated the beneficial effects of AT-17 in acute inflammation, particularly in oral acute inflammation, where mitochondrial-related apoptosis played a crucial role. Our findings indicated that AT-17 effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nerve cell apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. This process involved the inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production and the subsequent activation of the NRF2 pathway. Most notably, improvements in mitochondria-related apoptosis were key contributors to AT-17's inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels. Additionally, AT-17 was shown to reduce mtROS production in nerve cells through the Na+/NCLX/ETC signaling axis. In conclusion, we have developed a novel local anesthetic that exhibits pronounced anesthetic functionality under inflammatory conditions by enhancing mitochondria-related apoptosis. This advancement holds considerable promise for future drug development and deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action.
5.Genome-wide investigation of transcription factor footprints and dynamics using cFOOT-seq.
Heng WANG ; Ang WU ; Meng-Chen YANG ; Di ZHOU ; Xiyang CHEN ; Zhifei SHI ; Yiqun ZHANG ; Yu-Xin LIU ; Kai CHEN ; Xiaosong WANG ; Xiao-Fang CHENG ; Baodan HE ; Yutao FU ; Lan KANG ; Yujun HOU ; Kun CHEN ; Shan BIAN ; Juan TANG ; Jianhuang XUE ; Chenfei WANG ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Jiejun SHI ; Shaorong GAO ; Jia-Min ZHANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):932-952
Gene regulation relies on the precise binding of transcription factors (TFs) at regulatory elements, but simultaneously detecting hundreds of TFs on chromatin is challenging. We developed cFOOT-seq, a cytosine deaminase-based TF footprinting assay, for high-resolution, quantitative genome-wide assessment of TF binding in both open and closed chromatin regions, even with small cell numbers. By utilizing the dsDNA deaminase SsdAtox, cFOOT-seq converts accessible cytosines to uracil while preserving genomic integrity, making it compatible with techniques like ATAC-seq for sensitive and cost-effective detection of TF occupancy at the single-molecule and single-cell level. Our approach enables the delineation of TF footprints, quantification of occupancy, and examination of chromatin influences on TF binding. Notably, cFOOT-seq, combined with FootTrack analysis, enables de novo prediction of TF binding sites and tracking of TF occupancy dynamics. We demonstrate its application in capturing cell type-specific TFs, analyzing TF dynamics during reprogramming, and revealing TF dependencies on chromatin remodelers. Overall, cFOOT-seq represents a robust approach for investigating the genome-wide dynamics of TF occupancy and elucidating the cis-regulatory architecture underlying gene regulation.
Transcription Factors/genetics*
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Humans
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Chromatin/genetics*
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Animals
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Binding Sites
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Mice
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DNA Footprinting/methods*
6.The Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Human Health in China: A Call for more Ambitious Action.
Shi Lu TONG ; Yu WANG ; Yong Long LU ; Cun de XIAO ; Qi Yong LIU ; Qi ZHAO ; Cun Rui HUANG ; Jia Yu XU ; Ning KANG ; Tong ZHU ; Dahe QIN ; Ying XU ; Buda SU ; Xiao Ming SHI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):127-143
As global greenhouse gases continue rising, the urgency of more ambitious action is clearer than ever before. China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and one of the countries affected most by climate change. The evidence about the impacts of climate change on the environment and human health may encourage China to take more decisive action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. This article aimed to review the evidence of environmental damages and health risks posed by climate change and to provide a new science-based perspective for the delivery of sustainable development goals. Over recent decades, China has experienced a strong warming pattern with a growing frequency of extreme weather events, and the impacts of climate change on China's environment and human health have been consistently observed, with increasing O 3 air pollution, decreases in water resources and availability, land degradation, and increased risks for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, China's climate policy should target the key factors driving climate change and scale up strategic measures to curb carbon emissions and adapt to inevitable increasing climate impacts. It provides new insights for not only China but also other countries, particularly developing and emerging economies, to ensure climate and environmental sustainability whilst pursuing economic growth.
Climate Change
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China
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Humans
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Greenhouse Gases
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Air Pollution
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Sustainable Development
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Environment
7.Spatial Heterogeneity and Risk Factors of Dental Caries in 12-Year-Old Children in Shanxi Province,China
Hou RUXIA ; Yang TINGTING ; Liu JIAJIA ; Chen HAO ; Kang WEN ; Li JUNMING ; Shi XIAOTONG ; Liang YI ; Liu JUNYU ; Zhao BIN ; Wang XIANGYU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(10):1173-1183
Objective This study aimed to explore the spatial heterogeneity and risk factors for dental caries in 12-year-old children in Shanxi province,China. Methods The data encompassed 3,721 participants from the two most recent oral health surveys conducted across 16 districts in Shanxi Province in 2015 and 2018.Eighteen specific variables were analyzed to examine the interplay between socioeconomic factors,medical resources and environmental conditions.The Geo-detector model was employed to assess the impacts and interactions of these ecological factors. Results Socioeconomic factors(Q=0.30,P<0.05)exhibited a more substantial impact compared to environmental(Q=0.19,P<0.05)and medical resource factors(Q=0.25,P<0.05).Notably,the urban population percentage(UPP)demonstrated the most significant explanatory power for the spatial heterogeneity in caries prevalence,as denoted by its highest q-value(q=0.51,P<0.05).Additionally,the spatial distribution's heterogeneity of caries was significantly affected by SO2 concentration(q=0.39,P<0.05)and water fluoride levels(q=0.27,P<0.05)among environmental factors. Conclusion The prevalence of caries exhibited spatial heterogeneity,escalating from North to South in Shanxi Province,China,influenced by socioeconomic factors,medical resources,and environmental conditions to varying extents.
8.Risk factors and mortality for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection in elderly patients:a 10-year retrospective study
Ye XUE ; Chao-Shi ZOU ; Tai-Jie LI ; Mei-Xiang QIN ; Chan LIANG ; Kang-Hai LIU ; Dan-Ping QIU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):155-161
Objective To assess the risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)bloodstream infection(BSI)and 28-day short-term mortality in elderly patients,and provide reference for the pre-vention and treatment of CRAB BSI.Methods Clinical data of patients aged ≥60 years and diagnosed with AB BSI in a hospital in Yulin City from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including demogra-phic and microbiological characteristics,as well as clinical outcomes of the patients.Variables which were significant in univariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression model and Cox propor-tional hazards model.Independent risk factors for infection were further determined,and survival analysis was per-formed using Kaplan-Meier curve.Results A total of 150 patients were included in the study,out of which 16 pa-tients(10.7%)had CRAB BSI and 134 had carbapenem-sensitive AB(CSAB)BSI.The 28-day short-term mortali-ty of AB BSI in elderly patients was 15.3%(23/150,95%CI:9.6%-21.1%),and the short-term mortality of CRAB BSI was higher than that of CSAB([56.3%,9/16]vs[10.4%,14/134]).Deep venous catheterization(OR:15.598,95%CI:1.831-132.910)and combined infections of other sites(OR:15.449,95%CI:1.497-159.489)were related to CRAB BSI in elderly patients.The independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with AB BSI were hemodialysis(OR:11.856,95%CI:2.924-48.076),intensive care unit admission(OR:9.387,95%CI:1.941-45.385),and pulmonary infection being suspected source of bacteremia(OR:7.019,95%CI:1.345-36.635).Conclusion The occurrence of CRAB BSI in elderly patients is related to the combined infection of other sites and deep vein catheterization.Hemodialysis,admission to ICU,and pulmonary infection being suspected source of bacteremia are independent risk factors for the prognosis of AB BSI in elderly patients.
9.Quality Evaluation of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma in Different Production Methods Based on Traditional Traits
Jinxiu QIAN ; Yihan WANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Guoliang YU ; Qiuxiang PAN ; Jiawei SHI ; Meiping CHEN ; Yangqing LIU ; Lun LU ; Yanmeng LIU ; Tiegui NAN ; Liping KANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):43-52
ObjectiveBased on the experience of traditional quality evaluation, the quality of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) with different production methods such as direct seeding, transplanting after seedling raising, topping and non-topping, and difference in growth years was compared. MethodVernier caliper was used to measure the trait data of AMR in different production methods. Paraffin sections of AMR with different production methods were made by saffron solid green staining, and the microstructure was observed. The contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts in AMR with different production methods were determined according to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The content of water-soluble total polysaccharides in AMR with different production methods was detected by sulfuric acid-anthrone method. Fiber analyzer was used to detect the content of fiber components in AMR with different production methods. The contents of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and some secondary metabolites in AMR with different production methods were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the differences of chemical components were compared by multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). ResultIn terms of traits, the 3-year-old AMR with direct seeding and without topping was close to the high-quality AMR with "phoenix-head and crane-neck, strong sweetness and clear aroma" recorded in ancient materia medica, followed by the 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting, while the 2-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting with high market circulation rate was generally fat and strong with mild odor. In the microscopic aspect, the arrangement of xylem vessels and fiber bundles in the 3-year-old samples formed two obvious rings. Compared with the 2-year-old samples cultivated in Bozhou and Zhejiang, the 3-year-old samples without topping after transplanting had more wood fibers. In terms of chemical composition, the contents of 70% ethanol extract, fructose, glucose, sucrose, 1-kestose, atractylenolide Ⅰ, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid and other components in 3-year-old AMR with direct seeding and without topping were significantly higher than those in the other three samples(P<0.05). The contents of cellulose, 70% ethanol extract, sucrose, atractylenolide Ⅰ, atractylone and other components in 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting were significantly higher than those in the 2-year-old AMR with high market circulation rate(P<0.05), while the contents of water-soluble extract and water-soluble total polysaccharides in 2-year-old samples with topping after transplanting were significantly higher than those in the 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting, direct seeding and without topping(P<0.05). ConclusionUnder the current mainstream production mode, too much manual intervention makes AMR heavily enriched in polysaccharides and increased the yield, but the accumulation of sweet substances, fragrant substances and fiber substances is insufficient, which affects its quality. The current quality standard of AMR has some shortcomings in guiding the high quality production of it, it is suggested to revise the quality standard of AMR, supplement the quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites, and strengthen the production of imitation wild AMR.
10.Clinical Effect of Jianpi Huoxue Prescription Combined with Acupuncture on Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Gastric Blood Stasis and Its Impact on Inflammatory Indicators and Gastric Mucosal Function
Wenting KANG ; Zhaohong SHI ; Song LIU ; Shu ZHANG ; Tuo SHI ; Lin YANG ; Dan CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):103-110
ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) of gastric blood stasis type. MethodA total of 86 patients with CAG admitted to Wuhan First Hospital from November 2021 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine, while the observation group was treated with Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture. The clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, pathological score, negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori (Hp), inflammatory indicators [neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR) and interleukin (IL)-1β], changes in levels of gastric protease (PG) Ⅰ, PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ, and gastrin-17 (G-17), and drug safety during treatment were observed after treatment in both groups. ResultAfter treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group [95.35% (41/43)] was significantly better than that of the control group [79.07% (34/43)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.108, P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of the primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group and the control group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy, activity, chronic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia were significantly lower in the observation group and control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy, activity, chronic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Hp conversion rate in the observation group was significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group and control group were significantly lower (P<0.05), and the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group and control group were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the G-17 level of the observation group and the control group was different at different time points (P<0.05), and the G-17 level of the observation group was higher at different time points than that of the control group (P<0.05). The G-17 level of the observation group had an increasing trend compared with the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionThe combination of Jianpi Huoxue prescription and acupuncture can effectively alleviate symptoms, increase Hp negative conversion rate, inhibit inflammation, and regulate PG and G-17 levels in CAG patients, thus controlling or even reversing gastric mucosal atrophy and reducing the probability of its progression to gastric cancer.

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