The applications of targeting gene delivery systems in tumor therapy have attracted extensive attention of researchers in recent years, as they can selectively deliver the therapeutic gene to tumor sites, improve the success rate of gene therapy and reduce the side effects. Therefore, design and development of novel gene delivery vehicles have been a hot area of current research. Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to migrate towards and engraft into the tumor sites. Therefore, these properties make them a great hope for efficient targeted-delivery vehicles in cancer gene therapy. In this review, we examine the promising of utilization of MSCs as a targeted-delivery vehicle for cancer gene therapy, and summarize various challenges and concerns regarding this therapy.

Objective: To investigate the regulation of curculigoside on osteogenic differentiation of MG63 and the protective effect on osteoporosis model mice. Methods: The effects of curculigoside on the survival rate of dexamethasone or H₂O₂ treated MG63 were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The specimens were divided into six groups: blank control group, blank administration group, model group (dexamethasone or H₂O₂ treatment group), low dose group (dexamethasone or H₂O₂+1.0 μmol/L curculigoside), medium dose group (dexamethasone or H₂O₂+2.5 μmol/L curculigoside) and high dose group (dexamethasone or H₂O₂+5.0 μmol/L curculigoside), the sample size of each group was 10. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins [type Ⅰ collagen, integrin β1, osteoblast-specific transcription factor (Osterix), osteocalcin and osteopontin] in MG63 cells after 1, 7 and 14 days incubated with 0, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside. The sample size for each group at each time point was six. The experimental mice were divided into 4 groups: blank group, model group (dexamethasone treatment group), curculigoside low-dose group (dexamethasone+5 mg/kg curculigoside) and high-dose group (dexamethasone+45 mg/kg curculigoside), twenty each. After treatment, the tibia of the mice in each group were subjected to sacral HE staining. The number of osteoclasts was counted, and the levels of oxidative related factors in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The MTT results showed that compared with the blank control group [(100±3.7)%], the cell survival rate decreased to (44.1±5.7)% after treatment with dexamethasone, and the survival rate increased to (79.7±3.8)% after treatment with 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside. The cell survival rate decreased to (59.1±4.7)% after H₂O₂ treatment, and the survival rate increased to (80.8±3.5)% after treatment with 2.5 μmol/L of curculigoside. The results of Western blotting showed that the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and integrin β1 in MG63 cells was significantly increased after 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside for 1, 7 and 14 days compared with 0 μmol/L of curculigo side for the same period. After increasing (P<0.05), the expression of Osterix and osteocalcin was significantly increased after 1 day of incubation (P<0.05). However, compared with 0 μmol/L curculigoside treatment, the expression of osteopontin in MG63 cells was not significantly different after incubation with 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 μmol/L of curculigoside for 7 and 14 days (P>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the number of tibia osteoclasts in the osteoporosis model group increased. In the low-dose and high-dose groups of curculigoside, the tibia cortex was more continuous and the number of osteoclasts decreased. Compared with the blank group, the activity of oxygen in the osteoporosis model group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and superoxide dimutase and catalase were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions Curculigoside promotes the differentiation of MG63 cells by increasing the expression of osteoblast differentiation-related proteins, and has a certain therapeutic effect on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis mice.

BACKGROUND:Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a common and disabling disease,which is mainly characterized by microcirculation disorders and bone cell metabolism disorders.Luzhongjiangu decoction was developed by Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine and used in the form of soup in the clinic,which has good efficacy in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.However,its mechanism of action has not been clarified. OBJECTIVE:To study the effect mechanism of Luzhongjiangu decoction on intestinal flora in rats with osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on 16S rDNA sequencing technique. METHODS:The model of osteonecrosis of the femoral head was established in Wistar rats by intragastric administration of retinoic acid.The therapeutic effect of Luzhongjiangu decoction was evaluated by serum hormone,bone histopathology and serum hormone levels.16s rDNA sequencing technique was used to detect the intestinal flora of rats in the blank control group,model group and middle-dose Luzhongjiangu decoction group.The corresponding library was constructed and OTU clustering and microbial community diversity and abundance analysis were carried out to determine the composition of intestinal flora and the changes of species and diversity among groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Luzhongjiangu decoction could significantly increase the expression of osteocalcin,osteopontin and other osteogenic related factors,alleviate the destruction of bone trabeculae,increase bone mineral density,and had a significant therapeutic effect on osteonecrosis of the femoral head,of which the middle dose group showed the most significant effect.The results of intestinal flora sequencing showed that Luzhongjiangu decoction improved the flora disorder of rats with osteonecrosis of the femoral head to some extent,and screened out different colonies such as Bacillus,Desulfurizans,Desulfurization,Isobacteria,Bifidobacterium and so on;it could up-regulate the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium,down-regulate the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Desulfovibrio,and improve the structure of intestinal flora.Functional prediction analysis indicated that Luzhongjiangu decoction could mainly affect amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism.Correlation analysis showed that the differential bacteria of Bifidobacterium and Intestinimonas in the middle dose group of Luzhongjiangu decoction were positively correlated with vitamin D3,estradiol and calcitonin,and negatively correlated with prostaglandin E2.In the model group,Escherichia-Shigella,Desulfovibrio,Globicatella and Streptococcus were positively correlated with prostaglandin E2 and negatively correlated with vitamin D3,estradiol and calcitonin.To conclude,Luzhongjiangu decoction may play a role in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head by regulating the structure of intestinal flora,up-regulating the abundance of beneficial bacteria and affecting the secretion of vitamin D3,estradiol,calcitonin and prostaglandin E2.

BACKGROUND:Our previous studies found that the polypeptide of Cornus cervi Colla can promote bone growth,which has a good application prospect in the treatment of bone diseases.However,how Cornus cervi Colla works in the body and the principle are not clear. OBJECTIVE:To study the in vivo distribution and tracing of Cornus cervi Colla using fluorescence labeling and tracer technique. METHODS:Cornus cervi Colla was fluorescently labeled using fluorescein isothiocyanate,and the labeling results were detected by fluorescence imaging and UV spectral scanning.Successfully labeled Cornus cervi Colla was injected into mice by gavage,and the absorption of Cornus cervi Colla into blood was detected by laser confocal microscopy,and the distribution of Cornus cervi Colla in mice was detected by small animal in vivo imager.The distribution of Cornus cervi Colla in the mice was detected by laser confocal microscopy.Samples were taken from serum and bone at the time of the strongest fluorescence,and gel electrophoresis was carried out on serum and bone tissue protein solutions,and the components of Cornus cervi Colla absorbed into target organs were determined by secondary mass spectrometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The fluorescent markers were successfully separated by dextran gel chromatography,and the fluorescence imaging and ultraviolet spectrum scanning proved that the labeling was successful,and the fluorescence substitution degree of FITC-labeled Cornus cervi Colla was 0.953%.The fluorescence intensity of the components of Cornus cervi Colla in the blood showed that Cornus cervi Colla was most distributed in serum after oral administration for 2 hours.The fluorescence images of mice at different times were the same as those of bilateral femur and tibia,indicating that Cornus cervi Colla could play a role by entering the bone.Compared with UniProt database,secondary mass spectrometry showed that the peptide was a characteristic fragment of decorin.It is proved that decorin in Cornus cervi Colla can enter the bone to play a therapeutic role.

Hematopoiesis ; Humans ; Leukemia ; metabolism ; Oncogene Protein v-akt ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods Literature about Xixian Tongshuan Preparation combined with conventional Western medicine for the treatment of AIS was retrieved from CNKI,SinoMed,VIP,Wanfang Data,PubMed,Medline,Embase,Cochrane Library and Web of Science from establishment of the databases to February 28,2023.Meta-analysis was conducted for the studies that could be quantitatively analyzed.The effective rate and response indicators were combined.Results A total of 7 articles were included for Meta-analysis.Results showed that there was statistical difference in the effective rate(RR=0.34,95%CI[0.23,0.51],P<0.01),NIHSS score(MD=-2.90,95%CI[-3.74,-2.06],P<0.01),BI score(MD=-10.08,95%CI[-13.47,-6.68],P<0.01),FIB(MD=-1.18,95%CI[-1.59,-0.77],P<0.01)of Xixian Tongshuan Preparation combined with conventional Western medicine for the treatment of AIS.There was no statistical difference in IL-6(MD=-15.4,95%CI[-33.3,2.49],P=0.09).There was no statistical difference in the effects of different dosage forms and treatment courses on the effective rate and NIHSS score.Conclusion The combination of Xixian Tongshuan Capsules/Pills could better improve the NIHSS and BI scores of patients with AIS,recovery the neurological function,and reduce the risk of blood hypercoagulability by reducing FIB content,with good safety.

Objective To investigate the effect of calcitriol on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9). Methods The experiment was divided into four groups: control group, calcitriol group, BMP9 group and BMP9+calcitriol group. Quantitative PNPP method was used to detect alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. RT-PCR and Western blotting method analyzed expression of osteocalcin（OCN）and osteopontin (OPN). Alizarin red staining assessed the formation of mineralized nodules. In addition, the changes of cell morphology and elastic modulus during osteogenic differentiation were studied by atomic force microscope. ResultsCompared with control group, calcitriol alone had no significant effect on the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but calcitriol could enhanced expression of osteogenic markers and formation of mineralized nodules induced by BMP9. However, neither calcitriol nor BMP9 could affect elastic modulus of cells. The combined treatment of BMP9 and calcitol could enhance phosphorylation of AKT and β-catenin which were both important for osteogenesis. The pretreated PI3K inhibitor could inhibit phosphorylation of AKT and β-catenin as well as ALP activity in BMP9+calcitriol group. In addition, calcitriol did not affect the BMP/Smad signaling pathway induced by BMP9. Conclusions Calcitriol synergies with BMP9 could promote MSCs osteogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The study about effects and mechanisms of different regulatory factors on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs is of great significance for the treatment of osteoporosis and the development of bone tissue engineering.

As a natural plant source of artemisinin,a first-line drug against malaria,Artemisia annua directly affects the extraction process of artemisinin and the source of artemisinin. At present,traditional breeding methods combined with tissue culture are often used to breed high-yield artemisinin-containing new varieties of A. annua. However,the breeding method has the disadvantages of low efficiency and continuous selection. In this study,heavy ion beam irradiation technology was used to observe the specific germplasm resources of A. annua,and the morphological characteristics,agronomic traits and artemisinin content were used as indicators to observe the selection materials and materials. The cultivated new varieties were compared with trials and regional trials. In addition,the new variety of A. annua was identified by SRAP molecular marker technology. The results showed that the new variety of A. annua, " Kehao No.1",had an average yield of 235. 0 kg of dry leaf per mu,which was more than 20% higher than that of the control. Especially,the average artemisinin content was 2. 0%,which was 45% higher than that of the control,and the " Kehao No.1" has high anti-white powder disease,high-yield and high-quality new varieties. Therefore,mutagenic breeding of heavy ion beam irradiation can significantly improve the yield and artemisinin content of the " Kehao No. 1" and it has a good promotion value.
Artemisia annua/genetics* ; Artemisinins/analysis* ; Heavy Ions ; Mutagenesis ; Phenotype ; Plant Breeding ; Plants, Medicinal/genetics*

In recent years， there have been both achievements and criticisms in using the methods of evidence-based medicine to evaluate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， which is mainly due to the differences between TCM and Western medicine. To facilitate the clinical evidence-based evaluation in TCM， this paper analyzes the challenges faced in TCM clinical evaluation， particularly in the diagnosis， clinical intervention， and efficacy assessment methods. Considering the current state of TCM clinical evaluation and our clinical research experience， we believe that establishing and refining the TCM disease-syndrome diagnostic system is a prerequisite for the practice of clinical evidence-based evaluation in TCM. Furthermore， this paper discusses the specific connotation， development， and challenges of the disease-syndrome diagnostic system， especially the choice of TCM disease name or modern medical disease name in this system. Then， the clinical application scenarios are expounded from ''TCM disease name + syndrome differentiation'' and ''Western medicine disease name + syndrome differentiation''. Moreover， this paper proposed solutions for practical issues such as the standardization of disease and syndrome diagnosis， selection of clinical evaluation methods， and application of evidence-based approaches in clinical evaluation. Establishing the criteria for the disease-syndrome diagnostic system is crucial for the determination of clinical intervention regimen， the selection of clinical research methods， and the establishment of evaluation indicators， which are essential for generating high-quality clinical evidence. To sum up， this paper reviews the development and current situation of the disease-syndrome diagnostic system and proposes an exploratory approach for the standardization and application of this system in clinical evidence-based evaluation. This approach aims to facilitate the integration of TCM with modern clinical practice， thereby achieving standardized evaluation of TCM efficacy and deepening the integration of TCM with evidence-based medicine.

Tripterygium wilfordii is a valuable medicinal plant rich in biologically active diterpenoids, but there are few studies on the origins of these diterpenoids in its secondary metabolism. Here, we identified three regions containing tandemly duplicated diterpene synthase genes on chromosomes (Chr) 17 and 21 of T. wilfordii and obtained 11 diterpene synthases with different functions. We further revealed that these diterpene synthases underwent duplication and rearrangement at approximately 2.3-23.7 million years ago (MYA) by whole-genome triplication (WGT), transposon mediation, and tandem duplication, followed by functional divergence. We first demonstrated that four key amino acids in the sequences of TwCPS3, TwCPS5, and TwCPS6 were altered during evolution, leading to their functional divergence and the formation of diterpene secondary metabolites. Then, we demonstrated that the functional divergence of three TwKSLs was driven by mutations in two key amino acids. Finally, we discovered the mechanisms of evolution and pseudogenization of miltiradiene synthases in T. wilfordii and elucidated that the new function in TwMS1/2 from the terpene synthase (TPS)-b subfamily was caused by progressive changes in multiple amino acids after the WGT event. Our results provide key evidence for the formation of diverse diterpenoids during the evolution of secondary metabolites in T. wilfordii.