1.The Role of NEAT1 in Bone and Cartilage Metabolism and Bone Diseases
Rui-Ming WEN ; Rui-Qi HUANG ; Yi-Xing CHANG ; Ke XU ; Xue-Jie YI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):930-945
In the process of maintaining the steady state of bone tissue, the transcription network and signal pathway of the body play a vital role. These complex regulatory mechanisms need precise coordination to ensure the balance between bone formation and bone absorption. Once this balance is broken, it may lead to pathological changes of bone and cartilage, and then lead to various bone diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand these regulatory mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. In recent years, with the deepening of research, more and more lncRNA has been found to be closely related to bone health. Among them, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), as an extremely abundant RNA molecule in mammalian nuclei, has attracted extensive attention. NEAT1 is mainly transcribed from a specific site in human chromosome 11 by RNA polymerase II (RNaseP), which can form two different subtypes NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2. These two subtypes are different in intracellular distribution and function, but they participate in many biological processes together. Studies have shown that NEAT1 plays a specific role in the process of cell growth and stress response. For example, it can regulate the development of osteoblasts (OB), osteoclasts (OC) and chondrocytes by balancing the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), thus maintaining the steady state of bone metabolism. This discovery reveals the important role of NEAT1 in bone development and remodeling. In addition, NEAT1 is closely related to a variety of bone diseases. In patients with bone diseases such as osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA) and osteosarcoma (OS), the expression level of NEAT1 is different. These differential expressions may be closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of bone diseases. By regulating the level of NEAT1, it can affect a variety of signal transduction pathways, and then affect the development of bone diseases. For example, some studies show that by regulating the expression level of NEAT1, the activity of osteoclasts can be inhibited, and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts can be promoted, thus improving the symptoms of osteoporosis. It is worth noting that NEAT1 can also be used as a key sensor for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. When exercising or receiving some natural products, the expression level of NEAT1 will change, thus reflecting the response of bones to external stimuli. This feature makes NEAT1 an important target for studying the prevention and treatment strategies of bone diseases. However, although the role of NEAT1 in bone biology and bone diseases has been initially recognized, its specific mechanism and regulatory relationship are still controversial. For example, the expression level, mode of action and interaction with other molecules of NEAT1 in different bone diseases still need further in-depth study. This paper reviews the role of NEAT1 in maintaining bone and cartilage metabolism, and discusses its expression and function in various bone diseases. By combing the existing research results and controversial points, this paper aims to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, and provide useful reference and enlightenment for future research.
2.Research progress on Parkinson's disease treatment with traditional Chinese medicine via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Le SHU ; Xing-Ke YAN ; Si-Rui MA ; Gui-Shun HE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2982-2993
Parkinson's disease(PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of Lewy bodies. While conventional drugs like levodopa can improve early symptoms, their efficacy diminishes over time, and they may cause severe side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its multi-target therapeutic approach, has shown unique advantages in PD treatment, particularly in slowing disease progression and improving clinical symptoms. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and cellular repair mechanisms, which are crucial for neuroprotection against PD. Studies indicate that TCM regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to enhance neuronal antioxidative capacity, inhibit neuroinflammation, promote dopaminergic neuron repair and survival, and slow pathological progression. This review explores the neuroprotective role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PD patients, including alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing neuroinflammation, promoting neuronal repair, and regulating iron metabolism and autophagy. It also discusses the mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients(flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins, polyphenols, etc.), single herbs(Cistanche deserticola, Uraria crinite, and Melissa officinalis, etc.), and formulas(Bushen Jianpi Decoction, Didang Decoction, and Gancao Yangyin Decoction, etc.) modulate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PD treatment, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application and new drug development of TCM in PD prevention and treatment.
Humans
;
Parkinson Disease/genetics*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
3.Minimally invasive reduction of irreducible, sagittally unstable peritrochanteric fractures: Novel technique and early results.
Ke LI ; Xing DU ; Zhongyao CHEN ; Wei SHUI
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(5):330-335
PURPOSE:
The management of irreducible, sagittally unstable peritrochanteric fractures presents a significant challenge due to the inability to achieve closed reduction using conventional techniques. This study introduces a novel minimally invasive technique leveraging the mechanical advantage principle with long, angled hemostatic clamps.
METHODS:
A retrospective review was performed on 16 patients who sustained sagittally unstable peritrochanteric fractures and underwent a percutaneous hemostatic clamp leverage reduction procedure.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
(1) Preoperative confirmation of fracture type as peritrochanteric fracture; (2) Intraoperative imaging confirms the presence of sagittal plane displacement at the fracture site; (3) Age > 18 years.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
(1) Open fractures, pathological fractures, and diabetes; (2) Long-term use of corticosteroids; (3) Patients with local skin or systemic conditions not suitable for surgery. Regular follow-ups at intervals of 6 - 8 weeks continued until evidence of bone consolidation was apparent in radiographic assessments. Evaluation of the alignment quality considered factors such as the re-establishment of the neck-shaft angle, the integrity of all cortical bone edges, and the rectification of any translational displacement, while the assessment of hip functionality was performed using the Harris scoring system. Statistical analysis of the relevant data was performed using SPSS 25.0 software.
RESULTS:
The average age of these 16 patients was 56.8 years (ranging from 25 to 81 years), consisting of 8 males and 8 females. According to the AO/OTA fracture classification, the cohort included 13 cases of type 31A, 2 cases of type 32A, and 1 case of type 32C. The time from hospital admission to the day of surgery ranged from 3 to 11 days, with an average of 5.1 days. Closed reduction was successfully implemented in all 10 instances, negating the necessity for transition to open reduction procedures. The mean operative duration was 105.8 min (range 80 - 180 min). Satisfactory results of the quality of reduction were determined by comparison with the normal side. The average Harris hip score was 94.1 (range 87 - 99), and the fracture healing time was 4.2 months (3 - 6 months). Implant failure and malunion were not observed.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides an alternative, minimally invasive technique for reducing sagittally unstable, irreducible peritrochanteric fractures. This technique holds the potential to manage complex fractures with the same efficacy as is typically reserved for simple and easily reducible fractures.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Aged
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Hip Fractures/diagnostic imaging*
;
Adult
4.Analysis of Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction in Children with Repeated Blood Transfusion.
Li-Lan GAO ; Meng-Xing LYU ; Shu-Xia WANG ; Xiao-Hong JIN ; Jian-Xiang LIU ; Mei-Kun HU ; Ke-Xuan QU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):217-223
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize and analyze the characteristics of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in children, in order to provide a scientific basis for clinical prevention, and ensure the safety of children's blood transfusion.
METHODS:
The basic situation, clinical symptoms and signs, diagnosis time and disappearance time of alloantibody of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction in children were retrospectively analyzed. The serological test, routine blood test, biochemical detection and urine analysis results were compared pre- and post-transfusion.
RESULTS:
Among 15 164 children with repeated blood transfusion, 23 cases occurred delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions, with an incidence rate of 0.15%, and mainly children with thalassemia and acute leukemia. 39.13% of delayed hemolytic reactions occurred in children with more than 20 times of blood transfusions. Anemia was the main clinical symptom in 86.96% of children. 4.35% of children had hypotension and dyspnea. Serological test results showed that the positive rate of direct antiglobulin test was 91.30%, and that of erythrocyte homologous antibody test was 100%. Erythrocyte alloantibodies were common in Rh and Kidd blood group systems, accounting for 73.91% and 13.04%, respectively. Laboratory test results showed that hemoglobin, reticulocyte, spherocyte, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin and urine color were significantly different after transfusion compared with those before transfusion (all P <0.05). The average diagnosis time of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions was 18.56 days, and the average disappearance time of erythrocyte alloantibodies was 118.43 days.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction is high in children with repeated blood transfusion, and the disappearance time of erythrocyte homologous antibody is long. Blood matched ABO, Rh and Kidd blood group antigens should be transfused prophylactically. Once diagnosed, erythrocyte alloantibody corresponding to antigen-negative blood should be used throughout the whole process.
Humans
;
Child
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Child, Preschool
;
Transfusion Reaction
;
Male
;
Female
;
Infant
;
Adolescent
;
Isoantibodies/blood*
;
Blood Transfusion
5.A preclinical evaluation and first-in-man case for transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using PulveClip® transcatheter repair device.
Gang-Jun ZONG ; Jie-Wen DENG ; Ke-Yu CHEN ; Hua WANG ; Fei-Fei DONG ; Xing-Hua SHAN ; Jia-Feng WANG ; Ni ZHU ; Fei LUO ; Peng-Fei DAI ; Zhi-Fu GUO ; Yong-Wen QIN ; Yuan BAI
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):265-269
6.Effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol on Perioperative Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective PCI: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zi-Hao LIU ; Wen-Long XING ; Hong-Xu LIU ; Ju-Ju SHANG ; Ai-Yong LI ; Qi ZHOU ; Zhen-Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bao LI ; Ke-Ji CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(3):206-214
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immediate effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on perioperative coronary microcirculation in patients with unstable angina (UA) suffering from elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
METHODS:
From February 2021 to July 2023, UA inpatients who underwent PCI alone in the left anterior descending (LAD) branch were included. Random numbers were generated to divide patients into the trial group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The index of coronary microcirculation resistance (IMR) was measured before PCI, and the trial group was given two sprays of KXA, while the control group was not given. IMR was measured again after PCI, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were detected before and 24 h after surgery, and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) were recorded for 30 days. The data statistics and analysis personnel were blinded.
RESULTS:
Totally 859 patients were screened, and 62 of them were involved into this study. Finally, 1 patient in the trial group failed to complete the post-PCI IMR and was excluded, 30 patients were included for data analysis, while 31 patients in the control group were enrolled in data analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline data (age, gender, risk factors, previous history, biochemical index, and drug therapy, etc.) between the two groups. In addition, differences in IMR, cTnI and CK-MB were not statistically significant between the two groups before surgery. After PCI, the IMR level of the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.56 ± 14.37 vs. 27.15 ± 15.03, P=0.048). Besides, the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) was lower in the trial group, but the difference was not statistically significant (6.67% vs. 16.13%, P=0.425). No MACEs were reported in either group.
CONCLUSIONS
KXA has the potential of improving coronary microvascular dysfunction. This study provides reference for the application of KXA in UA patients undergoing elective PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2300069831).
Humans
;
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
;
Male
;
Microcirculation/drug effects*
;
Female
;
Angina, Unstable/physiopathology*
;
Pilot Projects
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Aerosols
;
Troponin I/blood*
;
Coronary Circulation/drug effects*
;
Elective Surgical Procedures
7.Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill Improves Stable Angina Patients with Phlegm-Heat and Blood-Stasis Syndrome: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Ying-Qiang ZHAO ; Yong-Fa XING ; Ke-Yong ZOU ; Wei-Dong JIANG ; Ting-Hai DU ; Bo CHEN ; Bao-Ping YANG ; Bai-Ming QU ; Li-Yue WANG ; Gui-Hong GONG ; Yan-Ling SUN ; Li-Qi WANG ; Gao-Feng ZHOU ; Yu-Gang DONG ; Min CHEN ; Xue-Juan ZHANG ; Tian-Lun YANG ; Min-Zhou ZHANG ; Ming-Jun ZHAO ; Yue DENG ; Chang-Jiang XIAO ; Lin WANG ; Bao-He WANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):685-693
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents.
METHODS:
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS:
This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed.
CONCLUSION
STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans
;
Double-Blind Method
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Angina, Stable/physiopathology*
;
Aged
;
Syndrome
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Placebos
;
Tablets
8.Chemical knockdown of Keap1 and homoPROTAC-ing allergic rhinitis.
Jianyu YAN ; Tianyu WANG ; Ruizhi YU ; Lijuan XU ; Hongming SHAO ; Tengfei LI ; Zhe WANG ; Xudong CHA ; Zhenyuan MIAO ; Chengguo XING ; Ke XU ; Huanhai LIU ; Chunlin ZHUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4137-4155
Allergic rhinitis (AR), a globally prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory condition, is still an incurable disease. In the present study, we have validated the impact of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)-related oxidative stress and inflammatory response in clinical AR patient peripheral blood and nasal swab samples, emphasizing the biological relevance of Keap1 and AR. Targeting Keap1 -nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related anti-oxidative stress may be effective for AR intervention. Drawing inspiration from the Keap1 homodimerization and the E3 ligase characteristics, we herein present a design of novel bivalent molecules for chemical knockdown of Keap1. For the first time, we characterized ternary complexes of Keap1 dimer and one molecule of bivalent compounds. The best bivalent molecule 8 encompasses robust capacity to degrade Keap1 as a homoPROTACKEAP1. It efficaciously suppresses inflammatory cytokines in extensively different cells, including human nasal epithelial cells. Moreover, in an AR mouse model, we confirmed that the chemical degradation induced by homoPROTACKEAP1 led to therapeutic benefits in managing AR symptoms, oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, our findings underscore the efficacy of targeting the Keap1 system through the homoPROTAC-ing technology as an innovative and promising treatment strategy for the incurable allergic disorders.
9.Quercetin ameliorates myocardial injury in diabetic rats by regulating L-type calcium channels.
Hongyan SUN ; Guoqing LU ; Chengwen FU ; Mengwen XU ; Xiaoyi ZHU ; Guoquan XING ; Leqiang LIU ; Yufei KE ; Lemei CUI ; Ruiyang CHEN ; Lei WANG ; Pinfang KANG ; Bi TANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):531-541
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of quercetin on cuproptosis and L-type calcium currents in the myocardium of diabetic rats.
METHODS:
Forty SD rats were randomized into control group and diabetic model groups. The rat models of diabetes mellitus (DM) induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection were further divided into DM model group, quercetin treatment group, and empagliflozin treatment group (n=10). Blood glucose and body weight were measured every other week, and cardiac function of the rats was evaluated using echocardiography. HE staining, Sirius red staining, and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) analysis were used to observe the changes in myocardial histomorphology, and serum copper levels and myocardial FDX1 expression were detected. In cultured rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells with high-glucose exposure, the effects of quercetin and elesclomol, alone or in combination, on intracellular CK-MB and LDH levels and FDX1 expression were assessed, and the changes in L-type calcium currents were analyzed using patch-clamp technique.
RESULTS:
The diabetic rats exhibited elevated blood glucose, reduced body weight, impaired left ventricular function, increased serum copper levels and myocardial FDX1 expression, decreased L-type calcium currents, and prolonged action potential duration. Quercetin and empagliflozin treatment significantly lowered blood glucose, improved body weight, and restored cardiac function of the diabetic rats, and compared with empagliflozin, quercetin more effectively reduced serum copper levels, downregulated FDX1 expression, and enhanced myocardial L-type calcium currents in diabetic rats. In H9c2 cells, high glucose exposure significantly increased myocardial expressions of FDX1, CK-MB and LDH, which were effectively lowered by quercetin treatment; Elesclomol further elevated FDX1, CK-MB and LDH levels in the exposed cells, and these changes were not significantly affected by the application of quercetin.
CONCLUSIONS
Quercetin ameliorates myocardial injury in diabetic rats possibly by suppressing myocardial cuproptosis signaling and restoring L-type calcium channel activity.
Animals
;
Quercetin/pharmacology*
;
Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects*
;
Myocardium/pathology*
;
Male
10.Identification and biomimetic synthesis of iphionanes and cyperanes from Artemisia hedinii and their anti-hepatic fibrosis activity.
Xiaofei LIU ; Xing WANG ; Chunping TANG ; Changqiang KE ; Bintao HU ; Sheng YAO ; Yang YE
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(7):871-880
Two novel skeleton sesquiterpenoids (1 and 6), along with four new iphionane-type sesquiterpenes (2-5) and six new cyperane-type sesquiterpenes (7-11), were isolated from the whole plant of Artemisia hedinii (A. hedinii). The two novel skeleton compounds (1 and 6) were derived from the decarbonization of iphionane and cyperane-type sesquiterpenes, respectively. Their structures were elucidated through a comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. The absolute configurations were determined using electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) ECD calculation, density functional theory (DFT) NMR calculations, and biomimetic syntheses. The biomimetic syntheses of the two novel skeletons (1 and 6) were inspired by potential biogenetic pathways, utilizing a predominant eudesmane-type sesquiterpene (A) in A. hedinii as the substrate. All compounds were evaluated in LX-2 cells for their anti-hepatic fibrosis activity. Compounds 2, 8, and 10 exhibited significant activity in downregulating the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a protein involved in hepatic fibrosis.
Artemisia/chemistry*
;
Sesquiterpenes/chemical synthesis*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Humans
;
Liver Cirrhosis/genetics*
;
Biomimetics
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*

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