1.Effects of oral microbiota and immune cells on oral leukoplakia: a Mendelian randomization and mediation analysis
WANG Yongkang ; GUAN Cuiqiang ; GUO Hongbo
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):129-138
Objective:
To assess the causal association between specific oral microbiota and the risk of oral leukoplakia (OLK) using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, and to elucidate the potential mediating role of immune cells.
Methods:
Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the oral microbiome, GWAS data for immune cell phenotypes, and GWAS summary statistics for OLK from FinnGen were used. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the primary approach, and it was supplemented by MR Egger regression, simple mode, weighted median, and weighted mode methods for additional analyses, to investigate the causal relationship between 3 117 types of tongue coating and salivary microbiota, as well as 731 immune cell traits, and OLK. Furthermore, a two-step MR approach was applied to explore the potential mediating role of immune cells in the association between oral microbiota and OLK.
Results:
IVW analysis revealed causal associations between 15 oral microbial genera and OLK. Among these, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Catonella were associated with a reduced risk of OLK, with Fusobacterium showing the most significant protective effect (OR = 0.41, P = 0.023). In contrast, genera, including Microbacterium, Campylobacter, and Haemophilus_A, were linked to an increased risk of OLK, with Lancefieldella exhibiting the strongest risk effect (OR = 2.66, P = 0.006). Eleven immune cell phenotypes with potential causal associations with OLK were identified, including four protective and seven risk-increasing factors. Mediation analysis further identified four key mediating pathways: pathogenic genera, particularly Campylobacter_A and Lancefieldella, may promote the development and progression of OLK by upregulating highly activated pro-inflammatory immune subsets such as activated monocytes, B cells, and myeloid cells. Conversely, the potentially protective genus Catonella appeared to exert inhibitory effects on OLK by significantly downregulating dendritic cell subsets.
Conclusion
This study is the first to reveal, at the genetic level, causal pathways through which specific oral microbial genera influence the risk of OLK by mediating immune cell responses. These findings provide novel insights into the immunopathological mechanisms underlying OLK and offer potential targets for intervention strategies aimed at modulating specific microbial genera or immune cell subsets.
2.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
3.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
4.Treatment of Minimally Conscious State with Musk Based on "Phlegm,Fire,Blood Stasis,and Deficiency"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Mingyuan LI ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):188-192
Minimally conscious state (MCS) is at the edge between closed and open consciousness, but it still belongs to the category of "wind-strike block" syndrome. The basic pathogenesis of MCS is the obstruction of pathogenic qi, orifices closed and spirit hidden, with pathological factors including phlegm, fire, and blood stasis. Wind movement and water retention may also be present, and often leading to deficiency syndrome due to the exhaustion of qi, blood, yin, and yang at later stages. Treatment chooses Shexiang (Moschus) as the chief medicinal, emphasizing combination of medicinals and urgency of medication administration; the key therapeutic method is to open the orifices, with focuses on expelling pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi. For patients with severe phlegm or fire, use Xiaochengqi Decoction (小承气汤) to open the lower orifices, discharge heat and unblock the bowels, combined with Shexiang (Moschus) and Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus) to open the upper orifices, awaken the spirit and guide qi. For patients with turbid phlegm as the predominant, temporarily replace Shexiang (Moschus) with Baizhi (Angelicae dahuricae radix), using Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) to eliminate phlegm to open the orifices, when turbid phlegm gradually subsided, Shexiang (Moschus) could be added. For patients with blood stasis as the predominant, Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (通窍活血汤) will be used to activate blood and open orifice, if the blood circulates, the endogenous wind will be calmed, the water will be induced, the orifices will open and the consciousness will restore. For patients with closed orifices and body deficiency, the treatment should open the orifices and reinforce healthy qi, and consider the root and branch simultaneously; qi deficiency syndrome can be addressed with Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤) to boost qi and reinforce healthy qi; yin deficiency syndrome can be treated with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) combined with Fengsui Pill (封髓丹) to nourish yin, soften sinews, and secure kidney essence; yang deficiency can be managed by using Dihuang Yinzi Decoction (地黄饮子) to enrich yin, supplement yang, and open the orifices.
5.YOD1 regulates microglial homeostasis by deubiquitinating MYH9 to promote the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Jinfeng SUN ; Fan CHEN ; Lingyu SHE ; Yuqing ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Bozhi YE ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Li XIONG ; Liwei LI ; Luyao LI ; Qin YU ; Linjie CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Guang LIANG ; Xia ZHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):331-348
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of dementia in the elderly and is closely related to the toxic effects of microglia sustained activation. In AD, sustained microglial activation triggers impaired synaptic pruning, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and cognitive deficits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that aberrant expression of deubiquitinating enzymes is associated with regulating microglia function. Here, we use RNA sequencing to identify a deubiquitinase YOD1 as a regulator of microglial function and AD pathology. Further study showed that YOD1 knockout significantly improved the migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response of microglia, thereby improving the cognitive impairment of AD model mice. Through LC-MS/MS analysis combined with Co-IP, we found that Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), a key regulator maintaining microglia homeostasis, is an interacting protein of YOD1. Mechanistically, YOD1 binds to MYH9 and maintains its stability by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain from MYH9, thereby mediating the microglia polarization signaling pathway to mediate microglia homeostasis. Taken together, our study reveals a specific role of microglial YOD1 in mediating microglia homeostasis and AD pathology, which provides a potential strategy for targeting microglia to treat AD.
6.Bayesian Network Meta-analysis for Postoperative Efficacy of Chinese Patent Medicine in the Treatment of Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Xinzhi WANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(6):884-895
Objective To evaluate postoperative efficacy and safety of oral or nasal feeding Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of intracerebral haemorrhage(ICH)based on Bayesian network meta-analysis(BNMA).Methods The randomized controlled trial(RCT)study of Chinese patent medicine for intervening in post-operative patients of ICH was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science.The retrieval time is from the establishment of databases to August 25,2023.ROB 2.0 was used for risk of bias assessments.BNMA was performed by using R 4.2.2 loaded with the BUGSnet 1.1.0 package.Results A total of 28 RCTs were included,with a total sample size of 2 530 cases,including 9 kinds of Chinese patent medicines[Angong Niuhuang Pills(AGNH),Suhexiang Pills(SHX),Naoxueshu Oral Liquid(NXS),Naoxintong Capsules(NXT),Naoxuekang Tablets(NXK),Xiaoyukang Capsules(XYK),Yangxue Qingnao Granules(YXQN),Tongtian Oral Liquid(TT),Sanqi Tongshu Capsules(SQTS)].All patients underwent surgical treatment and postoperative treatment of conventional western medicine(CWMT),the experimental group was additionally given Chinese patent medicine orally or by nasal feeding.The BNMA results showed that AGNH+CWMT group ranked first in reducing short-term mortality,NIHSS score,and perihematomal edema,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.SHX+CWMT group ranked first in improving total effective efficiency,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.TT+CWMT group ranked first in increasing GCS scores,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.YXQN+CWMT group ranked first in improving BI index,with P<0.05 compared to CWMT group.NXS+CWMT group ranked first in promoting the absorption of cerebral hematoma,with P>0.05 compared to CWMT group.NXT+CWMT group ranked first in shortening the average length of hospital stay,with P>0.05 compared to CWMT group.Conclusion Compared with CWMT group,the combined use of Chinese patent medicine and CWMT is effective in improving the total effective rate,reducing mortality and NIHSS score,increasing GCS score and BI after operation in patients with ICH.There is no significant difference in promoting hematoma absorption and shortening the average length of hospital stay.AGNH has good effect,which may be the best Chinese patent medicine in the post-operative treatment of ICH patients.However,due to limitations in quality and methodology of included research,the conclusions obtained still need further validation.
7.Treating Emotional Disorders from the Classification of Gallbladder
Yijun WU ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Wenbo LIU ; Shuang JIANG ; Haohao LIAO ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(3):309-314
This article summarizes the unique viewpoints and experience application of the famous and veteran Chinese medicine practitioner,Professor Wang Xinzhi,in treating emotional diseases from the perspective of gallbladder theory.Based on the physiologi-cal functions and characteristics of the gallbladder in Chinese medicine,it is proposed that the"heart mind-gallbladder-viscera"axis dominates the generation and changes of emotions,and it is believed that gallbladder failure is the key pathogenesis of emotional disor-ders.The treatment of clinical syndromes should be based on the type of gallbladder,and emotional diseases can be divided into types of insufficient gallbladder qi,unfavorable Shaoyang,gallbladder and heat excess,timidity-deficiency,and heart-gallbladder indeci-sion,according to clinical manifestations;based on the basic principle of adjusting the functions of the heart,spleen,liver,gallblad-der,kidney and other organs,treatment methods such as tonifying the spleen and kidneys,increasing gallbladder qi,resolving Shaoy-ang,clearing gallbladder heat,warming yang and replenishing qi,calming the mind,resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis should be used,highlighting the joint treatment of the heart and the gallbladder,and the simultaneous regulation of the liver and gall-bladder,so that the mind can be at ease,the gallbladder can be decisive,and the emotions can be harmonious.
8.Research progress of plants improving air quality in closed environment
Cong ZHANG ; Yongkang TANG ; Jianxiao WANG ; Weidang AI ; Fang LI ; Xiaoxia WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(3):195-200
Regarding the air quality problems,this article summarized the adverse factors such as trace harmful gases,small particulate matter,and high concentration carbon dioxide that existed in space closed environment,and compared the advantages and disadvantages of physical and chemical treatment methods to improve air quality.The focus was on exploring the improvement benefits of plants method on air quality,and summarizing the research progress in three aspects:absorption of trace harmful gases,release of negative oxygen ions,and absorption of carbon dioxide.The current research problems were pointed out,and the future research directions on using plants to improve the air quality in space closed environment were predicted.
9.Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by the Method of Lifting the Sunken from "Deficiency,Toxin, Wind-Heat"
Huan YU ; Yongkang SUN ; Yanbo SONG ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(23):2476-2481
It is regarded that the general qi is the combination of spleen-kidney qi and heart-lung yang qi in the chest, which is filled between the muscles and is able to maintain the normal shape of the muscles. Accordingly, it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the deficiency sinking of general qi, with "deficiency" as the root, and "toxin" and "wind-heat" as the key factors for the rapid progression of the disease. The development process of ALS was classified into the initial onset stage, the increasingly progressive stage, and the rapid exacerbation stage, and differentiated and treated by deficiency, toxin, and wind-heat. Based on clinical experience, the wind medicinals were preferred. We formed self-prescribed Juxian Decoction (举陷汤) and modified from the perspective of "deficiency, toxicity, wind-heat" based on the wind medicinals of Huangqi (Radix Astragali), Shengma (Actaea cimicifuga L.), Chaihu (Bupleurum spp.) and so on. For the initial onset stage, Yiqi Shengji Juxian Decoction (益气生肌举陷汤), Wenyang Liyan Juxian Decoction (温阳利咽举陷汤) could be used; for the increasingly progressive stage, Jiedu Juxian Decoction (解毒举陷汤) could be used; for the rapid exacerbation stage, Yinqiao Shufen Juxian Decoction (银翘疏风举陷汤), Yangxue Xifeng Juxian Decoction (养血熄风举陷汤) could be used.
10.Staged treatment of post-stroke depression based on "deficiency of heart qi leading to sadness"
Yilong SUN ; Yanbo SONG ; Fangbiao XU ; Yijun WU ; Yuhe HU ; Yongkang SUN ; Huan YU ; Yina WANG ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(12):1646-1654
Post-stroke depression is a common complication after a stroke. Based on the theory of "deficiency of heart qi leading to sadness"recorded in Huangdi Neijing, our team proposes that deficiency of heart qi is the basic pathogenesis of post-stroke depression, with sadness being its main manifestation. Therefore, we advocate treating post-stroke depression from the perspective of the heart, and clinically, it can be divided into four stages: heart-liver stage, heart-lung stage, heart-spleen stage, and heart-kidney stage. Treating post-stroke depression with the principle of regulating qi and nourishing the heart, patients in the heart-liver and heart-lung stages are mainly middle-aged and young adults, with a pathological nature of qi stagnation and mild deficiency of heart qi, and therefore, the method of promoting the flow of meridians and regulating qi should be adopted. In contrast, patients in the heart-spleen and heart-kidney stages are mainly middle-aged and elderly, with a pathological nature of qi deficiency and severe deficiency of heart qi, and therefore, nourishment and tonification should be prioritized. In response to the above four stages, our team has achieved good clinical efficacy by administering Xiaoyao Powder, Baihe Dihuang Decoction, Ganmai Dazao Decoction and Jingui Shenqi Pill respectively. This study discusses the approach to treating post-stroke depression from the perspective of a "deficiency of heart qi leading to sadness" by examining three aspects: the theoretical basis of Chinese and Western medicine to treat post-stroke depression from the heart, the basic pathogenesis and staging of post-stroke depression, and the treatment principle of regulating qi and nourishing the heart. The study also briefly analyzes the clinical experience of the medications used for this condition to provide a reference for the treatment of post-stroke depression.


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