1.Exosomes Treat Ischemic Stroke by Regulation of Ferroptosis Through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway in Mice
Yingtao XU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Ping LIN ; Haitao CHI ; Yi WANG ; Ying BAI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):20-31
ObjectiveA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model is established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. The study examines the mechanism by which exosomes (EXO) derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) improve ischemic stroke and regulate neural ferroptosis-related injury. MethodsThirty-two SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 - 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group): sham group (Sham), model group (MCAO), MCAO plus normal saline group (MCAO+NaCl), and MCAO plus exosome group (MCAO+EXO). The mouse MCAO model was established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. Mice in the Sham group underwent exposure of the middle cerebral artery without electrocoagulation. Twenty-four hours before MCAO induction, mice in the MCAO+EXO group received a tail vein injection of 100 μL of exosomes derived from the culture supernatant of hAMSCs at a concentration of 9.5×1011 particles/mL. Mice in the MCAO+NaCl group were injected with an equal volume of normal saline via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after model establishment, neurological deficits were evaluated using the Longa neurological deficit scoring system. Cerebral infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes of neurons in the ischemic brain regions. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were determined using microcolorimetric assays to evaluate differences among groups. The mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the infarct and peri-infarct regions of each group were analyzed by Western blotting. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group, the Longa neurological deficit score was significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group (P<0.01). Prominent cerebral infarction was observed in the MCAO group, whereas the infarct volume ratio was markedly decreased in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.001). Histopathological analysis revealed that mice in the MCAO group exhibited obvious neuronal damage, including cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, unclear nuclear structure, and disorganized neuronal arrangement, compared with the Sham group. In contrast, neurons in the MCAO+EXO group showed relatively preserved morphology, with intact cellular structures and large, regular nuclei located centrally within the cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that Fe2+ and MDA levels in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were significantly increased in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.001). These levels were significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). In addition, total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were markedly decreased in the MCAO group relative to the Sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, the MCAO+EXO group exhibited significantly increased levels of total GSH and GSH (P<0.001), while no significant change was observed in GSSG levels (P>0.05). Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were significantly downregulated in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.01, P<0.001). In contrast, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were significantly upregulated in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionIn the mouse MCAO model, tail vein injection of exosomes derived from hAMSCs can improve motor function, reduce infarct area, protect neuronal cell morphology, and reduce the degree of nerve injury. Exosomes may exert a protective effect by activating the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and reducing ferroptosis in neuronal cells of MCAO model mice.
2.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Patient with Gorham-Stout Disease
Jing HU ; Ying JIN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ji LI ; Wenhui WANG ; Yue CHI ; Chunxu LI ; Zhenjie ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):52-59
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.
3.Effect of Jianpi Qinghua Granules on Blood Glucose Fluctuations and Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Newly Diagnosed Overweight/Obese Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Yuan CHEN ; Qiuyue GUO ; Yanyan XIAO ; Hao LU ; Chi CHEN ; Junfei XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):218-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Jianpi Qinghua granules on blood glucose fluctuations in patients with newly diagnosed overweight/obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome from the perspective of skeletal muscle mass and function, while providing new insights for the treatment of diabetes. MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. A total of 110 newly diagnosed overweight/obese T2DM patients meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group (54 cases) or the control group (56 cases). Patients in the TCM group received Jianpi Qinghua Granules, while those in the control group received a placebo. Both groups underwent dietary and exercise guidance. After 12 weeks of intervention, blood glucose fluctuations were assessed using the following parameters: time in the target blood glucose range (TIR), mean daily blood glucose (MBG), standard deviation of mean daily blood glucose (SDBG), mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), coefficient of variation of blood glucose (CV), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) achievement rate, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 2 hour postprandial glucose (2 hPG). Skeletal muscle mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), while skeletal muscle function was evaluated using a handheld dynamometer for distal muscle strength and a 5-time sit-to-stand test for lower limb function. Additionally, pancreatic islet function and TCM syndrome scores were analyzed. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in baseline data between the two groups before intervention, ensuring comparability. After treatment, compared to the control group, the TCM group showed a significant increase in TIR (P<0.01). While the SDBG and CV decreased, and MBG and MAGE increased in the TCM group, these differences were not statistically significant. Notably, the TCM group exhibited significant reductions in 2 hPG (P<0.01) and HbA1c (P<0.05), though the decrease in FPG was not statistically significant. The HbA1c achievement rate in the TCM group was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2=45.498, P<0.01). In terms of skeletal muscle mass and function, the TCM group demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength (P<0.01) and a significant reduction in the 5-time sit-to-stand duration (P<0.05). However, although body fat percentage increased, leading to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and the ratio of skeletal muscle to fat, these changes were not statistically significant. For pancreatic islet function, the TCM group showed significant reductions in fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P<0.01). Additionally, the TCM syndrome score in the TCM group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). ConclusionJianpi Qinghua granules may reduce blood glucose fluctuations in newly diagnosed overweight/obese T2DM patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome by enhancing skeletal muscle function, improving pancreatic islet function, and ameliorating related TCM syndromes.
4.Mechanism of Yishen Qubi Tongluo Formula (益肾祛痹通络方) in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:Based on Network Pharmacology,Molecular Docking and Experimental Verification
Liuping XU ; Canyu YANG ; Ying LU ; Lisha MO ; Qiang CHI ; Yuan XIA ; Shuijuan LIU ; Mingliang QIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):557-566
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yishen Qubi Tongluo Formula (益肾祛痹通络方, YQTF) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to retrieve and screen the active components and potential targets of YQTF as well as RA-related targets using databases including TCMSP, BATMAN, ETCM and GEO. The intersection of targets related to active components and RA-related targets was identified, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed, and a drug-active component-common target network of YQTF in the treatment of RA was established. The core components of YQTF were molecularly docked with key targets. Human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cell line MH7A was divided into blank group, model group, methotrexate group and YQTF group. The blank group was cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum, while the other three groups were stimulated with 10 μg/L of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for 24 h to establish the RA cell model. On this basis, the methotrexate group was treated with methotrexate suspension at a concentration of 20 μmol/L, and the YQTF group was treated with 10% YQTF-medicated serum. After 48 h of intervention, the levels of TNF-α and interleukin-17A(IL-17A)contents in cell supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis identified 209 active components and 583 potential target genes of YQTF, as well as 818 RA-related targets. A total of 29 common targets were obtained from the intersection of drug-related targets and RA-related targets. Quercetin,β-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol and luteolin were the core active components of YQTF for the treatment of RA, while matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor protein p53 (TP53) and transcription factor AP-1 subunit JUN were the key targets. The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the involved biological processes and pathways were mainly associated with antioxidant responses, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that MMP9 and PTGS2 exhibited high binding affinities with quercetin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol and luteolin; TLR4 exhibited high binding activities with β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and luteolin; and TP53 showed high binding affinity with luteolin. The results of cell experiments showed that compared with the control group, the contents of TNF-α and IL-17A as well as the mRNA expressions of AKT and mTOR in the model group significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the above indicators significantly decreased in the YQTF group, while the contents of TNF-α and the mRNA expression of AKT significantly decreased in the methotrexate group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of YQTF in the treatment of RA may be associated with reducing inflammatory cytokine secretion and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
5.Material Basis, Pharmacological Mechanisms, and Quality Control of Antitumor Effect of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus: A Review
Yuanye GU ; Ruonan QIANG ; Zheyu XU ; Ruyun CAO ; Qiye PAN ; Zhenyu YANG ; Tian XIA ; Qingyuan CHI ; Haojing WANG ; Xian GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):258-268
Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus is a Chinese medicinal material used for clearing heat, detoxicifying, resolving phlegm, and dissipating nodules. It is derived from Cremastra appendiculata, Pleione bulbocodioides, or Pleione yunnanensis, as recorded in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People′s Republic of China, with the former known as Maocigu and the latter two known as Bingqiuzi. Current antitumor studies mainly focus on polysaccharides, water-extracted alcohol-precipitated fractions, and purified extracts of C. appendiculata. Structurally characterized glucomannans suppress breast and liver tumor xenografts and exhibit immunomodulatory effects. The water-extracted alcohol-precipitated fractions inhibit tumor angiogenesis in hepatoma-bearing mice. A purified C. appendiculata extract standardized to five phenanthrene and bibenzyl constituents induces mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Reported pharmacological effects involve cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, autophagy, and the tumor immune microenvironment, with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathways being the major mechanism links. Quality evaluation of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus has progressed from single-marker assays to an integrated approach involving botanical authentication, chromatographic fingerprinting, multicomponent analysis, and evaluation of associations between blood-absorbed constituents and antitumor effects. Militarine and dactylorhin A can be used for botanical identification and batch evaluation, and in vivo exposure data from related orchids are concentrated on militarine. Quantitative associations between these constituents and antitumor effects remain to be established. Clinical evidence mainly focuses on formula-based applications and expert experience. Comparative antitumor data in hepatoma models are available for the commercial specifications of Maocigu and Bingqiuzi, whereas parallel evaluations of pharmacological effects, safety windows, and drug interactions among the three official botanical origins remain insufficient. The major limitations are the incomplete standardization of botanical origins and preparations and the lack of quantitative links among quality markers, systemic exposure, antitumor effects, and toxicity endpoints, which constrain reproducible pharmacological evaluation and clinical translation of Cremastrae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus.
6.Meta analysis of physical activity on the improvement of health related quality of life among children and adolescents
LIU Shanjie, LI Gai, SONG Yunfeng, OUYANG Lingqing, XU Chi
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):806-810
Objective:
To systematically review the effect of physical activity (PA) on health related quality of life (HRQoL) among children and adolescents and the magnitude of association, so as to provide an evidence based support for optimizing health promotion strategies for children and adolescents.
Methods:
Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, SCIELO, PEDro, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched to collect literature on PA and HRQoL in children and adolescents, which were published up to January 1, 2025. Cochrane ROB tool and specific evaluation system were used to assess literature quality, Stata 16.0 software was used for Meta analysis. For descriptive studies, correlation( r ) and 95% confidence interval( CI ) were used as effect indicators, and the inverse variance method was used to merge the data. Standardized mean difference( SMD ) and 95% CI were used to calculate the combined effect size of intervention studies.
Results:
A total of 22 studies involving 27 303 healthy children and adolescents were included, including 9 descriptive studies and 13 intervention studies. The results of descriptive analysis showed that PA level was positively correlated with HRQoL ( r =0.27, 95% CI =0.21-0.32, P <0.01). The analysis of intervention studies showed that PA had significant effects on overall HRQoL ( SMD =0.10, 95% CI =0.05-0.16), physical functioning ( SMD =0.16, 95% CI =0.08-0.23), and mental functioning ( SMD =0.17, 95% CI =0.10-0.25)( P <0.01). Subgroup analysis found that the effects of physical activity on overall HRQoL, physiological function, and psychological function in children and adolescents were maximized when the intervention duration was less than 6 months ( SMD =0.13, 0.18, 0.20), the frequency was≥5 times per week ( SMD =0.13, 0.19, 0.24) and there was a supplementary plan( SMD =0.10, 0.18, 0.23)( P <0.01).
Conclusion
PA is an important factor affecting the HRQoL of healthy children and adolescents, and the systematic PA intervention has a effect on improving the HRQoL.
7.Evaluation of multi-level integrated training in health service using advanced-intelligent trauma simulators
Chi SHU ; Yan LEI ; Jie HOU ; Li XU
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(3):214-218
Objective To explore an assessment model for multi-level integrated training in health service based on advanced intelligent trauma simulators in order to innovate health service training.Methods An assessment model for multi-level integrated training that involved advanced trauma simulators was adopted to assess chains of treatment and rescue that were composed of multi-hierarchy medical institutions.The assessment focused on trauma emergency response capabilities at each level and the overall therapeutic effect.Results In terms of capabilities for treatment and rescue,group B was the best one,followed by group C and group A.As for the overall therapeutic effect,group A was outstanding,followed by group B and group C.Based on the priorities of combat casualty care,the final results of assessment were as follows:group A was the best one,followed by group B and group C.Conclusion The analysis of processes and outcomes of assessment reveals the edge of this model,as evidenced by the continuity of treatment and rescue,integrity of overall effectiveness,and adaptability of this assessment model.
8.Biodefense budget analysis of U.S.Department of Defense in fiscal year 2019-2024
Meihua LI ; Shu LIU ; Chi XU ; Liyong JIANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(10):774-778
The U.S.Department of Defense(DoD)has made tremendous efforts to build up its biological defense capability in recent years,so that the annual biological defense budget accounts for 14%to 15%of the total of the U.S.government,which is closely related to the rapid development of biotechnology and its strategic significance during the rival between world powers.A second contributor is that the United States has been seeking hegemony in the biological field.In fiscal year 2019-2024,the expenditure/budget of the US DoD's biological defense spikedwith the layout focused on early warning of threats,pathogen detection and response,and capability enhancement.This initiative is characterized by simultaneous implementation of multiple projects in a wide range of fields,strong synergy between different agencies,integration of military and civil resources,systematic planning of support systems for biological defense technologies.
9.Unfractionated heparin attenuates histone-induced coagulation activation via the Ang/Tie2 pathway
Danyan LIU ; Yawen CHI ; Jia YIN ; Xu LI
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(5):662-668
Objective:To investigate the role of the angiopoietin (Ang)/tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (Tie2) pathway in mediating histone-induced coagulation activation in mice with acute lung injury, and the protective mechanism of unfractionated heparin (UFH).Methods:Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into three groups ( n=8 per group): Control group, Histone group, and Histone + UFH group using the random number table method. The Histone group and Histone + UFH group were administered 50 mg/kg histone via the tail vein. One hour later, UFH was given at a dosage of 400 U/kg by the same way. The Control group was administered an equivalent volume of sterile saline solution. Four hours after modeling, tissue samples were collected. HE staining was performed to observe the pathology of lung tissue. Lung lobe wet and dry weights were measured to assess the degree of pulmonary edema. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of fibrinogen (FIB) in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect the levels of thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and D-dimer (D-D) in plasma. The qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of tissue factor (TF), FIB, PAI-1, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, and Tie2 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of TF, FIB, Ang-1, Ang-2, and pTie2 in lung tissue. Results:The HE staining results revealed that, compared to the Control group, the Histone group exhibited thickened alveolar walls, significant neutrophil infiltration, and alveolar congestion with edema, indicating histone-induced ALI ( P<0.001). In contrast, the Histone + UFH group exhibited milder lung injury ( P<0.001), suggesting that UFH mitigated the lung damage induced by histones. The lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung water content percentage were significantly higher in the Histone group than in the Control group ( P<0.001), while UFH reduced the severity of pulmonary edema ( P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed intravascular thrombus formation and fibrin deposition in the Histone group, which were reduced by UFH. ELISA results showed significantly elevated levels of TAT, PAI-1, and D-D in the Histone group ( P<0.001), and UFH decreased the levels of these parameters stimulated by histone ( P<0.05). The qRT-PCR showed increased mRNA expression of TF, FIB, PAI-1, and Ang-2, and decreased expression of Ang-1 and Tie2 in lung tissues in the Histone group, while UFH mitigated the effects of histones on mRNA expression of these parameters. Western blot analysis indicated increased protein expression of TF, FIB, and Ang-2 ( P<0.01), and decreased expression of Ang-1 and Tie2 in lung tissues in the Histone group ( P<0.01), and UFH reduced the impact of histones on the protein expression of these parameters ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Histones can cause lung injury, pulmonary edema, and coagulation activation in mice lung tissue. UFH can effectively alleviate histone induced lung injury, and coagulation activation in by histones via the Ang/Tie2 signaling pathway.
10.TCMKD:From ancient wisdom to modern insights-A comprehensive platform for traditional Chinese medicine knowledge discovery
Wenke XIAO ; Mengqing ZHANG ; Danni ZHAO ; Fanbo MENG ; Qiang TANG ; Lianjiang HU ; Hongguo CHEN ; Yixi XU ; Qianqian TIAN ; Mingrui LI ; Guiyang ZHANG ; Liang LENG ; Shilin CHEN ; Chi SONG ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1390-1402
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)serves as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge,holding a crucial position in the medical field.However,the exploration of TCM's extensive information has been hindered by challenges related to data standardization,completeness,and accuracy,primarily due to the decen-tralized distribution of TCM resources.To address these issues,we developed a platform for TCM knowledge discovery(TCMKD,https://cbcb.cdutcm.edu.cn/TCMKD/).Seven types of data,including syndromes,formulas,Chinese patent drugs(CPDs),Chinese medicinal materials(CMMs),ingredients,targets,and diseases,were manually proofread and consolidated within TCMKD.To strengthen the integration of TCM with modern medicine,TCMKD employs analytical methods such as TCM data mining,enrichment analysis,and network localization and separation.These tools help elucidate the molecular-level commonalities between TCM and contemporary scientific insights.In addition to its analytical capabilities,a quick question and answer(Q&A)system is also embedded within TCMKD to query the database efficiently,thereby improving the interactivity of the platform.The platform also provides a TCM text annotation tool,offering a simple and efficient method for TCM text mining.Overall,TCMKD not only has the potential to become a pivotal repository for TCM,delving into the pharmaco-logical foundations of TCM treatments,but its flexible embedded tools and algorithms can also be applied to the study of other traditional medical systems,extending beyond just TCM.


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