1.The role of ion channels in the therapeutic management of temporomandibular joint disorders
Quancheng HAN ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Tingting WU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):789-794
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass a prevalent group of conditions affecting the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint, and associated structures. Currently, it is widely recognized by scholars both domestically and internationally that TMD has a complex etiology and pathogenesis. Most patients present clinically with pain, yet effective treatment options remain limited. In recent years, the role of ion channels in the pathological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for TMD has garnered increasing attention. This review systematically summarizes the function of ion channels in the management of temporomandibular joint diseases. First, the multifaceted roles of ion channels in treating TMD are examined, including their regulatory effects on TMJ muscle dysfunction, joint structural abnormalities, and TMJ-related pain. Finally, the potential value of ion channel research in TMD therapy is discussed. With advancing research in this field, ion channel-targeted therapies for temporomandibular disorders are expected to achieve new breakthroughs, thereby providing an important theoretical foundation and practical guidance for developing novel clinical treatment strategies.
2.Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: risk of complicated coronary heart disease and construction of its prediction model
Yumeng LIU ; Yue LIN ; Wenjun HAN ; Tingting ZHOU ; Qihong XU ; Jinxing ZHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):114-118
Objective To explore the independent risk factors for complicated coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and to construct a risk prediction model. Methods A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 308 OSAHS patients who visited Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2025. The patients were divided into the CHD group (n=80) and non-CHD group (n=228) according to the presence or absence of complicated CHD. Independent risk factors were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The model was evaluated using the calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) curve, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The incidence of CHD in OSAHS patients was 25.97%. Age, history of hypertension, oxygen desaturation index (ODI), severe polysomnography (PSG) grade, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated homocysteine, and elevated troponin I were independent risk factors for OSAHS complicated with CHD (P<0.05). The nomogram model demonstrated good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.995), and the DCA curve showed high clinical net benefit. The area under the ROC curve was 0.940 (95% CI: 0.908~0.972), with a sensitivity of 0.842 and a specificity of 0.900. Conclusion Age, history of hypertension, ODI, PSG grade, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, homocysteine, and troponin I are independent risk factors for CHD in OSAHS patients. The prediction model constructed based on these factors can provide a reliable tool for clinical nurses to early identify high-risk individuals and formulate targeted intervention strategies.
3.Corrective Effects of Three-Stage Structured Tai Chi on Abnormal Neck and Shoulder Posture:A Biomechanics-Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Yulei RAN ; Jing ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Liyuan ZHANG ; Tingting HAN ; Weibiao LI ; Xiang GUO ; Xianhui GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1752-1758
ObjectiveTo evaluate the corrective effects of a three-stage structured Tai Chi training program on abnormal neck and shoulder posture from a biomechanical perspective. MethodsEighty-two participants with abnormal neck and shoulder posture were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group, with 41 participants in each group. The treatment group received three-stage structured Tai Chi training six times per week, while the control group received online health education once per week. Both interventions lasted for 12 weeks. The primary outcome cervical postural deviation angle, and the secondary outcomes including cervical loading and bilateral shoulder horizontal deviation angle, were assessed before intervention, after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of intervention. Safety was also evaluated. ResultsUltimately, 40 participants from each group were included in the analysis. In the treatment group, cervical postural deviation angle and cervical spine loading were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of intervention compared with baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. The bilateral shoulder horizontal deviation angle decreased significantly after both 6 and 12 weeks of intervention compared with baseline (P<0.05). In the control group, cervical spine loading was reduced after 6 and 12 weeks of intervention compared with baseline (P< 0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, the treatment group showed lower cervical postural deviation angle and bilateral shoulder horizontal deviation angle than the control group, whereas cervical loading was higher in the treatment group after 6 weeks of intervention (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed between groups in the changes from baseline to week 12 for cervical postural deviation angle and bilateral shoulder horizontal deviation angle, as well as in the changes from baseline to week 6 for cervical loading and bilateral shoulder horizontal deviation angle (P< 0.05). No significant adverse events occurred in either group during the intervention period. ConclusionThree-stage structured Tai Chi can effectively improve abnormal neck and shoulder posture, demonstrating good safety and feasibility.
4.Effect of moxibustion on small intestinal mucosal immune barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Kuiwu LI ; Haoran CHU ; Ling ZOU ; Jingru RUAN ; Lumin LIAO ; Xiaoyu HAN ; Wenli MA ; Ming FANG ; Jingwei ZHU ; Yucheng FANG ; Ziye WANG ; Tingting TONG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(7):935-944
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effect of moxibustion on small intestinal mucosal immune barrier in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and explore its underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
Of 38 newborn rats from 4 healthy SPF pregnant rats, 12 neonatal rats were randomly selected in a normal group. IBS-D model was prepared by the combined measures for the rest rats, including neonatal maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress. Twenty-four successfully-modeled rats were randomized into a model group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each one. In the moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was delivered at bilateral "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37), 20 min each time, once daily and for 7 consecutive days. Separately, before acetic acid enema (aged 35 days), after modeling (aged 45 days) and after intervention (aged 53 days), the body mass, loose stool rate (LSR) and and the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were observed in the rats of each group. After intervention (aged 53 days), using HE and PAS staining, the morphology of duodenum was observed, the length of villus and the depth of crypt were measured, the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt was calculated; and the numbers of mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and goblet cells were counted. With ELISA adopted, the contents of γ-interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in duodenal mucosa of rats were detected. The proportion of T cell subsets in duodenal mucosa was detected using flow cytometry. The microvilli and tight junctions of duodenal mucosal epithelial cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the integrity of duodenal mucosa observed by scanning electron microscopy.
RESULTS:
Compared with the normal group, for the rats in the model group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the proportion of CD8+ T subset were all reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa decreased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD4+ T subset and CD4+/CD8+, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were all elevated (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs rose (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was irregular, the villi got shorter, sparse and scattered, with uneven density. The morphology of epithelial cells was destroyed and the tight junctions damaged, with larger spaces. When compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group, the body mass, the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3, the length of duodenal villus and the ratio of the length of villus to the depth of crypt, as well as the counts of goblet cells in duodenal mucosa increased (P<0.01); LRS, the proportion of CD4+ T subset, and CD4+/CD8+, as well as the contents of IFN-γ, IL-4 and sIgA in duodenal mucosa and IFN-γ/IL-4 were reduced (P<0.01); and the numbers of IELs was dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of duodenal mucosa was more regular, the villi were grew, got longer and arranged regularly, with even density. The morphology of epithelial cells was slightly destroyed, and the tight junctions partially damaged.
CONCLUSION
Moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) can reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats and relieve abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms. Its effect mechanism may be related to the repair of small intestinal mucosal immune barrier and the improvement in the immune function in IBS-D.
Animals
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome/immunology*
;
Rats
;
Moxibustion
;
Intestinal Mucosa/immunology*
;
Female
;
Diarrhea/therapy*
;
Intestine, Small/immunology*
;
Male
;
Humans
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Disease Models, Animal
5.Advances in Radiotherapy for Extensive-stage Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Era of Immunotherapy.
Tingting CHEN ; Yanling YANG ; Haonan HAN ; Dongmin LIU ; Yajing YUAN ; Liming XU
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(5):353-362
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the thoracic malignant tumor and accounts for about 15% of lung malignancies and transfer often occurs by the time of diagnosis. Extensive stage-small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) accounts for about 2/3 of all SCLC. For many years, radiotherapy has occupied an important position in the treatment of SCLC, especially in the treatment of ES-SCLC, because SCLC is more sensitive to radiotherapy. However, in recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitor has shown more excellent antitumor activity in the treatment of ES-SCLC and become the mainstream argument for the treatment of ES-SCLC. However, will radiotherapy be buried by the times among the therapeutic approaches for ES-SCLC? In this article, we will review the clinical progress of radiotherapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy for ES-SCLC.
.
Humans
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Small Cell Lung Carcinoma/therapy*
;
Lung Neoplasms/therapy*
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Immunotherapy
;
Neoplasm Staging
;
Radiotherapy/methods*
;
Combined Modality Therapy
6.New insights into translational research in Alzheimer's disease guided by artificial intelligence, computational and systems biology.
Shulan JIANG ; Zixi TIAN ; Yuchen YANG ; Xiang LI ; Feiyan ZHOU ; Jianhua CHENG ; Jihui LYU ; Tingting GAO ; Ping ZHANG ; Hongbin HAN ; Zhiqian TONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5099-5126
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive and functional deterioration, with pathological features such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates in the extracellular spaces of parenchymal neurons and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formed by the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Despite a thorough investigation, current treatments targeting the reduction of Aβ production, promotion of its clearance, and inhibition of tau protein phosphorylation and aggregation have not met clinical expectations, posing a substantial obstacle in the development of drugs for AD. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI), computational biology (CB), and systems biology (SB) have emerged as promising methodologies in AD research. Their capacity to analyze extensive and varied datasets facilitates the identification of intricate patterns, thereby enriching our comprehension of AD pathology. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the utilization of AI, CB, and SB in the diagnosis of AD, including the use of imaging omics for early detection, drug discovery methods such as lecanemab, and complementary therapies like phototherapy. This review offers novel perspectives and potential avenues for further research in the realm of translational AD studies.
7.Fibrinogen-tau Aggregates Exacerbate Tau Pathology and Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice.
Tingting WEN ; Lanxia MENG ; Han LIU ; Qian ZHANG ; Lijun DAI ; Liqin HUANG ; Liang DAN ; Kedong ZHU ; Jiaying LUO ; Zhaohui ZHANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(7):1246-1260
Vascular damage plays a significant role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of neuronal injury by vascular damage remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the impact of fibrinogen (Fg) on tau pathology. The results showed that Fg deposits in the brains of tau P301S transgenic mice interact with tau, enhancing the cytotoxicity of pathological tau aggregates and promoting tau phosphorylation and aggregation. Notably, Fg-modified tau fibrils caused enhanced neuronal apoptosis and synaptic damage compared to unmodified fibrils. Furthermore, intrahippocampal injection of Fg-modified tau fibrils worsened the tau pathology, neuroinflammation, synaptic damage, neuronal apoptosis, and cognitive dysfunction in tau P301S mice compared to controls. The present study provides compelling evidence linking Fg and tau, thereby connecting cerebrovascular damage to tau pathology in AD. Consequently, inhibiting Fg-mediated tau pathology could potentially impede the progression of AD.
Animals
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tau Proteins/metabolism*
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Alzheimer Disease/metabolism*
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Fibrinogen/metabolism*
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Mice, Transgenic
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Mice
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Disease Models, Animal
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Memory Disorders/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Brain/metabolism*
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
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Protein Aggregation, Pathological/metabolism*
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Apoptosis
;
Phosphorylation
8.The Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis-Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus Neural Circuit Regulates Neuropathic Pain Through the Brain-Spleen Axis.
Shoumeng HAN ; Xin CHEN ; Li MA ; Xin ZENG ; Ying WANG ; Tingting XIE ; Fancan WU ; Kun SONG ; Kenji HASHIMOTO ; Hanbing WANG ; Long WANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2148-2166
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. While the spleen may influence neuropathic pain, its role has been poorly understood. This study demonstrates that the spleen plays a crucial role in regulating neuropathic pain through the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) - paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) neural circuit in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. Splenectomy, splenic denervation, or splenic sympathectomy significantly increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and reduced macrophage infiltration in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of CCI mice. Pseudorabies virus injections into the spleen revealed connections to the BNST and PVN in the brain. Chemogenetic inhibition of the BNST-PVN circuit increased macrophage infiltration in the DRG and decreased the MWT; these effects were reversed by splenectomy, splenic denervation, or sympathectomy. These findings underscore the critical role of the spleen, regulated by the BNST-PVN circuit, in neuropathic pain.
Animals
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Neuralgia/pathology*
;
Septal Nuclei/physiopathology*
;
Male
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Spleen/physiopathology*
;
Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiopathology*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Splenectomy
;
Mice
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Neural Pathways/physiopathology*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Ganglia, Spinal/physiopathology*
;
Sympathectomy
;
Macrophages
9.The impact of mandibular retrognathism on memory and cognitive function in rats
Qingchun Li ; Quancheng Han ; Xiaoyu Liu ; Tingting Wu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(9):1661-1669
Objective:
To investigate the impact of mandibular retrognathism on brain function in rats and its potential mechanisms.
Methods :
Male SD rats aged 3 to 4 weeks ( w) were randomly divided into control group ( n = 10) and mandible retrusion ( MR) group ( n = 30) ,with the MR group further divided into three subgroups: 1,2, or 4 weeks,with 10 rats in each subgroup.The MR group used modified metal tubes,which were bonded to the lingual side of the maxillary incisors in rats,forcing the mandible to retract by 2-2. 5 mm,thereby achieving the goal of constructing a mandibular retrognathism model; the control group received no interventions.The effects of mandibular retraction on the spatial learning ability and memory ability of rats were explored by behavioral experi- ments such as Morris water maze,Y maze and new object recognition 1,2,and 4 weeks after modeling,respective- ly.Hematoxylin-eosin ( HE) and Nissl staining were employed to observe the histomorphological changes in CA1, CA3,and DG regions of hippocampal tissues.Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the protein expression levels of tropomyosin receptor kinase B ( TrkB) in the CA1,CA3,and dentate gyrus ( DG) regions of the hippo- campus.Western blot was used to assess the expression changes in the TrkB / phosphoinositide 3-kinase ( PI3K) / protein kinase B ( AKT) pathway in hippocampal tissue.Quantitative analysis of apoptosis-related proteins in the hippocampus,including Bcl-2-associated X protein ( Bax) ,B-cell lymphoma-2 protein ( Bcl-2) ,and Caspase-3, was conducted using qRT-PCR and Western blot.
Results:
Behavioral experiments showed that rats in the MR group,especially the MR 4 w group,were significantly weaker in learning and spatial memory than the control group,MR 1 w,and MR 2 w( P<0. 05) .HE staining showed that pyramidal cells in the control group were ar- ranged orderly with regular morphology.In contrast,the MR group exhibited a reduction in the number of cells in the hippocampal CA1,CA3,and dentate gyrus ( DG) regions.The cells were sparsely and irregularly arranged, with nuclear condensation and enlarged cellular spaces. Nissl staining further demonstrated damage to the Nissl bodies in the MR group.Meanwhile,the TrkB / PI3K / AKT signaling pathway was activated in the MR group,and the expression of p-TrkB,PI3K,and p-AKT proteins was up-regulated ( P <0. 05) .Western blot and qRT-PCR indicated that MR up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax,apoptotic effector protein Caspase-3 ( P<0. 05) ,and inhibited the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 ( P <0. 05) .
Conclusion
Mandibular retraction impairs brain function and affects cognition and learning memory in rats.This may be achieved by regula- ting the TrkB / PI3K / AKT signaling pathway to induce apoptosis in hippocampal neurons.
10.Status and factors influencing postoperative kinesiophobia in patients with ankle fracture and its nursing countermeasures
Tingting HAN ; Mingyu CAO ; Jishuai LIU ; Yaqiong ZHAO
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(9):27-33
Objective To investigate status of postoperative kinesiophobia in patients with ankle fracture and to identify the factors influencing kinesiophobia,thereby offering references for developing targeted nursing interventions.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2023 and May 2024.With convenience sampling,338 first-time ankle fracture patients who received surgical treatment were recruited from a Tier-IIIA orthopaedic hospital in Xinjiang.Data was collected among the patients at 24 hours after surgery through the general information questionnaire,kinesiophobia scoring scale,pain visual analogue scale,hospital anxiety and depression scale,social support rating scale and general self-efficacy scale.Logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing kinesiophobia.Results A total of 320 patients completed the study.The prevalence among the patients with kinesiophobia was 38.1%,and scored at(39.6±1.5).Logistic regression analysis identified that the pain,social support and self-efficacy were the independent risk factors of kinesiophobia(all P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with ankle fractures have a high prevalence of postoperative kinesiophobia.Pain,social support and self-efficacy are the key factors that influence kinesiophobia.Intervention strategies should be adopted in response to the influencing factors in order to promote the recovery of patients.


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