1.The Potential and Challenges of Temporal Interference Stimulation in Chronic Pain Management
Hao-Qing DUAN ; Yu-Qi GOU ; Ya-Wen LI ; Li HU ; Xue-Jing LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):369-387
Chronic pain is a complex condition shaped by long-standing alterations in both physiological and psychological processes. Rather than representing a simple continuation of acute nociceptive signaling, chronic pain is increasingly understood as the outcome of progressive dysregulation within distributed neural systems that govern sensation, affect, motivation, and cognitive control. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies indicate that this state is accompanied by extensive plastic changes in deep brain structures and large-scale networks. Beyond well-described central sensitization processes, chronic pain is characterized by disrupted oscillatory rhythms and altered connectivity within large-scale brain networks, including thalamo-cortical circuits and prefrontal-limbic-reward networks. These findings support a conceptual shift from viewing chronic pain as a focal, lesion-driven phenomenon toward recognizing it as a disorder of distributed network pathology. Pharmacological treatments remain central to clinical practice, yet their long-term efficacy is often limited and frequently accompanied by substantial side effects. The ongoing concerns about opioid-related risks and the inadequate therapeutic response in a subset of patients highlight the need for safe, non-pharmacological approaches that can address not only pain but also comorbid disturbances in mood, sleep, and social functioning. Neuromodulation provides a promising path toward mechanism-based and non-pharmacological management of chronic pain by employing physical or chemical stimulation to alter the excitability and synchrony of specific neural populations within central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. While invasive deep brain stimulation demonstrates that targeting deep brain structures can be effective, its clinical application is restricted by surgical risks and cost, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques capable of reaching deep targets. Current non-invasive approaches, such as transcranial electric stimulation, are constrained by limited penetration depth and insufficient spatial precision. These limitations hinder reliable engagement of deep regions implicated in pain, including the thalamus and nucleus accumbens, and tend to produce broad, non-specific modulation of cross-network oscillatory activity. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation has emerged as a means of overcoming these obstacles. By delivering interacting high-frequency currents that generate a low-frequency envelope within the head, TI enables focal stimulation of deep targets while minimizing superficial current delivery. Recent multiscale modeling and animal studies indicate that TI exploits the nonlinear rectification properties of neuronal membranes in response to high-frequency carriers, as well as their phase-locked responses to low-frequency envelopes, to generate “peak-focused” electric fields in deep regions under relatively low superficial current loads. Moreover, TI appears to exhibit potential advantages in terms of cell-type selectivity and rhythm-specific engagement, including differential responses across neuronal subtypes and distinct coupling to θ-, β-, and γ-band oscillations. These features suggest a promising avenue for correcting abnormal rhythms and network dynamics that contribute to chronic pain. This review summarizes current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and recent advances in TI research. It examines functional disturbances across key pain-related regions and networks, outlines the principles and technical characteristics of TI, and discusses potential deep-brain targets and stimulation strategies relevant to chronic pain. Evidence to date indicates that TI, with its non-invasiveness, tolerability, and capacity for precise deep brain modulation, holds great promise for the management of treatment-resistant chronic pain and may evolve into a new generation of precise and efficient non-pharmacological analgesic strategies.
2.The Potential and Challenges of Temporal Interference Stimulation in Chronic Pain Management
Hao-Qing DUAN ; Yu-Qi GOU ; Ya-Wen LI ; Li HU ; Xue-Jing LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):369-387
Chronic pain is a complex condition shaped by long-standing alterations in both physiological and psychological processes. Rather than representing a simple continuation of acute nociceptive signaling, chronic pain is increasingly understood as the outcome of progressive dysregulation within distributed neural systems that govern sensation, affect, motivation, and cognitive control. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies indicate that this state is accompanied by extensive plastic changes in deep brain structures and large-scale networks. Beyond well-described central sensitization processes, chronic pain is characterized by disrupted oscillatory rhythms and altered connectivity within large-scale brain networks, including thalamo-cortical circuits and prefrontal-limbic-reward networks. These findings support a conceptual shift from viewing chronic pain as a focal, lesion-driven phenomenon toward recognizing it as a disorder of distributed network pathology. Pharmacological treatments remain central to clinical practice, yet their long-term efficacy is often limited and frequently accompanied by substantial side effects. The ongoing concerns about opioid-related risks and the inadequate therapeutic response in a subset of patients highlight the need for safe, non-pharmacological approaches that can address not only pain but also comorbid disturbances in mood, sleep, and social functioning. Neuromodulation provides a promising path toward mechanism-based and non-pharmacological management of chronic pain by employing physical or chemical stimulation to alter the excitability and synchrony of specific neural populations within central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. While invasive deep brain stimulation demonstrates that targeting deep brain structures can be effective, its clinical application is restricted by surgical risks and cost, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques capable of reaching deep targets. Current non-invasive approaches, such as transcranial electric stimulation, are constrained by limited penetration depth and insufficient spatial precision. These limitations hinder reliable engagement of deep regions implicated in pain, including the thalamus and nucleus accumbens, and tend to produce broad, non-specific modulation of cross-network oscillatory activity. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation has emerged as a means of overcoming these obstacles. By delivering interacting high-frequency currents that generate a low-frequency envelope within the head, TI enables focal stimulation of deep targets while minimizing superficial current delivery. Recent multiscale modeling and animal studies indicate that TI exploits the nonlinear rectification properties of neuronal membranes in response to high-frequency carriers, as well as their phase-locked responses to low-frequency envelopes, to generate “peak-focused” electric fields in deep regions under relatively low superficial current loads. Moreover, TI appears to exhibit potential advantages in terms of cell-type selectivity and rhythm-specific engagement, including differential responses across neuronal subtypes and distinct coupling to θ-, β-, and γ-band oscillations. These features suggest a promising avenue for correcting abnormal rhythms and network dynamics that contribute to chronic pain. This review summarizes current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and recent advances in TI research. It examines functional disturbances across key pain-related regions and networks, outlines the principles and technical characteristics of TI, and discusses potential deep-brain targets and stimulation strategies relevant to chronic pain. Evidence to date indicates that TI, with its non-invasiveness, tolerability, and capacity for precise deep brain modulation, holds great promise for the management of treatment-resistant chronic pain and may evolve into a new generation of precise and efficient non-pharmacological analgesic strategies.
3.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.
4.Effect of Simiaowan on Promoting Ileal Uric Acid Excretion by Modulating Gut Microbiota to Improve Intestinal Barrier Function and Upregulate ABCG2 Expression in Rats
Yuan ZHANG ; Zhongyou ZHANG ; Huilin FENG ; Lian DUAN ; Lingchun WANG ; Hao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):101-112
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Simiaowan on intestinal barrier function and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) expression in hyperuricemic (HUA) rats, and elucidate its therapeutic mechanisms. MethodsForty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into a normal group, a model group, low-dose (282.6 mg·kg-1) and high-dose (565.2 mg·kg-1) Simiaowan groups, and a Benzbromarone (4.7 mg·kg-1) group. The HUA model was established via intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxonate (ip) combined with oral gavage of hypoxanthine (ig) for 14 days. Following modeling, treatments were administered for 14 days. Samples were collected and weighed 4 h after final dosing. Blood uric acid and hepatic function were analyzed. Histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Chiu's scoring was conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantified tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), diamine oxidase (DAO), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assessed the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, occludens-1 (ZO-1), and ABCG2 mRNAs and proteins. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing characterized ileal microbiota. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited epithelial shedding in the ileal villus, structural disruption, infiltration of extensive inflammatory cells, and significantly elevated Chiu's scores (P<0.01). The DAO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, LPS, and D-LA levels in the ileum were markedly increased (P<0.01), while mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, ZO-1, and ABCG2, as well as positive staining area and proportion, were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Simiaowan groups at all doses showed improved epithelial damage in the ileal villus, significantly lowered Chiu's scores (P<0.01), significantly reduced DAO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, LPS, and D-LA levels in the ileum (P<0.01), and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, ZO-1, and ABCG2, as well as positive staining area and proportion (P<0.01). The 16S rDNA results showed that in the model group, the α-diversity index of the ileal microbiota was increased, and species diversity and richness were enhanced, with microbiota dysfunction observed. The community structure of the gut microbiota was significantly different from that of the normal microbiota. The abundance of probiotics was decreased, and the abundance of pathogenic bacteria was increased, with butyrate-producing bacteria showing a low abundance. In contrast, Simiaowan at all doses reduced species diversity and richness, regulated microbiota dysfunction, and promoted the shift of the structure of the gut microbiota community towards a normal one. This increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria, and restored the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. ConclusionSimiaowan enhances ileal uric acid excretion and further alleviates HUA by modulating the gut microbiota composition to improve the intestinal barrier and upregulate the expression of the urate transporter ABCG2 in HUA rats.
5.Investigation of Mechanism of Simiaowan in Promoting Intestinal Uric Acid Excretion in Hyperuricemic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells via SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Zhongyou ZHANG ; Huilin FENG ; Lian DUAN ; Xuping FAN ; Shaoang DONG ; Lingchun WANG ; Bowen YE ; Hao DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):151-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Simiao Wan improve intestinal uric acid excretion in hyperuricemic (HUA) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SLC7A11/GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, a low-dose Simiao Wan group (282.6 mg·kg-1), a high-dose Simiao Wan group (565.2 mg·kg-1), an etoricoxib group (5.4 mg·kg-1), and a ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) group (2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate (100 mg·kg-1) combined with intragastric administration of hypoxanthine (500 mg·kg-1) to establish the HUA rat model. After 21 days, rats in each administration group received the corresponding dose of drug by gavage, rats in the Fer-1 group received intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, and rats in the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After sampling, serum levels of uric acid (SUA), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured using biochemical assays. The content of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ileal tissues were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial alterations in the ileal tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of GPX4, ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), SLC7A11, and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) in ileal tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 in the ileal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels (P<0.01), significantly increased content of MDA and Fe2+ in ileal tissue, and significantly decreased GSH content and SOD activity (P<0.01). HE staining showed extensive shedding of the ileal villous epithelium, disrupted and disorganized villous structure, and incomplete local tissue architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial volume, decreased or even vanished cristae, indicating ultrastructural features characteristic of ferroptosis. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2 were significantly downregulated, whereas those of ACSL4 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, after intervention with Simiao Wan, the serum UA, Cr, and BUN levels significantly decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05,P<0.01), the MDA and Fe2+ content in ileal tissues were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the GSH content and SOD activity significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed that the shedding of ileal villous epithelium was markedly alleviated, the villous structure became relatively intact and regularly arranged, and local tissue damage was obviously improved. Transmission electron microscopy showed attenuated mitochondrial damage, improvement in mitochondrial shrinkage, and partial restoration of mitochondrial cristae. Molecular and immunohistochemical results showed that Simiao Wan upregulated GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, and ABCG2, and downregulated ACSL4 in a dose-dependent manner. In the high‑dose group, all indices improved significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01), whereas in the low‑dose group, only improving trends were observed for FTH1, SLC7A11 mRNA, and ABCG2 protein. ConclusionSimiao Wan may inhibit ferroptosis of ileal epithelial cells by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, and upregulate the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2, thereby promoting intestinal uric acid excretion and improving HUA.
6.Metabolic Dysregulation-driven Protein Acylation in Osteoarthritis
Zi-Hao ZHANG ; Li DUAN ; Kan OUYANG ; Tayyab SHAFIQ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2703-2713
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease and a major cause of pain and disability, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. OA is now recognized as a whole-joint disorder involving articular cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, the meniscus, the infrapatellar fat pad, and the local inflammatory microenvironment. In addition to mechanical factors, metabolic abnormalities such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia are increasingly recognized as contributors to OA onset and progression. Obesity can increase mechanical joint loading, whereas metabolic abnormalities alter cellular metabolism and inflammatory responses within joint tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms by which metabolic stress leads to persistent cellular dysfunction and tissue damage remain incompletely understood. Protein acylation links cellular metabolism to chromatin regulation and protein function. Its dynamic balance is influenced by acyl-donor availability, cellular redox status, mitochondrial activity, glycolytic flux, and the activities of acyltransferases and deacylases. In OA, mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced glycolysis, lactate accumulation, altered acyl-CoA metabolism, and dysregulated NAD+-dependent deacylation may reshape histone and non-histone protein acylation. These changes have been implicated in inflammatory gene expression, extracellular matrix metabolism, mitochondrial quality control, chondrocyte senescence, ferroptosis susceptibility, and synovial immune dysfunction. Recent studies increasingly focus on defined acylation sites, target proteins, regulatory enzymes, and cell-type-specific effects. Acetylation and deacetylation are involved in OA-related processes. sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-mediated regulation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 acetylation is associated with inflammatory and catabolic responses, whereas histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)-dependent control of Parkin acetylation links matrix stiffening to excessive mitophagy and chondrocyte senescence. SIRT3-related pathways connect nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylation with mitochondrial DNA integrity, mitochondrial renewal, and metabolic remodeling, while SIRT6 has been implicated in inflammation and cellular senescence. Lactylation has emerged as another important direction in OA research. Histone H3 lysine 18 (H3K18) lactylation is associated with glycolysis-related transcription through the lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA)-H3K18la-triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1) axis. UGDH K6 lactylation impairs glycosaminoglycan synthesis and promotes matrix damage, whereas H4K12 lactylation has been linked to chondrocyte senescence and autophagy inhibition. In the synovial microenvironment, cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b) lactylation in macrophages impairs efferocytosis and contributes to sustained inflammation under hyperglycemic conditions. In contrast, H3K56 lactylation has been associated with increased type II collagen synthesis in a post-traumatic OA model, indicating that lactylation effects depend on the modified site, target, cell state, and disease context. SIRT5-related malonylation and succinylation provide additional links between acylation and metabolic dysfunction in OA. Increased protein malonylation and reduced SIRT5 activity are associated with disturbed glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and carbon metabolism in chondrocytes. SIRT5-mediated acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) desuccinylation has been linked to reduced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis susceptibility. By contrast, OA-specific evidence for crotonylation remains limited and centers on crotonylation-related metabolic genes such as glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) rather than defined functional acylation sites. This review summarizes current evidence linking metabolic dysregulation to acylation regulation in OA. Collectively, available studies indicate that shared metabolic disturbances reshape distinct acylation programs across joint cell types, producing modification- and site-specific effects on cellular function and tissue homeostasis. However, evidence strength varies among acylation types, particularly regarding defined functional sites and in vivo causality. Further site-specific and in vivo studies are needed to clarify which acylation changes actively contribute to OA progression and to evaluate their mechanistic and therapeutic relevance.
7.Clinical Efficacy of Tangning Tongluo Tablets for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Fuwen ZHANG ; Junguo DUAN ; Wen XIA ; Tiantian SUN ; Yuheng SHI ; Shicui MEI ; Xiangxia LUO ; Xing LI ; Yujie PAN ; Yong DENG ; Chuanlian RAN ; Hao CHEN ; Li PEI ; Shuyu YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):132-139
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tangning Tongluo tablets in the treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsFourteen research centers participated in this study, which spanned a time interval from September 2021 to May 2023. A total of 240 patients with nonproliferative DR were included and randomly assigned into an observation group (120 cases) and a control group (120 cases). The observation group was treated with Tangning Tongluo tablets, and the control group with calcium dobesilate capsules. Both groups were treated for 24 consecutive weeks. The vision, DR progression rate, retinal microhemangioma, hemorrhage area, exudation area, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment, and the safety was observed. ResultsThe vision changed in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the observation group showed higher best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) than the control group (P<0.05). The DR progression was slow with similar rates in the two groups. The fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area did not change significantly after treatment in both groups, while the observation group outperformed the control group in reducing the fundus hemorrhage area and exudation area. There was no significant difference in the number of microhemangiomas between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the number of microhemangiomas decreased in both the observation group (Z=-1.437, P<0.05) and the control group (Z=-2.238, P<0.05), and it showed no significant difference between the two groups. As the treatment time prolonged, the number of microhemangiomas gradually decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in the HbA1c level between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the decline in the HbA1c level showed no significant difference between the two groups. The TCM syndrome score did not have a statistically significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, neither the TCM syndrome score nor the response rate had significant difference between the two groups. With the extension of the treatment time, both groups showed amelioration of TCM syndrome compared with the baseline. ConclusionTangning Tongluo tablets are safe and effective in the treatment of nonproliferative DR, being capable of improving vision and reducing hemorrhage and exudation in the fundus.
8.FOXC1 mediates the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells through the Rap1 signaling pathway
Fu XIAOXIA ; Li RUI ; Duan RUIMIN ; Hao LIYAO ; Jin YING
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(13):649-655
Objective:To investigate the expression characteristics and clinical significance of FOXC1 in colon cancer,and decipher its mo-lecular mechanism in regulating tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis.Methods:The GEPIA database was employed to analyze the expres-sion of FOXC1 and its correlation with prognosis in colon cancer.Differential expression of FOXC1 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot in colon cancer cells(HCT116 and SW620)and normal colon epithelial cells(NCM460),and stable FOXC1-knockdown(sh-FOXC1)cell lines were established.Western blot,flow cytometry,CCK-8,and plate colony formation assays were performed to analyze the effects of FOXC1 knockdown on cell proliferation,cell cycle,and apoptosis.Furthermore,the downstream signaling pathway was verified using Rap1 overexpression rescue experiments.Results:FOXC1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in colon cancer tissues than in normal tissues(P<0.001).FOXC1 overexpression was nearing significance in relation to tumor staging(P=0.053),and patients with high FOXC1 expression had a shorter overall survival(Log-rank P=0.013).After FOXC1 knockdown,the expression of CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 decreased,whereas the ex-pression of Bax increased(P<0.01).The proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased,while the proportion of cells in the S phase de-creased(P<0.001),and the cell proliferation activity and number of colonies formed decreased(P<0.001).Mechanistic studies demonstrated that after FOXC1 knockdown,Rap1 expression was reduced,while the expression of Rap1GAP increased(P<0.05).After restoration of Rap1 expression in FOXC1-knockdown cells,the downregulation of CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 expression and the increase in Bax expression were re-versed(P<0.05),the S phase ratio was increased(P<0.05),and cell proliferation activity and colony formation abilities were also re-scued.Conclusion:FOXC1 promotes colon cancer progression by facilitating Rap1 expression and downregulating Rap1GAP.Targeted inter-vention of the FOXC1-Rap1 signaling axis may emerge as a potential therapeutic strategy.
9.Effects of rice wine type and wine processing method on chemical constituents and anti-coagulation effect of Angelicae sinensis Radix
Ying WANG ; Ya-yi DENG ; Xue-qi GE ; Hui ZHU ; Yu DUAN ; Xiao-ning YAN ; Hao CAI ; Ke PEI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1443-1448
AIM To investigate the effects of rice wine type and wine processing method on chemical constituents and anti-coagulation effect of Angelicae sinensis Radix.METHODS Wine-washed products and wine-stir-fried products were prepared by different types and ages of rice wine,respectively,after which HPLC was adopted in the content determination of tryptophan,chlorogenic acid,vanillic acid,phthalic acid,ferulic acid,senkyunolide I,senkyunolide H,coniferyl ferulate and ligustilide,and PT,APTT,TT were detected in rabbit plasma.RESULTS Phenolic acids and volatile constituents demonstrated lower contents in the wine-stir-fried products than those in the raw product(P<0.05),while those in the wine-washed products displayed no obvious changes(except for senkyunolide I)(P>0.05).The contents of volatile constituents in the wine-washed products were higher than those in the wine-stir-fried products(P<0.05).After being processed with dry rice wine,various constituents exhibited increased contents as compared with those after being processed with sweet rice wine(P<0.05).Compared with the raw product,prolonged PT,APTT and TT were observable in the processed products prepared by 3-year semi-dry rice wine(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The optimal rice wine type is determined to be 3-year semi-dry.Wine-washed Angelicae sinensis Radix shows high contents of ferulic acid and volatile constituents,whose activating blood and resolving stasis effect may be stronger.
10.Research progress of natural killer cell in anti-senescence
Xian DUAN ; Qian HE ; Hao NIE ; Lihui LIANG ; Qing ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(9):1298-1303
Nature killer(NK)cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune that play a significant role in aging through direct cell killing and secretion of cytokines.NK cells can delay the occurrence of age-related diseases and prolong lifespan by eliminating senescencent cells.Significant progress has been achieved in the research utilizing NK cells to improve aging.This review aims to summarize that the recent research on the mechanism of NK cells in the context of senescence, as well as the progress made in anti-senescence interventions through animal and clinical studies.Nevertheless, substantial challenges remain for the clinical application of NK cell-based anti-senescence therapies.

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