1.Inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on microglial activation via Notch1/Hes1 pathway in Parkinson's disease mice.
Jinxu JIANG ; Yang LIU ; Huijie FAN ; Tiansheng ZHANG ; Liran WANG ; Lei XU ; Lixia YANG ; Yunfei SONG ; Cungen MA ; Chongyao HAO ; Zhi CHAI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1290-1298
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on improving motor function and regulating microglial activation based on Notch receptor 1 (Notch1)/Hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Hes1) pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS:
Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each group. PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days in the model group and the EA group. From the 1st day of modeling, EA was applied at "Baihui" (GV20) and bilateral "Shenshu" (BL23) in the EA group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current of 2 mA, 15 min a time, once a day for 14 days continuously. The behavioral performance was evaluated by gait test, pole climbing test and hanging test, the number of positive cells of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the co-expression positive cells of Notch1/ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the substantia nigra of midbrain was assessed by immunofluorescence, the protein expression of TH, α-synuclein (α-syn), Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase-1 (ARG1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was detected by Western blot, the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was detected by real-time PCR.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, in the model group, the stride frequency was accelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was shortened (P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was prolonged (P<0.01) and the grip level was reduced (P<0.01); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was increased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the stride frequency was decelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was shortened (P<0.05) and the grip level was increased (P<0.05); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was increased (P<0.01), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was increased (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was decreased (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
EA can improve the behavioral performance and protect the dopaminergic neurons in PD mice, its mechanism may relate to the inhibition of Notch1/Hes1-mediated neuroinflammation, thus inhibiting the microglial activation.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Microglia/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Receptor, Notch1/metabolism*
;
Parkinson Disease/physiopathology*
;
Transcription Factor HES-1/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
;
Signal Transduction
2.Hot topics on exosomes as drug delivery system in central nervous system diseases
Huijie LIN ; Yun HUANG ; Zhihua HUANG ; Lixia JIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(23):5013-5021
BACKGROUND:The use of exosomes as drug carriers can not only precisely target the therapeutic site,but also increase the local concentration,opening up a new way for drugs to enter the central nervous system.OBJECTIVE:To explore the biogenesis and biological functions of exosomes and summarize the current state-of-the-art regarding extracellular vesicles as drug carriers in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.METHODS:The first author searched Web of Science,PubMed,and CNKI for relevant literature from January 1976 to January 2024.The English search terms were"exosomes,extracellular vesicles,central nervous system,drug delivery,ischemic stroke,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,spinal cord injury,brain tumor."The Chinese search terms were"exosomes,extracellular vesicles,central nervous system diseases,drug delivery,stroke,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,spinal cord injury,brain tumor."Finally,94 articles were included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exosomes can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver proteins,metabolites,and nucleic acids to recipient cells to regulate cellular metabolism.Since exosomes are small vesicles secreted by cells,they have a much lower circulating immunogenicity and can be less likely to be recognized and cleared by macrophages in the internal circulation.(2)Exosomes can be engineered to deliver different therapeutically ingredients,including RNA,proteins,chemotherapeutic drugs,and immunomodulators,and are capable of delivering them to the desired target areas.Engineered modified exosomes have better targeting properties.Furthermore,this exosome-mediated delivery is extremely low in immunogenicity and is expected to provide a safer and more effective method for precision therapy of central nervous system diseases in the future.
3.Applicability of aquatic rehabilitation techniques in preventive and therapeutic efficacy against lumbago in pilots
Pengfei ZHANG ; Jing WANG ; Panpan ZHANG ; Jie BAO ; Li XU ; Huijie JIANG ; Shaochen QU ; Bin YANG ; Jiajia JI ; Jia LI
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(3):231-235
Objective:To introduce the research and innovations around the application of aquatic rehabilitation techniques in the treatment of lumbago, and to summarize specific methods and applications in aeromedicine. Literature resource and selection Literature on the prevention and treatment of lumbago using aquatic rehabilitation techniques as well as on the rehabilitation of lumbago in pilots was retrieved and selected. Literature quotation Sixty-one references were cited. Literature synthesis Aquatic rehabilitation techniques can be classified into shower therapy, immersion therapy, and aquatic exercise therapy according to treatment regimens. Among them, immersion therapy and aquatic exercise therapy are commonly used in the treatment of lumbago. Aquatic rehabilitation techniques can effectively alleviate patients′ lumbago, improve their functional disorders, and enhance their quality of life. Prior to aquatic therapy, patients with lumbago need to have their motor function assessed to tailor the treatment protocol based on diagnostic findings and specific therapeutic objectives. Aquatic rehabilitation techniques, when used to prevent and treat lumbago in pilots under convalescence, are not only more effective than land-based training, but also more accessible to pilots due to their comfort and compliance. Many of our military rehabilitation and convalescent centers in China have integrated modern aquatic rehabilitation techniques into rehabilitation treatment by drawing on their rich water resources so as to improve the physical and mental health, social adaptability and military adaptability of pilots. Conclusions:When used for the prevention and treatment of lumbago, aquatic rehabilitation techniques are highly effective, safe and enjoyable, so they should be made more accessible to pilots during convalescence.
4.Distribution of allergen components of dust mite in children with airway allergic diseases
Huijie HUANG ; Li XIANG ; Nannan JIANG ; Mian WEI ; Xiaoling HOU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(5):581-586
Objective:To analyze the distribution of allergen components of dust mite in children with airway allergic diseases.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The clinical data of children with dust mite-induced allergic asthma (AA) complicated with allergic rhinitis (AR) or allergic rhinitis who were treated in Department of Allergy,Beijing Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The spedific IgE (sIgE) levels to Der p1,Der p2,Der p5,Der p7,Der p10,Der p21,Der p23 and Der f1,Der f2 were detected by protein chip method. The distribution of dust mite sensitized components and the sIgE levels in children with different airway allergic diseases and different ages were compared.Results:Among 138 children with airway allergic diseases,there were 97 boys and 41 girls,age (6.86±2.61) years old,and there were 106 cases of AA combined AR (AAAR group) and 32 cases of AR alone (AR group). The sensitization rates of Der p2 was the highest (75.4%,104/138),followed by Der f2 (74.6%,103/138),Der f1 (73.9%,102/138),Der p1 (71.7%,99/138),Der p21 (19.6%,27/138),Der p5 (16.7%,23/138),Der p23 (14.5%,20/138),Der p7 (11.6%,16/138) and Der p10 (2.9%,4/138). The co-sensitization rate of Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 was the highest (31.2%,43/138). There was no significant difference in sensitization rate of dust mites components between AAAR group and AR group(all P>0.05). AAAR group had higher levels of sIgE to Der p23 than AR group [0.1 (0,0.1) IU/ml vs. 0 (0,0.1) IU/ml,Z=-2.819, P=0.005]. There were no significant differences in the positive rate of dust mite components and sIgE levels between children aged≤6 and>6 years old with airway allergic diseases(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the major components of dust mites sensitizing airway allergic diseases in children. Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the main co-sensitizing components in children with dust mite-induced airway allergic diseases. Compared with AR,the sIgE level to Der p23 in children with AAAR is higher.
5.Hot topics on exosomes as drug delivery system in central nervous system diseases
Huijie LIN ; Yun HUANG ; Zhihua HUANG ; Lixia JIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(23):5013-5021
BACKGROUND:The use of exosomes as drug carriers can not only precisely target the therapeutic site,but also increase the local concentration,opening up a new way for drugs to enter the central nervous system.OBJECTIVE:To explore the biogenesis and biological functions of exosomes and summarize the current state-of-the-art regarding extracellular vesicles as drug carriers in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.METHODS:The first author searched Web of Science,PubMed,and CNKI for relevant literature from January 1976 to January 2024.The English search terms were"exosomes,extracellular vesicles,central nervous system,drug delivery,ischemic stroke,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,spinal cord injury,brain tumor."The Chinese search terms were"exosomes,extracellular vesicles,central nervous system diseases,drug delivery,stroke,Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,spinal cord injury,brain tumor."Finally,94 articles were included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exosomes can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver proteins,metabolites,and nucleic acids to recipient cells to regulate cellular metabolism.Since exosomes are small vesicles secreted by cells,they have a much lower circulating immunogenicity and can be less likely to be recognized and cleared by macrophages in the internal circulation.(2)Exosomes can be engineered to deliver different therapeutically ingredients,including RNA,proteins,chemotherapeutic drugs,and immunomodulators,and are capable of delivering them to the desired target areas.Engineered modified exosomes have better targeting properties.Furthermore,this exosome-mediated delivery is extremely low in immunogenicity and is expected to provide a safer and more effective method for precision therapy of central nervous system diseases in the future.
6.Distribution of allergen components of dust mite in children with airway allergic diseases
Huijie HUANG ; Li XIANG ; Nannan JIANG ; Mian WEI ; Xiaoling HOU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(5):581-586
Objective:To analyze the distribution of allergen components of dust mite in children with airway allergic diseases.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The clinical data of children with dust mite-induced allergic asthma (AA) complicated with allergic rhinitis (AR) or allergic rhinitis who were treated in Department of Allergy,Beijing Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The spedific IgE (sIgE) levels to Der p1,Der p2,Der p5,Der p7,Der p10,Der p21,Der p23 and Der f1,Der f2 were detected by protein chip method. The distribution of dust mite sensitized components and the sIgE levels in children with different airway allergic diseases and different ages were compared.Results:Among 138 children with airway allergic diseases,there were 97 boys and 41 girls,age (6.86±2.61) years old,and there were 106 cases of AA combined AR (AAAR group) and 32 cases of AR alone (AR group). The sensitization rates of Der p2 was the highest (75.4%,104/138),followed by Der f2 (74.6%,103/138),Der f1 (73.9%,102/138),Der p1 (71.7%,99/138),Der p21 (19.6%,27/138),Der p5 (16.7%,23/138),Der p23 (14.5%,20/138),Der p7 (11.6%,16/138) and Der p10 (2.9%,4/138). The co-sensitization rate of Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 was the highest (31.2%,43/138). There was no significant difference in sensitization rate of dust mites components between AAAR group and AR group(all P>0.05). AAAR group had higher levels of sIgE to Der p23 than AR group [0.1 (0,0.1) IU/ml vs. 0 (0,0.1) IU/ml,Z=-2.819, P=0.005]. There were no significant differences in the positive rate of dust mite components and sIgE levels between children aged≤6 and>6 years old with airway allergic diseases(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the major components of dust mites sensitizing airway allergic diseases in children. Der p1,Der p2,Der f1 and Der f2 are the main co-sensitizing components in children with dust mite-induced airway allergic diseases. Compared with AR,the sIgE level to Der p23 in children with AAAR is higher.
7.Applicability of aquatic rehabilitation techniques in preventive and therapeutic efficacy against lumbago in pilots
Pengfei ZHANG ; Jing WANG ; Panpan ZHANG ; Jie BAO ; Li XU ; Huijie JIANG ; Shaochen QU ; Bin YANG ; Jiajia JI ; Jia LI
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(3):231-235
Objective:To introduce the research and innovations around the application of aquatic rehabilitation techniques in the treatment of lumbago, and to summarize specific methods and applications in aeromedicine. Literature resource and selection Literature on the prevention and treatment of lumbago using aquatic rehabilitation techniques as well as on the rehabilitation of lumbago in pilots was retrieved and selected. Literature quotation Sixty-one references were cited. Literature synthesis Aquatic rehabilitation techniques can be classified into shower therapy, immersion therapy, and aquatic exercise therapy according to treatment regimens. Among them, immersion therapy and aquatic exercise therapy are commonly used in the treatment of lumbago. Aquatic rehabilitation techniques can effectively alleviate patients′ lumbago, improve their functional disorders, and enhance their quality of life. Prior to aquatic therapy, patients with lumbago need to have their motor function assessed to tailor the treatment protocol based on diagnostic findings and specific therapeutic objectives. Aquatic rehabilitation techniques, when used to prevent and treat lumbago in pilots under convalescence, are not only more effective than land-based training, but also more accessible to pilots due to their comfort and compliance. Many of our military rehabilitation and convalescent centers in China have integrated modern aquatic rehabilitation techniques into rehabilitation treatment by drawing on their rich water resources so as to improve the physical and mental health, social adaptability and military adaptability of pilots. Conclusions:When used for the prevention and treatment of lumbago, aquatic rehabilitation techniques are highly effective, safe and enjoyable, so they should be made more accessible to pilots during convalescence.
8.Bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease: Prospective cohort study and genetic analyses
Wenqiang ZHANG ; Li ZHANG ; Chenghan XIAO ; Xueyao WU ; Huijie CUI ; Chao YANG ; Peijing YAN ; Mingshuang TANG ; Yutong WANG ; Lin CHEN ; Yunjie LIU ; Yanqiu ZOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Chunxia YANG ; Yuqin YAO ; Jiayuan LI ; Zhenmi LIU ; Xia JIANG ; Ben ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(5):577-587
Background::While type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a putative causal risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the intrinsic link underlying T2DM and CAD is not fully understood. We aimed to highlight the importance of integrated care targeting both diseases by investigating the phenotypic and genetic relationships between T2DM and CAD.Methods::We evaluated phenotypic associations using data from the United Kingdom Biobank ( N = 472,050). We investigated genetic relationships by leveraging genomic data conducted in European ancestry for T2DM, with and without adjustment for body mass index (BMI) (T2DM: Ncase/ Ncontrol = 74,124/824,006; T2DM adjusted for BMI [T2DM adjBMI]: Ncase/ Ncontrol = 50,409/523,897) and for CAD ( Ncase/ Ncontrol = 181,522/984,168). We performed additional analyses using genomic data conducted in multiancestry individuals for T2DM ( Ncase/ Ncontrol = 180,834/1,159,055). Results::Observational analysis suggested a bidirectional relationship between T2DM and CAD (T2DM→CAD: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01–2.24; CAD→T2DM: HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.63–1.81). A positive overall genetic correlation between T2DM and CAD was observed ( rg = 0.39, P = 1.43 × 10 -75), which was largely independent of BMI (T2DM adjBMI–CAD: rg = 0.31, P = 1.20 × 10 –36). This was corroborated by six local signals, among which 9p21.3 showed the strongest genetic correlation. Cross-trait meta-analysis replicated 101 previously reported loci and discovered six novel pleiotropic loci. Mendelian randomization analysis supported a bidirectional causal relationship (T2DM→CAD: odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11-1.16; CAD→T2DM: OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.18), which was confirmed in multiancestry individuals (T2DM→CAD: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.10-1.16; CAD→T2DM: OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13). This bidirectional relationship was significantly mediated by systolic blood pressure and intake of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, with mediation proportions of 54.1% (95% CI: 24.9-83.4%) and 90.4% (95% CI: 29.3-151.5%), respectively. Conclusion::Our observational and genetic analyses demonstrated an intrinsic bidirectional relationship between T2DM and CAD and clarified the biological mechanisms underlying this relationship.
9.The value of radiomics combined with deep learning based on preoperative CT images in predicting the curative effect of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma
Dandan WANG ; Haibo WANG ; Zhongqi SUN ; Huijie JIANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(2):209-215
Objective:To explore the value of radiomics and deep learning in predicting the efficacy of initial transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:This was a cohort study. The imaging and clinical information of HCC patients treated with TACE in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2015 to January 2021 were collected retrospectively. A total of 265 patients were divided into response group (175 cases) and non-response group (90 cases) according to the modified solid tumor efficacy evaluation criteria (mRECIST) 1 to 2 months after initial TACE. According to the proportion of 8∶2, the patients were randomly divided into training group (212 cases, 140 responders and 72 non-responders) and test set (53 cases, 35 responders and 18 non-responders). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to screen clinical variables and construct a clinical model. The radiomics features were extracted from the preoperative CT images, and radiomics model was constructed after feature dimensionality reduction. Using the deep learning method, three residual network (ResNet) models (ResNet18, ResNet50 and ResNet101) were established, and their effectiveness was compared and integrated to build a deep learning model with best performance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to combine pairwise three models to establish the combined model. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance of the model to distinguish between TACE response and non-response groups.Results:In the test set, the area under the curve (AUC) of the clinical model and the radiomics model in the differentiation between response and non-response after TACE were 0.730 (95% CI 0.569-0.891) and 0.775 (95% CI 0.642-0.907). The AUC of ResNet18, ResNet50 and ResNet101 were 0.719, 0.748 and 0.533, respectively. The AUC for deep learning model obtained by integrating ResNet18 and ResNet50 was 0.806 (95% CI 0.665-0.946). After pairwise fusion, the combined deep learning-radiomics model showed the highest performance, with an AUC of 0.843 (95% CI 0.730-0.956), which was better than those of the deep learning-clinical model (AUC of 0.838, 95% CI 0.719-0.957) and the radiomics-clinical model (AUC of 0.786, 95% CI 0.648-0.898). Conclusions:The combined model of radiomics and deep learning has high performance in predicting the curative effect of TACE in patients with HCC before operation.
10.Effects and mechanism of aucubin on malignant biological behavior of breast cancer cells
Yunhui SI ; Kai JIANG ; Liquan QIAN ; Yongshun CHEN ; Huijie BIE
China Pharmacy 2024;35(8):918-924
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of aucubin (Auc) on the malignant biological behavior of breast cancer cells by regulating cyclin-dependent kinase 1(CDK1)/cyclin B1(CCNB1)/Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signaling pathway. METHODS Human breast cancer cells MCF-7 were divided into control group, Auc low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (AUC-L, AUC-M, AUC-H groups, 20, 40 and 80 μmol/L Auc), Auc-H+pcDNA-NC group (80 μmol/L Auc+transfected pcDNA- NC plasmid), and Auc-H+pcDNA-CDK1 group (80 μmol/L Auc+transfected pcDNA-CDK1 plasmid). Cell proliferation, clonal formation, invasion and migration abilities, apoptosis and cycle distribution, and the expressions of related proteins of apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling pathway were detected in each group. The transplanted tumor model of BALB/c nude mice was established by subcutaneous inoculation of MCF-7 cell suspension, and the mice were divided into control group and Auc group (12 mice in each group). The tumor volume, mass and the expressions of related proteins of CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling pathway in tumor tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, the number of clonal formation, proliferation rate, cell invasion number, scar healing rate, G1/G0 phase and S phase cell proportions, and the expressions of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), N-cadherin, fibronectin, CDK1, CCNB1 and PLK1 were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate, G2/M phase cell proportion and the expressions of Bcl-2 associated X protein and E-cadherin were significantly increased, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with the Auc-H+pcDNA-NC group, there was no statistical significance in the above indexes in the Auc-H group (P>0.05), while the above indexes in the Auc-H+ pcDNA-CDK1 group were significantly reversed (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the tumor volume and mass, and the expressions of CDK1, CCNB1 and PLK1 in tumor tissue of Auc group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Auc can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells, induce cell cycle arrest, and inhibit the progression of EMT, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of the CDK1/CCNB1/PLK1 signaling pathway.

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