1.Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Zheng XU ; Yuan TANG ; Fenglan QIU ; Yiguang LI ; Lingyu YANG ; Jie CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):322-330
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common type of dementia, primarily characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairments as well as deficits in learning and memory. The progression of AD has imposed a significant economic burden on society and families. However, its exact pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Currently, available therapeutic drugs are limited and are often accompanied by serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their extracts are mostly natural products and possess advantages such as multi-pathway regulation and relatively few adverse reactions. Experimental studies have shown that TCMs exhibit great potential in the prevention and treatment of AD. For example, Huanglian Jieduang, Danggui Shaoyaosan, Kaixin San, Liuwei Dihuangwan, Buyang Huanwutang, as well as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Gardeniae Fructus, Ginkgo Folium, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, can reduce β-amyloid deposition, inhibit excessive Tau protein phosphorylation, restore mitochondrial function, alleviate oxidative stress, suppress neuroinflammation and apoptosis, repair synaptic function, and improve gut microbiota. This article mainly summarizes the effects of several TCMs and compound prescriptions on AD, aiming to provide a reference for subsequent TCM-based treatment of AD.
2.MiRSNP in MGMT 3′ untranslated region regulates low-dose radiation-induced senescence in lung cells
Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Huixian LI ; Min ZHANG ; Changyong WEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Huifeng CHEN ; Jianming ZOU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):25-32
Objective To investigate the role of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene-3′ untranslated region (UTR) microRNA-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (miRSNP) (rs7896488 G>A) in affecting miR-4297-targeted modulation of MGMT in senescence of lung cells with polymorphic genotypes induced by fractionated low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). Methods i) MiRSNPs were predicted and screened using bioinformatics, and DNA from two types of lung cells, A549 cells and human bronchial epithelioid cells (HBE cells), was extracted for target gene sequencing. After co-transfection of pGL3c-MGMT-3′UTR-rs7896488 G>A reporter gene recombinant plasmid, pRL-TK Vector with micrON mimic NC #22 or micrON hsa-miR-4297 mimic (set up as the mimic NC group and the miR-4297 mimic group) in these two types of lung cells, dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed. The relative expression of MGMT mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the relative expression of MGMT protein was detected by Western blotting. ii) These two types of lung cells were randomly divided into the control group and irradiation group, which received either 0 or 100 mGy X-rays irradiation seven times. After irradiation, the cells were transfected with either micrON mimic NC #22 or micrON hsa-miR-4297 mimic, resulting in mimic NC + control group, miR-4297 mimic + control group, mimic NC + irradiation group, and miR-4297 mimic + irradiation group. Cells were collected for senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, and the relative expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-1 (CXCL-1) proteins was detected via Western blotting. Results i) The rs7896488 G>A was the miRSNP located in the conserved binding region targeted by miR-4297 in the MGMT gene 3′UTR. A549 cells were the rs7896488 GG wild-type homozygous genotype, while HBE cells were the rs7896488 GA heterozygous mutant genotype. In the miR-4297 mimic group, A549 and HBE cells carrying the rs7896488 G allele showed significantly lower dual-luciferase activity compared with that in the mimic NC group (both P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in dual-luciferase activity between the two groups in both A549 and HBE cells carrying the rs7896488 A allele (both P>0.05). The relative expression levels of MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein of A549 cells in the miR-4297 mimic group were lower than those in the mimic NC group (both P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein of HBE cells between these two groups (both P>0.05). ii) The relative activity of SA-β-Gal and the relative expression of MMP-9 and CXCL-1 proteins of A549 cells in the miR-4297 mimic+irradiation group were higher than those in the mimic NC + control group, the miR-4297 mimic + control group, and the mimic NC + irradiation group (all P<0.05). The relative activity of SA-β-Gal and the relative expression of MMP-9 and CXCL-1 proteins of HBE cells in the miR-4297 mimic + irradiation group were higher than those in the mimic NC + control group and the miR-4297 mimic + control group (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference compared with those in the mimic NC + irradiation group (all P>0.05). Conclusion MGMT-3′UTR-miRSNP rs7896488 G>A plays a role in LDIR-induced senescence of lung cells with different polymorphic genotypes by affecting miR-4297-targeted regulation of MGMT.
3.Effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation on differentially expressed genes in ferroptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells
Min ZHANG ; Lingyu ZHANG ; Yashi CAI ; Huixian LI ; Yanting CHEN ; Guanyou CHEN ; Xin LAN ; Changyong WEN ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU ; Huifeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):310-317
Objective To investigate the effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) on the ferroptosis in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells as well as the associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological processes, and signaling pathways. Methods HBE cells were exposed to different single doses of X-ray irradiation (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mGy) for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The change in cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Cells were irradiated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mGy X-rays 5 times, with 48 h between each irradiation and a dose rate of 50 mGy/min. Cells were harvested 24 h after irradiation for the measurement of the expression of ferroptosis-related genes SLC7A11 and GPX4 at the mRNA and protein levels, cellular iron content, and the expression of FTH1 and FTL mRNAs. High-throughput sequencing was used to screen for the DEGs in each dose group, followed by Gene Ontology-Biological Process (GO-BP) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Results Compared with the control group, single-dose LDIR significantly increased cell proliferation at 75 mGy after 24 h (P < 0.05), at 50, 75, and 100 mGy after 48 h (P < 0.05), and at 75 and 100 mGy after 72 h (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, at the end of the fifth fractionated LDIR, SLC7A11 and GPX4 mRNAs decreased at all doses (P < 0.05), SLC7A11 protein decreased at all doses, GPX4 protein decreased at 25 and 100 mGy, iron content increased at all doses, and FTH1 and FTL mRNAs decreased at all doses (P< 0.05). Sequencing analysis identified 248, 30, and 291 DEGs and 10, 2, and 9 ferroptosis-associated genes at the three doses compared to the control. Gene Ontology-Biological Process analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as response to lipids, cell death, and response to unfolded proteins. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, lipids and atherosclerosis, ferroptosis, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and FoxO signaling pathway. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in ferroptosis, fatty acid degradation, and glutathione metabolism. Conclusion Fractionated low-dose radiation induced ferroptosis in HBE cells, and DEGs were predominantly enriched in biological processes and signaling pathways related to inflammation, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
4.A study on the coercive experience of involuntarily hospitalized adolescents with mental disorders
Lingyu LI ; Xinyi LIU ; Jiawei SHI ; Gen CHENG ; Haiou ZOU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):232-240
ObjectiveTo explore the coercive experience of involuntarily hospitalized adolescents with mental disorders during the admission process and hospitalization, providing references for formulating targeted nursing interventions. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 involuntarily hospitalized adolescents with mental disorders selected from October to December 2023, and the themes were summarized and extracted by content analysis. ResultsA total of 3 themes and 10 sub-themes were extracted, which were used to elaborate the essential contents, causes, and improvement methods of coercive experience. These encompassed the multi-dimensional content of coercive experience (complex emotional experience, different physical sensations, and contradictory cognitive evaluation), the multi-faceted causes of coercive experience (insufficient personal preparation, inadequate parental communication, and strict medical management system), as well as the phased improvement of coercive experience (adequate communication before hospitalization, patient notification before coercive intervention, respecting for demands during coercive intervention, and comforting explanation after coercive intervention). ConclusionThe essential content of the coercive experience of involuntarily hospitalized adolescents with mental disorders is complex and has various causes, which require cooperation from multiple parties to improve. Therefore, parents should respect the expression of their children’s self-will, and medical staff should respect patients’ autonomy, establishing a protection-constrained doctor-patient relationship model and collaborating to reduce the use of coercive interventions, to improve the overall medical satisfaction of adolescents with mental disorders.
5.The role of CAF in chemotherapy resistance of gastric cancer: organoid models study
Ruoxin LI ; Linteng ZHANG ; Lingyu ZHANG
Cancer Research and Clinic 2025;37(8):597-605
Objective:To explore the effects of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in gastric cancer microenvironment on the proliferation of gastric cancer organoids and the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as the underlying mechanisms.Methods:Tissue specimens of 6 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgical resection in Fujian Cancer Hospital from June 2022 to January 2024 were collected from the biobank. Organoids derived from gastric cancer and isolated tumor tissue CAF and paracancerous tissue normal fibroblasts (NF) were constructed by the primary tissue culture method. The morphology of organoids and fibroblasts was observed under microscope. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) method was used to detect the expressions of gastric cancer markers in organoids. The expression levels of fibroblast related markers were detected by using immunofluorescence, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting methods. A co-culture model of gastric cancer organoids and fibroblasts was constructed by using the Transwell chamber and then was divided into 3 groups: NF and gastric cancer organoids co-culture group (NF co-culture group), CAF and gastric cancer organoids co-culture group (CAF co-culture group), and gastric cancer organoid separate culture group (separate culture group). Different concentrations of oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were applied to the co-culture system of fibroblasts and gastric cancer organoids. The morphology of gastric cancer organoids in each group was observed under microscope, and the relative viability of the organoids was detected by using the CellTiter-Glo 3D luminescence method. CAF and NF of 3 patients who successfully constructed organoids were collected for transcriptome sequencing, and the differentially expressed genes (with |log 2 fold change| > 0 and P < 0.05) between CAF and NF were analyzed. Pathway enrichment analysis of the upregulated differentially expressed genes in CAF was performed by using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Results:The organoids of 4 patients were successfully constructed, among which 3 organoids with relatively consistent results and covering the heterogeneity of the disease were performed for further analysis. After HE staining, microscopic observation showed that the morphological characteristics of the organoids were homogeneous with those of gastric cancer tissues. IHC method detection showed that both organoids and primary tumor tissues both expressed gastric cancer markers CDX2, Villin, and CK20. Inverted microscopic observation revealed that NF was morphologically similar to CAF, but NF had fewer cytoplasmic protrusions. RT-qPCR method, immunofluorescence and Western blotting detections showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and Vimentin in CAF were all higher than those in NF, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Inverted microscope observation showed that after co-cultured for 96 h, the size of organoids in CAF co-culture group [(308±61) μm] was larger than that in NF co-culture group [(155±33) μm] and separate culture group [(91±17) μm], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). CellTiter-Glo 3D luminescence assay showed that the relative viability of organoids in the CAF co-culture group was enhanced after 96 h of co-culture compared with NF co-culture group and separate culture group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in the relative viability between NF co-culture group and separate culture group ( P > 0.05). With the increase of the concentrations of oxaliplatin, 5-FU and paclitaxel, the relative activity of organoids after drug effect for 96 h in the 3 groups gradually decreased. The relative viability of the organoids in CAF co-culture groups treated with 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L oxaliplatin, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L 5-FU, and 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 μmol/L paclitaxel was higher than that of the other 2 groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that compared with NF, there were 893 differentially expressed genes with upregulated mRNA expression and 424 differentially expressed genes with downregulated mRNA expression in CAF. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in the calcium signaling pathway. Conclusions:CAF can promote the proliferation ability of gastric cancer organoids and decrease the sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, which may be related to the calcium signaling pathway.
6.Research progress on modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with traditional Chinese medicine
Yuan TANG ; Yonglin LIU ; Wen ZHANG ; Jian SHAO ; Lingyu YANG ; Yiguang LI ; Jie CHEN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(9):164-178
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide,characterized primarily by cognitive impairment and memory dysfunction.Its pathological mechanisms involve the toxic accumulation of amyloid β-protein(Aβ),hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein leading to neurofibrillary tangles,mitochondrial dysfunction,synaptic impairment,cholinergic system dysfunction,neuroinflammation,and oxidative stress.Current clinical treatments for AD include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists,which can improve cognitive function but fail to slow disease progression and often have side effects.Research indicates that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)may regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway,promoting neuronal survival,inhibiting neuroinflammation,reducing oxidative stress,preventing apoptosis,and decreasing Aβ deposition,thus improving the symptoms of AD.This review summarizes the mechanisms by which individual TCM components,extracts,and formulas may regulate the PI3K/AKT pathway in the treatment of AD,with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for the application of TCM in AD therapy.
7.Mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes against mouse renal ischemia/reperfusion injury
Lingyu LI ; Huafeng WEI ; Hao LUO ; Hao WANG ; Jiahui HE ; Yawei YAO ; Xinghua LYU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(13):2706-2712
BACKGROUND:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are involved in multiple injury repair processes,and the effects and the specific mechanisms of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury have not been fully elucidated.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the molecular mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.METHODS:(1) Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and exosomes were obtained and identified using an exosome extraction kit.(2) The distribution of exosomes in the kidney of mice with renal ischemia/reperfusion injury was examined by intravital fluorescence imaging.(3) Thirty C57/BL6 male mice were divided into five groups according to the random number table method:sham operation group,renal ischemia/reperfusion group,sham operation group+Compound C group,renal ischemia/reperfusion+exosome group (exosome group),and renal ischemia/reperfusion+exosome+Compound C group (exosome+Compound C group),with 6 mice in each group.Except the sham operation group,bilateral renal pedicles were clamped for 45 minutes and a mouse model of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury was established after 24 hours of reperfusion.In sham operation+Compound C group and exosome+Compound C group,AMPK inhibitor Compound C was intraperitoneally injected 30 minutes before model establishment.In the exosome group and exosome+Copmpound C group,exosomes were injected through the tail vein 15 minutes before renal pedicle clipping.The levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen,interleukin 6,and tumor necrosis factor α in renal tissue,and the expression of apoptosis-related factors in renal tissue were detected after 24 hours of reperfusion in each group.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes had the typical tea tray morphology,with the diameter distribution in the range of 40-160 nm,and expressed the specific marker membrane protein of exosome surface.(2) Murine kidneys after renal ischemia/reperfusion injury were more likely to gather human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes compared with the sham operation group.(3) Exosome pretreatment reduced renal injury and the level of renal cell apoptosis in mice treated with renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.Moreover,this protective effect could be reversed by AMPK inhibitors.These findings verify that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes exerting a protective effect on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury may be related to the activation of the AMPK/YAP1 pathway to antiapoptosis.
8.Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis of relationship between cytokines and atopic dermatitis
Weijia LI ; Yi PENG ; Qiao HUANG ; Pu WANG ; Min HU ; Suyue PAN ; Lingyu LIU ; Jiahui QI ; Qian-fan JIANG ; Yuqing HE
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):1914-1919
Objective:Bidirectional causal associations of 41 cytokines with atopic dermatitis(AD)were explored based on a Mendelian randomization(MR)approach.Methods:Pooled data from genome wide association study(GWAS)of 41 cytokines and AD were utilized for instrumental variable(IV)screening,and single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)affecting the results of MR analyses was excluded by the MR-PRESSO outlier test as well as by the MR Steiger filtering method.Two-sample bidirectional MR analyses were performed using inverse variance weighting(IVW),MR-Egger regression,and weighted median methods(WM).MR-Egger intercept term test and Cochran's Q test were performed to test the pleiotropy and heterogeneity of IV,and MR results were visu-alized by scatterplots,funnel plots,and leave-one-out plots.Results:Forward MR analysis showed that MIG(IVW:OR=0.89;95%CI:0.81~0.97;P=0.006)reduced the risk of AD development.In contrast,IL-5(IVW:OR=1.17;95%CI:1.01~1.36;P=0.042)and IL-18(MR Egger:OR=1.17;95%CI:1.03~1.33;P=0.030)increased the risk of AD development.Inverse MR analysis showed a potential causal association between AD and increased MIG(IVW:Beta=0.10;95%CI:0.02~0.17;P=0.014).None of the sensitivity analyses indicated pleiotropy and heterogeneity of the included IV.Conclusion:MIG may be an important marker in the progression of AD with a potential bidirectional causal association with risk of morbidity.IL-5 and IL-18 have a potential positive causal association for AD.
9.Value of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MRI in predicting ventricular arrhythmia in patients with ICD
Lingyu SONG ; Jian LI ; Chuang ZHANG ; Manman YANG ; Guoxing ZHANG ; Xiaoya SU ; Xiangmin SHI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(2):132-135
Objective To investigate the application value of late gadolinium enhancement(LEG)at cardiac MRI in predicting ventricular arrhythmia(VA)events in patients after implantation of ICD.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 16 patients at high risk of sudden cardi-ac death after ICD implantation and LEG examination in the First and the Sixth Medical Centers of Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2020 to March 2024.According the occurrence of VA events receiving appropriate ICD therapy during the follow-up period,they were divided into post-operative VA group(7 cases)and non-VA group(9 cases).The correlation of clinical baseline fea-tures and LEG features with VA events was analyzed.Results The ratios of transmural enhance-ment and myocardial medium enhancement were obviously higher in the VA group than the non-VA group(71.4%vs 11.1%,P=0.035;85.7%vs 22.2%,P=0.041).Multivariate logistic regres-sionanalysis showed that transmural enhancement(OR=5.000,95%CI:0.150-166.589,P=0.368)and myocardial medium enhancement(OR=7.000,95%CI:0.217-226.005,P=0.272)were not independent factors influencing VA occurrence.ROC curve analysis indicated that the combined prediction of transmural enhancement and myocardial media enhancement and the pre-diction of transmural enhancement alone had better diagnostic efficacy(P<0.05).Conclusion LEG has clinical value in predicting postoperative VA events in patients after ICD implantation.
10.The relationship between HMOX1 and MAPK14 with the onset and prognosis of sepsis-induced acute lung injury in children
Bo LI ; Hong LIN ; Lanying HUANG ; Lingyu LI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(10):1052-1056
Objective To explore the relationship between the ferroptosis-related molecules heme oxygenase-1(HMOX1)and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14(MAPK14)with the onset and prognosis of acute lung injury(ALI)in children with sepsis.Methods A total of 102 children with sepsis were selected,including 54 in the ALI group and 48 in the non-ALI group.Clinical data,laboratory tests,organ function scores and serum levels of HMOX1 and MAPK14 were compared between the two groups.The mortality rates of children with different levels of HMOX1 and MAPK14 at 28-day and 90-day were analyzed.Results Compared with the non-ALI group,procalcitonin(PCT),lactate(Lac),pediatric organ dysfunction Logistic-2 score(PELOD-2),pediatric risk of mortality score version 3(PRISM III)and sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)scores were increased in the ALI group(P<0.05).Serum levels of HMOX1 and MAPK14 were significantly higher in the ALI group than those in the non-ALI group(P<0.05).HMOX1 and MAPK14 showed good predictive value for the occurrence of ALI in sepsis patients,with AUC values of 0.872(95%CI:0.791-0.930)and 0.825(95%CI:0.737-0.893),and the optimal cutoff values were 3.1 μg/L and 3.8 μg/L,respectively.After grouping by the cutoff values of HMOX1 and MAPK14,there were no significant differences in the 28-day and 90-day mortality rates in children with different levels of HMOX1 and MAPK14(P>0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of serum HMOX1 and MAPK14 increase in the early stage of sepsis-related ALI,which may serve as biomarkers for the onset of ALI,and they have no significant impact on the prognosis of children.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail