1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in osteoarthritis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment
Zuo WANG ; Yuxin LIU ; Yuxin QIAO ; Zhengyu YANG ; Ru WANG ; Wenbin LIAO ; Yan GAO ; Jiayi FENG ; Guohua LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):823-828
The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), specifically manifesting as macrophage activation, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment, this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients (such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica , quercetin, triptolide, etc.), herb pairs (e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla , Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba), and TCM formulas (such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula, Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula, etc.) can inhibit macrophage activation, reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB, Wnt/ β -catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment, restoring local joint homeostasis, and slowing the progression of OA.
2.Matrix Stiffness-mediated Regulation of Vascular Regeneration During Tissue Repair
Kang-Bo WANG ; Wei-Ke LI ; Jing LONG ; Ying-Xiong WANG ; Ru-Fei GAO ; Zhen-Yin CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2269-2282
Tissue repair requires the reconstruction of functional vascular networks to restore oxygen and nutrient delivery, eliminate metabolic waste, and maintain tissue homeostasis. Although biochemical factors such as growth factors and cytokines have been extensively studied in vascular regeneration, increasing evidence indicates that mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) are equally important regulators of angiogenesis. Matrix stiffness, as a major biomechanical property of the tissue microenvironment, provides critical information that influences endothelial cell (EC) behavior and vascular remodeling through mechanotransduction. However, the biological effects of matrix stiffness are not universally defined as either pro- or anti-angiogenic, but are highly dependent on tissue context, cellular composition, disease progression, and the dynamic changes occurring during tissue repair. Therefore, understanding how matrix stiffness regulates vascular regeneration is essential for developing more precise strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the regulation of angiogenesis by matrix stiffness during tissue repair from multiple perspectives. First, we discuss the direct effects of matrix stiffness on EC behaviors, including differentiation, morphological remodeling, migration, proliferation, barrier maintenance, and vascular network formation. ECs sense mechanical alterations in the surrounding matrix through various mechanosensitive structures, including integrins, focal adhesion complexes, and mechanosensitive ion channels such as Piezo1 and TRPV proteins. These mechanical signals are subsequently transmitted through intracellular pathways involving FAK, RhoA/ROCK, MAPK, and Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling, leading to cytoskeletal reorganization and transcriptional regulation. Through these mechanisms, matrix stiffness regulates endothelial functional states and determines the balance between regenerative vascular formation and pathological vascular remodeling. Beyond the direct regulation of ECs, we further highlight the importance of stiffness-mediated intercellular communication within the regenerative microenvironment. Matrix stiffness can regulate the behavior and secretory profiles of vascular-associated cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages, thereby indirectly affecting endothelial function through paracrine mechanisms. Changes in matrix mechanics influence the secretion of angiogenic factors, inflammatory cytokines, and extracellular vesicles from these cells, creating a mechanical regulation network that coordinates vascular regeneration. This perspective extends the traditional concept of matrix stiffness from a physical support structure to an active regulatory signal that integrates multiple cellular responses during tissue repair. Furthermore, we discuss the tissue-specific effects of matrix stiffness in vascular regeneration across different organs, including the aorta, lung, liver, and heart. Although excessive matrix stiffening is frequently associated with fibrosis and vascular dysfunction, the consequences of mechanical changes vary considerably among tissues. Moderate stiffness alterations may support endothelial activation and vascular stabilization in certain regenerative contexts, whereas persistent pathological stiffening can promote inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired vascular repair. These findings emphasize that the biological meaning of “soft” and “stiff” microenvironments should be interpreted according to specific tissue and experimental conditions rather than as universal mechanical classifications. Finally, we summarize current challenges and future perspectives in this field. A major limitation is the lack of standardized mechanical characterization among different studies, as stiffness measurements are influenced by material properties, testing methods, and experimental conditions, limiting direct comparison across research systems. Moreover, most existing models fail to fully reproduce the dynamic and viscoelastic properties of native ECM during tissue regeneration. Future studies should combine advanced biomaterials with standardized mechanical analysis, organoid models, and multi-omics approaches to establish more accurate mechanical regulatory maps. Overall, this review proposes that matrix stiffness is not merely a structural feature of tissues, but an active biological signal that regulates vascular regeneration through coordinated mechanotransduction and multicellular interactions. A deeper understanding of stiffness-mediated vascular regulation will provide new theoretical insights and therapeutic opportunities for improving tissue repair outcomes.
3.Effects of anxiety and depression among primary caregivers of stroke patients in social support and burnout
Lijun WANG ; Ru GAN ; Xiaohui LIU ; Huijuan WANG ; Haihua GAO ; Xiaoping YANG ; Jialin YUAN ; Miaomiao CHEN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(8):114-118
Objective To investigate the mediating role of anxiety and depression in social sup-port and burnout among primary caregivers of stroke patients.Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to select 506 primary caregivers of stroke patients as research subjects.The Gen-eral Information Questionnaire,Caregiver Burnout Inventory for Stroke Patients,Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support,and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used for data col-lection.Results The total scores for caregiver burnout,social support,anxiety,and depression a-mong primarycaregivers of stroke patients were(72.83±14.32),(47.79±7.74),(10.49±3.00),and(10.45±3.06),respectively.Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between caregiver burnout and social support(r=-0.245,P<0.001),and positive correlations with anxiety and depression(r=0.178,0.216,P<0.001).Anxiety and depression partially media-ted the relationship between social support and caregiver burnout,accounting for 7.9%and 10.7%of the total effect,respectively.Conclusion Social support,anxiety,depression,and burnout are closely interrelated.Social support can directly or indirectly influence the occurrence of burnoutthrough anxiety and depression.Medical staff should pay attention to the anxiety and depression status of primary caregivers of stroke patients and enhance social support levels to reduce the incidence of burnout by alleviating anxiety and depression.
4.Preparation and in vitro evaluation of an erythrocyte-based butyrylcholinesterase delivery system
Zhe WANG ; Changwen NING ; Huaying AN ; Xingwei JIANG ; Jun MA ; Fenghua GAO ; Pengyu LIU ; Yanan SUN ; Ru LI ; Jinlong LI ; Yuanyuan YUAN ; Qun YU
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(6):458-464
Objective To develop an erythrocyte-based delivery system for butyrylcholinesterase(BChE)that is capable of prophylaxis against organophosphorus nerve agents.Methods Recombinant BChE was produced and analyzed for oligomerization via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE)and Western blotting.A modified hypotonic preswelling method was employed to prepare BChE-loaded erythrocytes.The drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Catalytic activity was assessed in vitro with an activity detection kit.The system was characterized via scanning electron microscopy(SEM),flow cytometry and a hematology analyzer.Results Recombinant BChE predominantly existed as dimers(85%dimer,15%monomer).The optimized volume ratio of erythrocytes to hypotonic solution was determined as 1:7.Compared with native and empty erythrocytes,BChE-loaded erythrocytes exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity(P<0.001).The mean corpuscular volume of BChE-loaded erythrocytes increased(P<0.001),while the mean content of corpuscular hemoglobin and hemoglobin in erythrocytes per 100 mL decreased(P<0.001).SEM revealed no morphological differences(biconcave disc shape).Hypotonic preswelling moderately increased erythrocyte apoptosis(P<0.001),but no statistical difference was observed between BChE-loaded and hypotonic-treated erythrocytes(P>0.05).CD47 expression remained unchanged compared to native erythrocytes(P>0.05).Conclusion The modified hypotonic preswelling method can generate BChE-loaded erythrocytes that retain the characteristics of native erythrocytes while conferring catalytic activity,offering a novel strategy for clinical intervention against organophosphorus poisoning.
5.Effects of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on the social function of patients with schizophrenia
Chunyan JIANG ; Jiuhong SHUAI ; Hongyuan DENG ; Junhua ZHENG ; Chunfeng GOU ; Xiaoli YANG ; Deying TONG ; Hao FENG ; Xia HUANG ; Ru GAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):229-234
BackgroundAs a high prevalence disorder, schizophrenia has caused significant burden to family and society due to the impairment of occupational and social function. Currently, the dominant vocational training model in China follows a paternalistic, clinician-led decision-making approach. Although it improves patients' social function to some extent, it undermines their autonomy and treatment adherence. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to explore a new intervention method to enhance treatment compliance and social function in patients. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on social function in hospitalized schizophrenia patients, so as to provide references for rehabilitation interventions. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) criteria were consecutively enrolled from January to June 2024 at The Third People's Hospital of Wenjiang Distric, Chengdu. Participants were randomly allocated into the research group (n=34) and the control group (n=34) using a random number table method. Both groups received routine rehabilitation training, while the research group received shared decision-making oriented vocational training for 12 weeks, 2 times a week for 2 hours each time. Before and at the 4th and 12th week of intervention, two groups were evaluated by General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Stigma Scale for Mental Illness (SSMI), Scale of Social function of Psychosis Inpatients (SSFPI) and Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation Outcome Scale (IPROS). ResultsA total of 63 participants completed the study, with 30 cases in the research group and 33 cases in the control group. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant time effects and interaction effects in both groups for GSES, SSMI, SSFPI and IPROS scores (F=20.451, 16.022; 26.193, 12.944; 23.957, 5.023; 11.776, 3.985, P<0.05 or 0.01), while no significant group effects were observed (F=0.188, 0.742, 1.878, 0.474, P>0.05). At the 12th week of intervention, there were statistically significant differences in GSES, SSMI, SSFPI and IPROS scores between the two groups. ConclusionShared decision-making oriented vocational training may help to improve social function in patients with schizophrenia. [Funded by 2023 Chengdu Medical Research Project (number, 2023468)]
6.Prenatal depression in primiparous women: effects of social support, fear of childbirth and related factors
Ping GAO ; Shan LIU ; Lin FENG ; Chengyan QIU ; Feng JIAN ; Ru GAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):315-320
BackgroundPrenatal depression has an important impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have shown that maternal prenatal depression is associated with social support, and social support is related to fear of childbirth. However, there is limited research on the relationship among maternal prenatal depression, social support and fear of childbirth, and no studies have specifically explored the influence of social support and fear of childbirth on prenatal depression in primiparous women. ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of prenatal depression among primiparous women, and to analyze the correlation between social support and fear of childbirth, and to further explore the influence of social support and fear of childbirth on prenatal depression in this population, so as to provide references for improving their mental health. MethodsA total of 380 primiparous women admitted to the inpatient department of Chengdu Wenjiang District People's Hospital from December 2022 to September 2023 were enrolled as study subjects. A self-made questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire (CAQ) were used to conduct the survey. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between scale scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify influencing factors of prenatal depression. ResultsA total of 380 questionnaires were distributed, with 372 (97.89%) valid responses collected. Among the participants, 222 cases (59.68%) were identified with prenatal depression. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that EPDS score was negatively correlated with SSRS score (r=-0.283, P<0.01) and positively correlated with CAQ score (r=0.341, P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that social support (β=-0.166, P<0.01) and fear of childbirth (β=0.269, P<0.01) were influencing factors of prenatal depression in primiparous women. ConclusionThe prevalence of prenatal depression among primiparous women is concerning, with depression levels showing significant associations with both social support and fear of childbirth.
7.E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW11-mediated downregulation of S100A11 promotes sensitivity to PARP inhibitor in ovarian cancer.
Ligang CHEN ; Mingyi WANG ; Yunge GAO ; Yanhong LV ; Lianghao ZHAI ; Jian DONG ; Yan CHEN ; Xia LI ; Xin GUO ; Biliang CHEN ; Yi RU ; Xiaohui LV
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(7):101246-101246
Resistance to poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) presents a considerable obstacle in the treatment of ovarian cancer. F-box and tryptophan-aspartic (WD) repeat domain containing 11 (FBXW11) modulates the ubiquitination of growth-and invasion-related factors in lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and osteosarcoma. The function of FBXW11 in PARPi therapy is still ambiguous. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that FBXW11 expression was raised in ovarian cancer cells that had been treated with PARPi. FBXW11 was abnormally expressed at low levels in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) tissues, and low levels of FBXW11 were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HGSOC patients. Overexpressing FBXW11 made ovarian cancer more sensitive to PARPi, while knocking down FBXW11 made it less sensitive. The four-dimensional (4D) label-free quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that FBXW11 targeted S100 calcium binding protein A11 (S100A11) and promoted its degradation through ubiquitination. The increased degradation of S100A11 led to less efficient DNA damage repair, which in turn contributed to increased PARPi-induced DNA damage. The role of FBXW11 in promoting PARPi sensitivity was also confirmed in xenograft mouse models. In summary, our study confirms that FBXW11 promotes the susceptibility of ovarian cancer cells to PARPi via affecting S100A11-mediated DNA damage repair.
8.Comprehensive Analysis of Oncogenic, Prognostic, and Immunological Roles of FANCD2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Potential Predictor for Survival and Immunotherapy.
Meng Jiao XU ; Wen DENG ; Ting Ting JIANG ; Shi Yu WANG ; Ru Yu LIU ; Min CHANG ; Shu Ling WU ; Ge SHEN ; Xiao Xue CHEN ; Yuan Jiao GAO ; Hongxiao HAO ; Lei Ping HU ; Lu ZHANG ; Yao LU ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Ming Hui LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):313-327
OBJECTIVE:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sensitive to ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death that occurs in most tumor types. However, the mechanism through which ferroptosis modulates HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the oncogenic role and prognostic value of FANCD2 and provide novel insights into the prognostic assessment and prediction of immunotherapy.
METHODS:
Using clinicopathological parameters and bioinformatic techniques, we comprehensively examined the expression of FANCD2 macroscopically and microcosmically. We conducted univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the prognostic value of FANCD2 in HCC and elucidated the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of FANCD2 in oncogenesis by promoting iron-related death.
RESULTS:
FANCD2 was significantly upregulated in digestive system cancers with abundant immune infiltration. As an independent risk factor for HCC, a high FANCD2 expression level was associated with poor clinical outcomes and response to immune checkpoint blockade. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that FANCD2 was mainly involved in the cell cycle and CYP450 metabolism.
CONCLUSION
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively elucidate the oncogenic role of FANCD2. FANCD2 has a tumor-promoting aspect in the digestive system and acts as an independent risk factor in HCC; hence, it has recognized value for predicting tumor aggressiveness and prognosis and may be a potential biomarker for poor responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Humans
;
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis*
;
Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Immunotherapy
;
Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group D2 Protein/metabolism*
;
Prognosis
;
Male
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*
9.(Meta)transcriptomic Insights into the Role of Ticks in Poxvirus Evolution and Transmission: A Multicontinental Analysis.
Yu Xi WANG ; Jing Jing HU ; Jing Jing HOU ; Xiao Jie YUAN ; Wei Jie CHEN ; Yan Jiao LI ; Qi le GAO ; Yue PAN ; Shui Ping LU ; Qi CHEN ; Si Ru HU ; Zhong Jun SHAO ; Cheng Long XIONG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1058-1070
OBJECTIVE:
Poxviruses are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, mammals, vertebrates, and arthropods. However, the specific role of ticks in transmission and evolution of these viruses remains unclear.
METHODS:
Transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic raw data from 329 sampling pools of seven tick species across five continents were mined to assess the diversity and abundance of poxviruses. Chordopoxviral sequences were assembled and subjected to phylogenetic analysis to trace the origins of the unblasted fragments within these sequences.
RESULTS:
Fifty-eight poxvirus species, representing two subfamilies and 20 genera, were identified, with 212 poxviral sequences assembled. A substantial proportion of AT-rich fragments were detected in the assembled poxviral genomes. These genomic sequences contained fragments originating from rodents, archaea, and arthropods.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that ticks play a significant role in the transmission and evolution of poxviruses. These viruses demonstrate the capacity to modulate virulence and adaptability through horizontal gene transfer, gene recombination, and gene mutations, thereby promoting co-existence and co-evolution with their hosts. This study advances understanding of the ecological dynamics of poxvirus transmission and evolution and highlights the potential role of ticks as vectors and vessels in these processes.
Animals
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Poxviridae/physiology*
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Ticks/virology*
;
Phylogeny
;
Transcriptome
;
Evolution, Molecular
;
Poxviridae Infections/virology*
;
Genome, Viral
10.Study on the Quality Evaluation of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid after Mutual Substitution of Honeysuckle and Wild Honeysuckle Based on Supramolecular"Imprinting Template"
Haiying LI ; Wenjiao LI ; Ru QIAO ; Fan CHEN ; Xiangting GAO ; Xiao XUE ; Linjuan LIU ; Meifeng XIAO ; Peng HE ; Fuyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):120-127
Objective To evaluate the quality of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid after mutual substitution of honeysuckle and wild honeysuckle using total quantum statistical moment(TQSM)and molecular connectivity index(MCI).Methods UPLC fingerprint of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)and Shuanghuanglian oral liquid(wild honeysuckle)were established,the TQSM parameters and similarity of the fingerprint were calculated;by reviewing relevant literature,as well as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),chemical composition databases for Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)and Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(wild honeysuckle)was established,all components were divided into different component groups,and MCI and its similarity were calculated.Results The number of chromatographic peaks and total zero order moment(AUCT)of 15 batches of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)were higher than those of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(wild honeysuckle),but there was no significant difference in total first order moment(MRTT)and total second order moment(VRTT);the total quantum statistical moment similarity(TQSMS)between 15 batches of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)was 1.000 0-0.824 6,the TQSMS between 15 batches of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(wild honeysuckle)was 1.000 0-0.659 0,and the TQSMS between 15 batches of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)and Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(wild honeysuckle)was 1.000 0-0.619 8.The MCI similarity of various components between Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)and Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(wild honeysuckle)was 1.000 0-0.984 9,with an overall MCI similarity of 0.995 8.Conclusion There is no significant difference in the various components and overall"imprinting template"between Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)and Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(wild honeysuckle).It is speculated that the substitution of honeysuckle and wild honeysuckle will not affect the pharmacological properties of Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid,but there may be differences in the intensity of pharmacological effects,with Shuanghuanglian Oral Liquid(honeysuckle)being the most effective.

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