1.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
2.Digital design combined with multi-materials for the repair of craniofacial bone defects: a case report and literature review
XU Yuxin ; LV Jun ; YIN Chuyuan ; TUO Yan ; XU Shuai
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):565-575
Objective:
To explore the feasibility, precision, and clinical value of a personalized primary repair approach centered on digital design, integrating 3D printing technology with multiple materials such as titanium mesh, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and titanium plates, for complex craniofacial bone defects involving the skull, mandible, orbit, and zygoma resulting from traffic accidents, providing a reference for primary repair of clinically complex craniofacial bone defects.
Methods:
One patient who was admitted in September 2021 with multiple comminuted fractures of the right craniomaxillofacial region and large-area bone defects caused by a traffic accident was selected. Digital design was integrated throughout the entire repair process. First, preoperative computed tomography (CT) data were used for 3D reconstruction of the craniomaxillofacial region; then, based on the model, the anatomical contour of the healthy left side was reproduced via mirroring technology for the defects on the right side. A targeted repair plan was designed: 3D-printed PEEK material was used to reconstruct the right orbital floor and zygomaticomaxillary complex, a 0.6-mm-thick titanium mesh was adopted to repair the right skull defect, and a 2.0-mm-thick titanium plate was applied for rigid internal fixation of the mandibular fracture. A one-stage repair surgery was completed simultaneously. In addition, a literature review was conducted on studies related to the repair of complex combined craniomaxillofacial defects.
Results:
CT examination at 1 week postoperatively showed that the average fitting gap of the implants was 0.3 mm, and the symmetry difference of the facial contour was less than 5 mm. At 3 months postoperatively, the patient’s maximum mouth opening reached 38 mm, the occlusal relationship returned to normal, and the diplopia symptom completely disappeared. During the 6-month postoperative follow-up, no complications such as implant loosening, infection, or displacement occurred; the FACE-Q scale score was 91, indicating a high level of subjective patient satisfaction. The literature review indicated that digital design combined with 3D printing technology can significantly improve the accuracy of complex craniomaxillofacial bone defect reconstruction. PEEK material is suitable for the reconstruction of the orbital floor and zygomaticomaxillary complex. Titanium mesh and plates can ensure the stability of the reconstruction. Multi-materials combined reconstruction represents an important therapeutic strategy for such defects.
Conclusion
The individualized one-stage repair scheme, centered on digital design and combined with 3D printing technology and multi-materials (titanium mesh, PEEK, and titanium plates), can achieve precise anatomical reduction and simultaneous functional recovery for complex combined craniomaxillofacial bone defects caused by traffic accidents.
3.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
4.The Evolving Global Burden of Alopecia Areata in Young Adults: High-Income Nations Bear the Greatest Impact
Yuan MA ; Yuanchen ZHANG ; Shuai DONG ; Yan MU
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):59-68
Background:
This study quantifies the global burden of alopecia areata (AA) in young adults (15–49 years) from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.
Objective:
To analyze trends in AA incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across demographic and geographic strata.
Methods:
We evaluated age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and age-standardized DALYs rates, stratified by sex, age, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess trends.
Results:
Global ASIR (EAPC, −0.20) and DALY rates (EAPC, −0.19) for AA declined 1990–2021, with larger declines in women, peak rates in 30–34-year-olds, and most prominent declines in high-SDI regions. High-SDI regions accounted for 42% of global DALYs (18% of the population). East Asia (ASIR EAPC, 0.02) and Oman (ASIR EAPC, 0.46) had rising incidence; East Asia (DALY EAPC, 0.04) and Guatemala (DALY EAPC, 0.48) had rising burden. SDI correlated positively with AA burden (ASIR: r=0.68, p<0.01; DALYs: r=0.72, p<0.001).
Conclusion
Significant disparities exist in AA burden, with higher rates in females and a peak in young adulthood. The strong positive correlation with SDI highlights the disproportionate impact of AA on high-income nations.
5.Clinical application of incretin-based drugs in weight reduction and research progress of novel agents
Chengsi LUO ; Rui GAO ; Yanjiao ZHU ; Xichao WU ; Shuai HE ; Zhiying SONG ; An’an LI ; Penglin ZHOU ; Yan LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2202-2207
Incretin-based drugs have demonstrated significant clinical value in weight management and the treatment of metabolic diseases by mimicking or enhancing endogenous incretin signaling. These agents primarily target multiple receptors including glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and glucagon, exerting weight-reducing effects through multiple mechanisms such as central appetite regulation, gastrointestinal function modulation, and peripheral metabolic improvement, while further ameliorating blood glucose, blood lipids, fatty liver, and cardiorenal metabolic risks. This review focuses on incretin-based drugs, systematically summarizing the key clinical application points and relevant research progress of domestically marketed and investigational candidate drugs in the field of weight reduction. Available evidence indicates that semaglutide and tirzepatide demonstrate substantial weight reduction with multiple metabolic benefits; domestic innovative drugs represented by mazdutide and ecnoglutide also exhibit favorable weight-reducing effects and safety profiles. Regarding safety, these agents are generally well-tolerated, with the most common adverse reactions being mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal events, while potential risks including gallbladder events, pancreatitis, and mood changes require attention. In special populations, individualized assessment is warranted for use in children, elderly people, and pregnant women. Future research should focus on the screening of predictive biomarkers for efficacy, the development of long-acting oral formulations, and the accumulation of long-term safety follow-up data.
6.Professor LIU Jinmin's Clinical Experience in Treating Epilepsy Based on the Method of Closing Yangming and Regaining Vital Activity
Lin ZOU ; Tianye SUN ; Mingyuan YAN ; Mi ZHAGN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Kaiyue WANG ; Lili LI ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):344-348
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Jinmin in treatment for epilepsy. It is believed that main pathogenesis of epilepsy is yangming failure to close and vital activity loss control, so a therapeutic approach focused on restoring the closure of yangming and regaining vital activity was proposed for the treatment of epilepsy. For excess syndrome, the treatment focuses on draining excess and descending qi, promoting purgation and restoring spirit. When yangming dryness-heat predominates, the approach involves unblock the bowels and regulating the spirit, descending qi and reducing fire, with modified Chengqi Decoction (承气汤) as prescription; when yangming phlegm-fire predominates, the treatment focuses on clearing heat and resolving phlegm, calming mind and suppressing fright, with modified Qingxin Wendan Decoction (清心温胆汤) as prescription; when yangming blood stasis predominates, the approach involves breaking up blood stasis and promoting purgation, eliminating stasis and awakening the mind, with Taoren Chengqi Decoction (桃核承气汤) as prescription. For deficiency syndrome, the treatment emphasizes tonifying deficiency and raising qi, strengthening the stomach and nourishing the spirit. When center qi deficiency and sinking of clear qi of the nutrients from food, the approach involves replenishing and uplifting qi while nourishing vital activity, with modified Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤) as prescription; when yin deficiency and fluid consumption, the treatment focuses on nourishing stomach and tonifying yin, promoting fluid production and calming the spirit, with modified Maimendong Decoction (麦门冬汤) combined with Yiwei Decoction (益胃汤) as prescriptions. In clinical situations of deficiency-excess complex, it is essential to distinguish the primary condition from the secondary, applying both supplementing and draining methods flexibly to achieve optimal treatment.
7.The molecular mechanism of YAP in regulating osteoclast differentiation in periodontal tissue under mechanical stress
Lili XUE ; Shuai CHEN ; Bing YAN
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2528-2537
Objective To investigate the role of Yes-associated protein(YAP)in bone resorption exac-erbated by occlusal trauma during periodontitis and its molecular mechanisms,and to evaluate the interven-tional effect of YAP inhibition on alveolar bone destruction.Methods Osteoclasts were stimulated by in vitro mechanical loading combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)to simulate the in vitro synergistic effect of occlu-sal stress and inflammation.A murine periodontitis model with occlusal trauma was established.Flow cytome-try,Western blot,qPCR,and immunofluorescence staining were employed to analyze YAP dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation in cellular and animal models,and to investigate YAP's regulatory effect on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand(RANKL)pathway.The YAP inhibitor XAV939 was administered to evaluate its impact on osteoclast activation and bone resorption through pathway intervention.Results In vitro,combined mechanical stress and LPS stimulation significantly reduced YAP phosphorylation in osteoclasts,promoted YAP nuclear translocation,and activated the JNK-RANKL pathway.In vivo,the periodontitis with occlusal trauma group exhibited markedly elevated expres-sion of YAP,JNK,and RANKL compared to the periodontitis-alone group(P<0.001).XAV939 intervention reversed YAP nuclear translocation,suppressed JNK phosphorylation and RANKL expression(P<0.01),and reduced osteoclast numbers.Conclusion YAP acts as a central hub integrating mechanical and inflammatory signals,exacerbating osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption via activation of the JNK-RANKL axis.Targeted inhibition of YAP effectively blocks this pathological cascade,offering a new approach for the precise treatment of periodontitis complicated by occlusal trauma.
8.CiteSpace and VOSviewer-based visualization and analysis of near-infrared brain functional imaging in field of rehabilitation medicine research
Cai-yang DING ; Guo-dong SUN ; Meng-yuan LI ; Shuai MA ; Tong ZHANG ; Hong-yan WANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):62-70
The academic literature on near-infrared brain functional imaging in the field of resuscitation medicine published in the Web of Science core collection,MEDLINE and PubMed databases from January 2006 to May 2025 were collected,which underwent statistical and visualized analyses with CiteSpace and VOSviewer software in terms of annual publication trends,authors,countries/regions,institutions,co-cited literature and keyword co-occurrence,clustering and emergence.It was pointed out that the overall number of publications in this research field had been on the rise in the past two decades.Stroke patients were the core research group in this field,and cortical activation mechanisms had always been the focus of research.Motor imagery was a high-frequency research content in this field,and multimodal technology integration was the trend of research in this field.New research ideas and methods were provided for relevent research in the field of rehabilitation medicine in China.
9.Comparison on direct and after ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of radial artery arteriovenous fistula formation and reverse"J"arteriovenous graft formation in hemodialysis patients with relative small diameter vessels
Yan JIANG ; Zhiqian XIONG ; Liting LIU ; Chaojiang SU ; Yan CHEN ; Shuai ZHANG ; Zongyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(3):159-163
Objective To compare the application value of direct arteriovenous fistula(AVF),after ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA)dilation of radial artery AVF formation and reverse"J"arteriovenous graft(AVG)in hemodialysis patients with small diameter vessels.Methods Totally 96 end-stage renal disease patients with distal radial artery<1.5 mm and cephalic vein≥2.0 mm who planning to receive hemodialysis were retrospectively enrolled.The patients were divided into AVF group(n=30),PTA+AVF group(n=34)and AVG group(n=32)according to fistulization methods.The technical success rate,clinical success rate,primary patency rate and secondary patency rate were compared among groups.Results The technical success rate of AVF group,PTA+AVF group and AVG group was 80.00%,94.12%and 100%,respectively,and the clinical success rate was 30.00%,82.35%and 93.75%,respectively,with significant differences among 3 groups(both P<0.05).The primary patency rate 1,3,6,9 and 12 months after fistulization in AVF group was 80.00%,30.00%,27.59%,27.59%and 24.14%,respectively,in PTA+AVF group was 94.12%,82.35%,78.79%,68.75%and 62.50%,respectively,while in AVG group was 100%,93.33%,83.33%,76.67%and 66.67%,respectively,all being significant different among 3 groups(all P<0.05).The secondary patency rate 1,3,6,9 and 12 months after fistulization in AVF group was 83.33%,75.00%,75.00%,70.83%and 58.33%,respectively,in PTA+AVF group was 93.33%,93.33%,83.33%,83.33%and 80.00%,respectively,while in AVG group was 100%,100%,93.33%,90.00%and 80.00%,respectively,also being significant different among 3 groups(all P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with direct and after ultrasound-guided PTA dilation of radial artery AVF formation,AVG formation was more valuable for hemodialysis patients with small diameter vessels.
10.Effect of curcumin on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Chaojiang SU ; Liting LIU ; Zhiqian XIONG ; Shuai ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Zongyang LIU ; Yan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(1):89-93
Objective To investigate the impact and underlying mechanism of curcumin(Cur)on the aberrant proliferation and migration of VSMC.Methods VSMC was treated with Ang Ⅱ to establish a cell proliferation model.The experiment included blank control group,model group,and low-,medium-and high-dose Cur treatment groups(1.5,3.0 and 4.5 pmol/L,n=11).To explore the effect of Cur on the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway,VSMC was also assigned into blank control,Ang Ⅱ(10-6 mol/L),Cur(3.0 μmol/L)and Ang Ⅱ+Cur groups(n=3).Western blotting was employed to detect the expression of VSMC differentiation markers(α-SMA),dedif-ferentiation marker(OPN),autophagy-related proteins(P62 and Beclin-1),and proteins involved in the AMPK/mTOR pathway(AMPK,p-AMPK,mTOR,p-mTOR,p70S6K,p-p70S6K).Results Exposure to Ang Ⅱ enhanced the proliferation and migration of VSMC when compared with the blank control group(155%vs 100%,66%vs 48%,P<0.05).When compared with the model group,the proliferative rate was significantly lower in the medium-and high-dose Cur groups,and the migratory rate was obviously decreased in the three Cur groups(P<0.05).The α-SMA expression was increased in the medium-and high-dose Cur groups,and that of OPN was decreased in the three Cur groups when compared with the model group(P<0.05).Enhanced Be-clin-1 and p-AMPK/AMPK and down-regulated P62,p-mTOR/mTOR,and p-p70S6K/p70S6K were observed in the Ang Ⅱ and Cur groups than the blank control group(P<0.05).The Cur Ang Ⅱ and Cur+AngⅡ groups had notably higher Beclin-1 and p-AMPK/AMPK but lower P62,p-mTOR/mTOR,and p-p70S6K/p70S6K than the Ang Ⅱ group(P<0.05).Conclusion Cur in-hibits the proliferation and migration of VSMC induced by Ang Ⅱ,potentially through its activa-ting the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing autophagy in VSMC.


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