1.Role and pathogenesis of pyroptosis and inflammatory factors in osteoporosis
Jiamu XU ; Cheng YANG ; Weimin LI ; Chunqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):691-700
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that there is a close relationship between pyroptosis,inflammatory factors and osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To review the effects of pyroptosis and inflammatory factors on the pathogenesis of osteoporosis from the perspectives of osteogenic differentiation and osteoclastic differentiation,based on an overview of pyroptosis in relation to the interaction of relevant inflammatory factors.METHODS:The first author used the computer to search the literature published by each database until 2024,and searched CNKI,WanFang,VIP and PubMed databases with the search terms of"pyroptosis,inflammatory factors,osteoporosis,osteoblast,osteoclast,bone metabolism,signaling pathway,review"in Chinese and English.A total of 79 papers were finally included according to the inclusion criteria.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The progression of osteoporosis is closely related to inflammation,in which pyroptosis plays a key role.Immune cells induce pyroptosis through apoptosis pathway,promote the secretion of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-18,interleukin-1β and NLRP3,build an inflammatory immune microenvironment,and regulate bone metabolism through complex signaling pathways,resulting in enhanced bone absorption and reduced bone formation,thereby leading to osteoporosis.Previous studies have shown that inhibiting pyroptosis is anti-inflammatory and slows the progression of osteoporosis,and it has been shown to improve inflammatory bone loss in vitro and in animal models.At present,research on pyroptosis and osteoporosis is limited.On the one hand,the exact mechanism of osteoporosis and the pathogenesis of pyroptosis are unknown,and the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms remain to be understood.On the other hand,therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis are still theoretical,not clinically proven,and drug side effects are unknown.In the future,the research focus is to further explore the pathogenesis,especially the mechanism of pyroptosis,identify potential therapeutic targets,further study the pyroptosis signaling pathway and Gasdermin protein,and develop new drugs to improve the therapeutic effect in patients with osteoporosis.
2.Preventive and therapeutic effect of low-dose corticosteroids on early acute lung injury after thoracoscopic lobectomy
Liqiang XU ; Shaoqiu LI ; Qiang LIU ; Min ZENG ; Weimin LUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):390-396
Objective To investigate the efficacy of early, short-term, low-dose corticosteroid administration for the prevention and treatment of early acute lung injury (EALI) in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, from January 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into an early steroid therapy group and an observation group based on whether they received corticosteroids in the early postoperative period. In the early steroid therapy group, in addition to standard postoperative care, patients received a low-dose intravenous push of methylprednisolone (80-120 mg/d) for 3 consecutive days. In the observation group, patients received standard postoperative care without intravenous corticosteroids for the first 3 days. Chest plain CT scans were performed on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 3 or 4 to evaluate lung injury. CT scores and the incidence of postoperative EALI were recorded. Results A total of 521 patients were included (268 males, 253 females; age range: 11-80 years). There were 318 patients in the observation group and 203 in the early steroid therapy group. On POD 1, the incidence of EALI was 16.0% in the observation group and 13.8% in the early steroid therapy group, with no statistical difference (P=0.486). Correspondingly, there was no statistical difference in chest CT scores among EALI-positive patients between the two groups (P=0.927). On POD 3-4, the incidence of EALI was significantly lower in the early steroid therapy group (22.7%) compared to the observation group (33.6%) (P=0.007). Although chest CT scores among EALI-positive patients were lower in the early steroid therapy group, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.377). The overall incidence of EALI within the first 4 postoperative days was significantly lower in the early steroid therapy group (26.1%) than in the observation group (37.4%) (P=0.007). Radiological progression (defined as new-onset EALI or progression of existing EALI) occurred in 14.8% of the early steroid therapy group, significantly lower than the 28.9% in the observation group (P<0.001). The early steroid therapy group had a shorter postoperative length of stay (P<0.001), while there was no statistical difference in the incidence of poor wound healing between the groups (P=0.762). Conclusion Early postoperative corticosteroid use effectively reduces the incidence of EALI on POD 3-4, lowers the risk of radiological progression, and decreases the overall incidence of postoperative EALI. This is achieved without prolonging the length of stay or increasing the risk of poor wound healing. Therefore, early administration of low-dose corticosteroids is beneficial in suppressing the occurrence and progression of EALI. Its early use is recommended for patients at high risk for postoperative EALI.
3.Role and pathogenesis of pyroptosis and inflammatory factors in osteoporosis
Jiamu XU ; Cheng YANG ; Weimin LI ; Chunqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):691-700
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that there is a close relationship between pyroptosis,inflammatory factors and osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To review the effects of pyroptosis and inflammatory factors on the pathogenesis of osteoporosis from the perspectives of osteogenic differentiation and osteoclastic differentiation,based on an overview of pyroptosis in relation to the interaction of relevant inflammatory factors.METHODS:The first author used the computer to search the literature published by each database until 2024,and searched CNKI,WanFang,VIP and PubMed databases with the search terms of"pyroptosis,inflammatory factors,osteoporosis,osteoblast,osteoclast,bone metabolism,signaling pathway,review"in Chinese and English.A total of 79 papers were finally included according to the inclusion criteria.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The progression of osteoporosis is closely related to inflammation,in which pyroptosis plays a key role.Immune cells induce pyroptosis through apoptosis pathway,promote the secretion of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-18,interleukin-1β and NLRP3,build an inflammatory immune microenvironment,and regulate bone metabolism through complex signaling pathways,resulting in enhanced bone absorption and reduced bone formation,thereby leading to osteoporosis.Previous studies have shown that inhibiting pyroptosis is anti-inflammatory and slows the progression of osteoporosis,and it has been shown to improve inflammatory bone loss in vitro and in animal models.At present,research on pyroptosis and osteoporosis is limited.On the one hand,the exact mechanism of osteoporosis and the pathogenesis of pyroptosis are unknown,and the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms remain to be understood.On the other hand,therapeutic strategies targeting pyroptosis are still theoretical,not clinically proven,and drug side effects are unknown.In the future,the research focus is to further explore the pathogenesis,especially the mechanism of pyroptosis,identify potential therapeutic targets,further study the pyroptosis signaling pathway and Gasdermin protein,and develop new drugs to improve the therapeutic effect in patients with osteoporosis.
4.Surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin
Sanhong JIANG ; Yibiao ZHOU ; Shizhu LI ; Dandan LIN ; Qingwu JIANG ; Liyong WEN ; Shengming LI ; Fei HU ; Benjiao HU ; Jie ZHOU ; Chunli CAO ; Jing XU ; Jianwen XIE ; Changming WU ; Xiaolan YAN ; Weimin XU ; Jun GE ; Guanghui REN ; Xiaoli LIU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(4):259-264
Under the current situation of "low prevalence and low infection" of schistosomiasis in China, and to provide a basis for achieving the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis by 2030 proposed by the Healthy China Action (2019 - 2030) as scheduled, the Hunan Provincial Corps Hospital of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force established a schistosomiasis monitoring and early warning index system based on the previous studies on schistosomiasis early warning index system and the recent literature analysis, combined with the current potential risk factors affecting the transmission and prevalence of schistosomiasis, and organized two rounds of expert consultation and carried out project promotion meetings. The experts reached a consensus on the comprehensiveness and practicability of the index system, aiming to lay a solid foundation for construction of China's schistosomiasis prevention and control early warning system.
5.Predictive value of serum sEC and COX-2 levels for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer
Zhaohui ZHU ; Xu QIAN ; Meiling XUE ; Aijun SUN ; Weimin SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):671-677
Objective:To explore the value of serum soluble E-cadherin (sEC) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer.Methods:198 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Huai’an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Huai’an Second People’s Hospital) From Mar. 2023 to Mar. 2025 were selected and followed up for 3 years. The recurrence and metastasis were counted. Patients with recurrence and metastasis were included in the poor prognosis group, and patients without recurrence and metastasis were included in the good prognosis group. The general data, preoperative serum sEC and COX-2 levels were compared between the two groups. The influencing factors of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer after operation were analyzed. The dose-response relationship and predictive value of serum sEC and COX-2 levels with recurrence and metastasis were analyzed. Logistic regression equation (LR) model 1 was constructed according to conventional influencing factors, and LR model 2 was constructed according to conventional influencing factors combined with serum sEC and COX-2. The predictive efficacy and accuracy of the two models were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve. According to the ratio of 7∶3, another 85 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Huai’an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Huai’an Second People’s Hospital) from May. 2023 to May. 2025 were selected for external validation (validation set) .Results:Among 198 breast cancer patients who underwent postoperative follow-up for 3 years, 3 cases were lost to follow-up, and the recurrence and metastasis rate among the 195 patients who completed the 3-year postoperative follow-up was 26.15% (51/195). In the good prognosis group, the proportion of TNM stage III was 20.14%, the proportion of lymph node metastasis was 11.81%, the preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) level was (54.19±10.84) U/mL, the carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level was (46.03±10.27) U/mL, the sEC level was (1987.65±191.37) ng/mL, and the COX-2 level was (17.85±5.21) ng/mL. In the poor prognosis group, the proportion of TNM stage III was 45.10%, the proportion of lymph node metastasis was 35.29%, the preoperative serum CA153 level was (65.87±12.23) U/mL, the CA125 level was (57.76±11.51) U/mL, the sEC level was (2 295.37±261.48) ng/mL, and the COX-2 level was (10.42±3.16) ng/mL. Compared with the good prognosis group, they were increased ( t/χ 2=12.00, 14.11, 6.39, 6.79, 8.92, 12.00, P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that TNM stage III ( OR=2.078, 95%CI =1.569-2.751, P<0.05), lymph node metastasis ( OR=2.435, 95 %CI=1.843-3.216, P<0.05), serum CA153 ( OR= 1.180,95 %CI=1.026-1.357, P<0.05), CA125 ( OR=1.206,95 %CI=1.033-1.408, P<0.05), sEC ( OR=1.011,95 %CI= 1.007-1.015, P<0.05), COX-2 ( OR=1.378,95 %CI=1.128-1.683, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed that serum sEC and COX-2 levels were positively correlated with the risk of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer ( P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that serum sEC (AUC=0.762,95 %CI=0.696-0.820, P<0.05) and COX-2 (AUC=0.757,95 %CI=0.691-0.815, P<0.05) could be used as biological indicators to predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. The AUC of LR model 1 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 0.862 (95 %CI=0.805-0.907, P<0.05). The AUC of LR model 2 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 0.965 (95 %CI= 0.891-0.983, P<0.05), which was significantly larger than that of LR model 1 ( Z=2.015, P<0.05). The calibration curve analysis showed that the calibration degree of LR model 1 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was good, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the actual observation results. The calibration degree of LR model 2 was high, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the actual observation results. The results of external validation showed that the sensitivity of LR model 2 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 82.61%, the specificity was 93.55%, the accuracy was 90.59%, and the Kappa value was 0.762 (95 %CI: 0.549-0.974) . Conclusions:Preoperative serum sEC and COX-2 levels are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. They can be used as biological indicators to predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Combined with conventional indicators, they can significantly improve the predictive efficacy.
6.Surveillance and early warning index system for schistosomiasis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin
Sanhong JIANG ; Yibiao ZHOU ; Shizhu LI ; Dandan LIN ; Qingwu JIANG ; Liyong WEN ; Shengming LI ; Fei HU ; Benjiao HU ; Jie ZHOU ; Chunli CAO ; Jing XU ; Jianwen XIE ; Changming WU ; Xiaolan YAN ; Weimin XU ; Jun GE ; Guanghui REN ; Xiaoli LIU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(4):259-264
Under the current situation of "low prevalence and low infection" of schistosomiasis in China, and to provide a basis for achieving the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis by 2030 proposed by the Healthy China Action (2019 - 2030) as scheduled, the Hunan Provincial Corps Hospital of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force established a schistosomiasis monitoring and early warning index system based on the previous studies on schistosomiasis early warning index system and the recent literature analysis, combined with the current potential risk factors affecting the transmission and prevalence of schistosomiasis, and organized two rounds of expert consultation and carried out project promotion meetings. The experts reached a consensus on the comprehensiveness and practicability of the index system, aiming to lay a solid foundation for construction of China's schistosomiasis prevention and control early warning system.
7.Predictive value of serum sEC and COX-2 levels for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer
Zhaohui ZHU ; Xu QIAN ; Meiling XUE ; Aijun SUN ; Weimin SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(5):671-677
Objective:To explore the value of serum soluble E-cadherin (sEC) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer.Methods:198 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Huai’an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Huai’an Second People’s Hospital) From Mar. 2023 to Mar. 2025 were selected and followed up for 3 years. The recurrence and metastasis were counted. Patients with recurrence and metastasis were included in the poor prognosis group, and patients without recurrence and metastasis were included in the good prognosis group. The general data, preoperative serum sEC and COX-2 levels were compared between the two groups. The influencing factors of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer after operation were analyzed. The dose-response relationship and predictive value of serum sEC and COX-2 levels with recurrence and metastasis were analyzed. Logistic regression equation (LR) model 1 was constructed according to conventional influencing factors, and LR model 2 was constructed according to conventional influencing factors combined with serum sEC and COX-2. The predictive efficacy and accuracy of the two models were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve. According to the ratio of 7∶3, another 85 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in Huai’an Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Huai’an Second People’s Hospital) from May. 2023 to May. 2025 were selected for external validation (validation set) .Results:Among 198 breast cancer patients who underwent postoperative follow-up for 3 years, 3 cases were lost to follow-up, and the recurrence and metastasis rate among the 195 patients who completed the 3-year postoperative follow-up was 26.15% (51/195). In the good prognosis group, the proportion of TNM stage III was 20.14%, the proportion of lymph node metastasis was 11.81%, the preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) level was (54.19±10.84) U/mL, the carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) level was (46.03±10.27) U/mL, the sEC level was (1987.65±191.37) ng/mL, and the COX-2 level was (17.85±5.21) ng/mL. In the poor prognosis group, the proportion of TNM stage III was 45.10%, the proportion of lymph node metastasis was 35.29%, the preoperative serum CA153 level was (65.87±12.23) U/mL, the CA125 level was (57.76±11.51) U/mL, the sEC level was (2 295.37±261.48) ng/mL, and the COX-2 level was (10.42±3.16) ng/mL. Compared with the good prognosis group, they were increased ( t/χ 2=12.00, 14.11, 6.39, 6.79, 8.92, 12.00, P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that TNM stage III ( OR=2.078, 95%CI =1.569-2.751, P<0.05), lymph node metastasis ( OR=2.435, 95 %CI=1.843-3.216, P<0.05), serum CA153 ( OR= 1.180,95 %CI=1.026-1.357, P<0.05), CA125 ( OR=1.206,95 %CI=1.033-1.408, P<0.05), sEC ( OR=1.011,95 %CI= 1.007-1.015, P<0.05), COX-2 ( OR=1.378,95 %CI=1.128-1.683, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed that serum sEC and COX-2 levels were positively correlated with the risk of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer ( P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that serum sEC (AUC=0.762,95 %CI=0.696-0.820, P<0.05) and COX-2 (AUC=0.757,95 %CI=0.691-0.815, P<0.05) could be used as biological indicators to predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. The AUC of LR model 1 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 0.862 (95 %CI=0.805-0.907, P<0.05). The AUC of LR model 2 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 0.965 (95 %CI= 0.891-0.983, P<0.05), which was significantly larger than that of LR model 1 ( Z=2.015, P<0.05). The calibration curve analysis showed that the calibration degree of LR model 1 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was good, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the actual observation results. The calibration degree of LR model 2 was high, and the prediction results were in good agreement with the actual observation results. The results of external validation showed that the sensitivity of LR model 2 in predicting postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer was 82.61%, the specificity was 93.55%, the accuracy was 90.59%, and the Kappa value was 0.762 (95 %CI: 0.549-0.974) . Conclusions:Preoperative serum sEC and COX-2 levels are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. They can be used as biological indicators to predict postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer. Combined with conventional indicators, they can significantly improve the predictive efficacy.
8.Effect of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方) on the AKT/mTOR Pathway in the Colon Tissue of Diarrhea-Type Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rats with Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency Pattern
Suting JIU ; Huiying LI ; Yueting SUN ; Songxiang CUI ; Xintian XU ; Hao ZHENG ; Weimin LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):290-299
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Yigan Fupi Prescription (抑肝扶脾方, YFP) in treating diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by investigating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group, and pinaverium bromide group, with 10 rats in each group. All groups but the control group, were subjected to 21 days of tail-clamping stimulation and 14 days of senna leaf gavage to establish a liver stagnation and spleen deficiency-type IBS-D rat model. After successful modeling, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group were administered 0.96, 1.93, and 3.87 g/(kg·d) of the prescription, respectively. The pinaverium bromide group was given 13.5 mg/(kg·d), while the control and model groups were given 10 ml/(kg·d) distilled water. All groups were administered once daily for 14 consecutive days. General conditions of the rats were recorded during the experiment, and after modeling and drug administration, body weight, Bristol stool score, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, and histo pathology of colon tissue were observed under HE staining. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunofluorescence was employed to detect the levels of AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins including phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT)/AKT and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR)/mTOR in the colon tissue. Western Blotting was used to detect the levels of autophagy-related proteins, including UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin1 and LC3, and tight junction proteins including Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon tissue. ResultsAfter modeling, compared to the control group, the body weight of rats in the other groups decreased, and Bristol stool scores, as well as AWR scores under 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After drug administration, compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced body weight, decreased ULK1, Beclin1, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, Occludin, and ZO-1 protein levels in the colon tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and increased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, as well as p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pathological results showed a significant reduction in goblet cells in the upper part of the glandular layer of the colon, with mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The submucosal collagen fibers were dissolved, with unclear boundaries, pale staining, and microvascular congestion and dilation. Compared with the model group, the YFP low-, medium-, and high-dose group and the pinaverium bromide group showed increased body weight, Beclin1, Occludin, and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased Bristol stool scores, AWR scores under 40, 60, and 80 mmHg, serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels, and p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological morphology of the rats in the YFP groups and pinaverium bromide group showed varying degrees of improvement. Compared with the pinaverium bromide group, the YFP low- and medium-dose group showed increased AWR scores under 20, 40, and 60 mmHg (P<0.05). The YFP low-dose group had reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, and increased p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels occured in all YFP groups (P<0.05). Compared with the YFP low-dose group, the YFP high-dose group and pinaverium bromide group showed decreased AWR scores under different pressure levels and reduced p-AKT/AKT protein relative expression levels, while the YFP medium- and high-dose group had elevated serum TNF-α, IL-1β levels and reduced p-mTOR/mTOR protein relative expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionYFP can effectively improve the pathological injury of colon tissue in IBS-D model rats with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, reduce Bristol stool and AWR scores, and its mechanism may be related to reducing level of inflammatory factors and inhibiting AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins in colon tissue, thereby enhancing the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the colon tissue.
9.Ferroptosis and osteoporosis
Cheng YANG ; Weimin LI ; Dongcheng RAN ; Jiamu XU ; Wangxiang WU ; Jiafu XU ; Jingjing CHEN ; Guangfu JIANG ; Chunqing WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):554-562
BACKGROUND:It has also been confirmed that ferroptosis is closely related to a variety of musculoskeletal diseases,such as rheumatoid arthritis,osteosarcoma,and osteoporosis.The pathophysiological mechanisms of ferroptosis and osteoporosis need to be further studied and elucidated to broaden our understanding of iron metabolism and osteoporosis.It will provide research ideas for the future elucidation of new mechanisms of osteoporosis and the development of new technologies and drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To provide an overview of the current status of research on ferroptosis in osteoporosis,to provide a new direction for future research on the specific molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis,and to provide more effective and better options for osteoporosis treatment strategies. METHODS:The first author used the computer to search the literature published from 2000 to 2024 in CNKI,WanFang,VIP,and PubMed databases with search terms"ferroptosis,iron metabolism,osteoporosis,osteoblast,osteoclast,bone metabolism,signal pathway,musculoskeletal,review"in Chinese and English.A total of 68 articles were finally included according to the selection criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death discovered in recent years,which is usually accompanied by a large amount of iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation during cell death,and its occurrence is iron-dependent.This is distinctly different from several types of cell death that are currently being hotly studied(e.g.,cellular pyroptosis,necrotic apoptosis,cuproptosis,and autophagy).(2)Intracellular iron homeostasis is manifested as a balance between iron uptake,export,utilization,and storage.The body's iron regulatory system includes systemic and intracellular regulation.The main factor of systemic regulation is hepcidin produced by hepatic secretion,and cellular regulation depends on the iron regulatory protein/iron response element system.Of course,intracellular iron homeostasis can be controlled by other factors,such as hypoxia,cytokines,and hormones.(3)Lipid peroxidation causes oxidative damage to biological membranes(plasma membrane and internal organelle membranes),lipoproteins,and other lipid-containing molecules.Polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids are important targets of lipid peroxidation.Free polyunsaturated fatty acid is an important substrate for lipid oxidation and can bind to the phospholipid bilayer,leading to over-oxidation and thus triggering lipid apoptosis.(4)Several studies have shown that osteoblasts are overloaded with iron in different ways,resulting in the accumulation of unstable ferrous iron and the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides,causing ferroptosis of osteoblasts and ultimately a decrease in bone formation,affecting bone homeostasis and the development of osteoporosis.(5)Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells formed by the fusion of mononuclear macrophage cell lines or bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by nuclear factor-κB ligand receptor activator,and they have the function of bone resorption.Iron ions can promote osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption through the production of intracellular lipid reactive oxygen species,while iron chelators can inhibit osteoclast formation in vitro and thus affect the occurrence and development of osteoporosis.
10.Analysis on correlation between serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and muscle mass in elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity and diabetes
Di QIN ; Lihong HUAGN ; Qingshuang ZHENG ; Jingjing SUN ; Weimin XU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(5):1293-1302
Objective:To discuss the relationship between three proinflammatory factors and muscle mass(MM)in the elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity and diabetes,and to provide theoretical basis for the development of clinical treatment protocols in the elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity and diabetes.Methods:The elderly patients with diabetes who visited our hospital from January 2021 to May 2023 were selected,including 41 patients with obesity and diabetes(OD group)and 46 patients with sarcopenic obesity and diabetes(SOD group);80 healthy subjects(control group)and 62 subjects with simple obesity(SO group)who underwent physical examination in our hospital during the same period were included.The clinical data of the subjects in four groups were compared,and the correlations between proinflammatory factors and MM and fat mass(FM)were analyzed.All the subjects were divided into sarcopenia group and normal group based on the presence of sarcopenia.Logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent influencing factors of sarcopenia;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to determine the predictive value of the above factors for sarcopenia.Results:Compared with control group,the body mass index(BMI),FM and body fat percentage(BFP)of the subjects in SOD,OD and SO groups were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with control group,OD group and SO group,the appendicular skeletal muscle mass(ASM),appendicular skeletal muscle mass index(ASMI)and grip strength(GS)of the subjects in SOD group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of serum interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were significantly increased(P<0.05).In all the subjects,the IL-6,CRP and TNF-α were negatively correlated with ASMI(r=-0.589,r=-0.621,r=-0.620;P<0.05),and positively correlated with BFP(r=0.252,r=0.221,r=0.147;P<0.05).Compared with normal group,the ASM,ASMI and GS of the subjects in sarcopenia group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of serum proinflammatory factors IL-6,CRP and TNF-α were significantly increased(P<0.05).The univariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that IL-6,CRP and TNF-α were the influencing factors of sarcopenia(P<0.05).The multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that the increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were the independent risk factors for sarcopenia(OR>1,P<0.05).The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)values of IL-6,CRP and TNF-α were all>0.700,indicating that the above indicators had good predictive value for sarcopenia.Conclusion:The increased levels of proinflammatory factors IL-6,CRP and TNF-α are associated with the decrease of MM in the elderly patients with sarcopenic obesity and diabetes,and IL-6 and TNF-α are the independent risk factors for the sarcopenia.

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