1.Effect of compressive stress microenvironment on cytokines during fracture healing
Jiachen GUO ; Jun GAO ; Wenhao DAI ; Huayuan LIAO ; You JIANG ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):908-916
BACKGROUND:Fracture healing is a very complex physiological process,which is influenced by many factors.In recent years,the use of biomechanical factors in fracture healing has been a major focus in the field of orthopedics,and the mechanical stress environment around the fracture end has an important role in regulating fracture healing.Among them,the study of the mechanism of compressive mechanics on the cytokines of fracture ends is a hot spot for bone-related researchers.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current status and recent advances in the study of the mechanism of action of compressive stress on cytokines in fracture healing in recent years.METHODS:A search with the keywords of"compressive stress,fracture healing,cytokine,bone morphogenetic protein,fibroblast growth factor,platelet-derived growth factor,vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin,tumor necrosis factor-α"in Chinese and English was conducted in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science.Initially 506 articles were retrieved,and 94 eligible articles that met the criteria were screened and finally summarized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Current studies have found that compressive stress has different effects on different cytokines during fracture healing,which can be achieved mainly by influencing cell signaling,gene expression regulation,and modulation of cell behavior.Among them,compressive stress can be linked to cytokines such as bone morphogenetic protein,fibroblast growth factor,platelet-derived growth factor,vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin,and tumor necrosis factor-α.This process involves cell proliferation,differentiation and migration,inflammatory response,and changes in the environmental and nutritional conditions of the fracture end,which are key factors affecting fracture healing.The whole paper summarizes the complexity of cytokine action mechanism,the mechanism of compressive stress on its regulation needs to be further carried out in-depth research,and the problems and limitations in the research are considered and future prospects.
2.The effect of body mass index and inferior pulmonary ligament division on the residual lung expansion after right upper lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Guang MU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Chenghao FU ; Wentao XUE ; Shiyuan XIE ; Tong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Yang XIA ; Liang CHEN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):261-266
Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2<BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2<BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI>29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.
3.Analysis of components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves
Huan LIU ; Zirong YI ; Ting HUANG ; Xiuhong LIU ; Yunyao YE ; Yuming MA ; Mengqi HU ; Nan ZHANG ; Wenhao YANG ; Yang LIU ; Guopeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):889-894
OBJECTIVE To analyze the prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of Lithocarpus litseifolius leaves, so as to provide a reference for clarifying the pharmacological material basis of its prevention and treatment of central nervous system dis eases. METHODS The ethanol extract of L. litseifolius leaves, as well as the gastric lavage fluid and perfusion solution were prepared. Using rats as subjects, plasma samples of intestinal wall metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism and hepatic metabolism were prepared via in situ intestinal perfusion and closed intestinal loop method; while comprehensive metabolic plasma samples, brain tissue samples, and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected after intragastric administration. UPLC-HRMS technology was utilized to analyze and identify chemical components and prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves. RESULTS A total of 66 chemical constituents were identified in L. litseifolius leaves, primarily consisting of flavonoids, organic acids, and others. A total of 16, 13, 11, and 5 prototype components were identified in intestinal wall metabolism, intestinal flora metabolism, hepatic metabolism, and comprehensive metabolic plasma samples, respectively. Additionally, 4 prototype components were detected in brain tissue and 9 in cerebrospinal fluid. Phloridzin, trilobatin, phloretin-2- O -malonyl hexoside, and phloretin were identified as common components across all sample types. CONCLUSIONS Prototype components absorbed into blood and brain of L. litseifolius leaves, such as phloridzin, trilobatin, phloretin, and other components may serve as the pharmacological material basis for their therapeutic effects on central nervous system diseases.
4.Effect of compressive stress microenvironment on cytokines during fracture healing
Jiachen GUO ; Jun GAO ; Wenhao DAI ; Huayuan LIAO ; You JIANG ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):908-916
BACKGROUND:Fracture healing is a very complex physiological process,which is influenced by many factors.In recent years,the use of biomechanical factors in fracture healing has been a major focus in the field of orthopedics,and the mechanical stress environment around the fracture end has an important role in regulating fracture healing.Among them,the study of the mechanism of compressive mechanics on the cytokines of fracture ends is a hot spot for bone-related researchers.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current status and recent advances in the study of the mechanism of action of compressive stress on cytokines in fracture healing in recent years.METHODS:A search with the keywords of"compressive stress,fracture healing,cytokine,bone morphogenetic protein,fibroblast growth factor,platelet-derived growth factor,vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin,tumor necrosis factor-α"in Chinese and English was conducted in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science.Initially 506 articles were retrieved,and 94 eligible articles that met the criteria were screened and finally summarized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Current studies have found that compressive stress has different effects on different cytokines during fracture healing,which can be achieved mainly by influencing cell signaling,gene expression regulation,and modulation of cell behavior.Among them,compressive stress can be linked to cytokines such as bone morphogenetic protein,fibroblast growth factor,platelet-derived growth factor,vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin,and tumor necrosis factor-α.This process involves cell proliferation,differentiation and migration,inflammatory response,and changes in the environmental and nutritional conditions of the fracture end,which are key factors affecting fracture healing.The whole paper summarizes the complexity of cytokine action mechanism,the mechanism of compressive stress on its regulation needs to be further carried out in-depth research,and the problems and limitations in the research are considered and future prospects.
5.Research progress on strategies for toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement of triptolide
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Shanshan HAN ; Yaping XING ; Meng ZHANG ; Wenhao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1496-1501
Triptolide (TP), the core active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii , exhibits remarkable pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects, and holds broad application prospects in the treatment of major diseases such as autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors. However, TP has a narrow therapeutic window and causes multi-organ toxicities including liver, kidney and reproductive toxicities, which severely restrict its safe clinical application and new drug development. Therefore, toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement has become a core scientific problem urgently to be solved in this field. This paper systematically reviews the four core strategies for TP toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, including structural modification, dosage form improvement, herbal compatibility, and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. Among them, structural modification optimizes the toxic and efficacy characteristics of TP from the molecular structure level, with typica l derivatives including (5 R )-5-hydroxy triptolide, ZT01, PG490-88, etc. Dosage form modification achieves toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement via targeted and sustained-controlled drug release of diverse delivery systems. It includes triptolide preparations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsion gels and liquid crystals, possessing favorable clinical transformation potential. The herbal compatibility and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine conform to the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine and have a profound clinical application foundation, but their mechanisms of action are insufficiently elucidated, and they lack unified standardized specifications and high-quality evidence-based proof. In the future, we should rely on multi-omics technology to elucidate the toxic and efficacy mechanisms, integrate technologies to optimize preparations, improve the evaluation system and promote clinical transformation.
6.Research Progress on Artificial Intelligence-Driven Drug-Target Interaction Prediction
Ting PAN ; Wenhao XU ; Guodong SHAN ; Xingchuang ZHANG ; Weijia SUN ; Changwei WANG ; Shibiao XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):909-923
Drug-target interaction (DTI) is fundamental to novel drug research and development (R &D), playing a critical role in elucidating drug mechanisms of action and improving the cost-effectiveness of drug discovery. Although China has seen rapid accumulation of drug-target resources in recent years, the industry still faces challenges such as a shortage of original targets and excessively high target concentration. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has provided an efficient technological pathway for DTI prediction, establishing it as a core tool for accelerating drug discovery. This paper systematically reviews the fundamental data support framework for DTI prediction tasks, elaborating in detail on three core data types— drug characterization, target characterization, and drug-target associations-as well as the classification and application boundaries of mainstream benchmark datasets tailored to different tasks within the field. On this basis, it comprehensively surveys the technological evolution of AI-driven DTI prediction, summarizing the core paradigms and technical advances of traditional machine learning and deep learning methods in a single-modality setting, alongside cutting-edge multimodal approaches that integrate two modalities (cross-subject/within-subject fusion) and three or more modalities for multidimensional information integration. Finally, this paper analyzes the current major challenges in data quality, model generalizability and interpretability, and real-world deployment, while also discussing future trends in standardized dataset construction, generative AI, and large-scale biomedical foundation models, aiming to provide a reference for both research and industrial applications in the AI-driven DTI prediction field.
7.Mechanistic Study on Effect of Cycloastragenol in Improving Mitochondrial Function and Inhibiting Cardiac Remodeling via GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Dongsheng WEI ; Menglan ZHAO ; Wenhao GU ; Jinpu LIANG ; Yu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):112-121
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of cycloastragenol (CAG) on mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac remodeling and to elucidate its regulatory role in myocardial energy metabolic homeostasis and the associated transcriptional regulatory axis. MethodsA rat model of heart failure (HF) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a captopril group (3.25 mg·kg-1), a low-dose CAG group (10 mg·kg-1, CAG-L), and a high-dose CAG group (20 mg·kg-1, CAG-H). After 28 days of treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) were assessed by echocardiography. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponinⅠ (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate myocardial histopathology and fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ were determined by colorimetric assays. The mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), while the protein levels of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein/total cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB/CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased LVEF, LVFS, and ATP levels (P<0.05), and markedly increased LVIDd, LVIDs, NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS levels, TUNEL-positive rate, Col deposition area, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ (P<0.05). In addition, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, the protein expression of ADRB2, PKA, p-CREB, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as the cAMP content, were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both low- and high-dose CAG significantly increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and the levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and cTnI (P<0.05). CAG treatment alleviated myocardial disarray and Collagen deposition, and downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ. The treatment markedly reduced ROS generation and the TUNEL-positive rate (P<0.05), thereby attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CAG treatment increased ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, ADRB2, PKA, and p-CREB protein expression as well as cAMP levels (P<0.05). The CAG-H group showed the most pronounced improvements, which were superior to those of the captopril group and the CAG-L group. ConclusionCycloastragenol delays adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function by activating the ADRB2-mediated GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, enhancing the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial fibrosis.
8.Mechanistic Study on Effect of Cycloastragenol in Improving Mitochondrial Function and Inhibiting Cardiac Remodeling via GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Dongsheng WEI ; Menglan ZHAO ; Wenhao GU ; Jinpu LIANG ; Yu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):112-121
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of cycloastragenol (CAG) on mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac remodeling and to elucidate its regulatory role in myocardial energy metabolic homeostasis and the associated transcriptional regulatory axis. MethodsA rat model of heart failure (HF) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a captopril group (3.25 mg·kg-1), a low-dose CAG group (10 mg·kg-1, CAG-L), and a high-dose CAG group (20 mg·kg-1, CAG-H). After 28 days of treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) were assessed by echocardiography. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponinⅠ (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate myocardial histopathology and fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ were determined by colorimetric assays. The mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), while the protein levels of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein/total cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB/CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased LVEF, LVFS, and ATP levels (P<0.05), and markedly increased LVIDd, LVIDs, NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS levels, TUNEL-positive rate, Col deposition area, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ (P<0.05). In addition, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, the protein expression of ADRB2, PKA, p-CREB, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as the cAMP content, were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both low- and high-dose CAG significantly increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and the levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and cTnI (P<0.05). CAG treatment alleviated myocardial disarray and Collagen deposition, and downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ. The treatment markedly reduced ROS generation and the TUNEL-positive rate (P<0.05), thereby attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CAG treatment increased ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, ADRB2, PKA, and p-CREB protein expression as well as cAMP levels (P<0.05). The CAG-H group showed the most pronounced improvements, which were superior to those of the captopril group and the CAG-L group. ConclusionCycloastragenol delays adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function by activating the ADRB2-mediated GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, enhancing the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial fibrosis.
9.Compliance Risk Management of Investigator Initiated Trials on Children Rare Diseases: Medical Institution Perspective
Jingqi ZHANG ; Liandong ZUO ; Xueqi GAO ; Wenyue SI ; Rui LUO ; Qiang WU ; Wenhao ZHOU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):132-138
There is a substantial unmet need for treatments in the field of pediatric rare diseases, and investigator initiated trial(IIT) provide a critical pathway for testing and developing new drugs or treatment strategies. However, healthcare institutions, when conducting such research, must address compliance risks related to project approval, contract management, data protection, and conflict of interest management. This study aims to analyze the particularities and challenges of IIT in pediatric rare diseases, review relevant regulations and regulatory requirements, and provide healthcare institutions with a reference framework for compliance risk management to maximize the benefits of IIT. Based on literature review, analysis of laws and regulations, practical work experience, and frameworks from other institutions, we summarize the unique aspects of pediatric rare disease IIT in terms of participant characteristics, innovative technologies, and organizational structures.On this basis, targeted compliance management recommendations are proposed, which include establishing a risk rating and full-cycle risk monitoring mechanism, a consent and ethical review mechanism tailored to pediatric participants, a robust contract management mechanism, a comprehensive data security management mechanism, and a multidisciplinary team and multi-channel compensation mechanism. The study concludes that healthcare institutions, funders, and other collaborating entities should implement compliance management in line with the characteristics of IIT to ensure the safety and effectiveness of research and facilitate innovation and development in the treatment of pediatric rare diseases.
10.Construction of Hcp immunohistochemical library and antibody expression based on single memory B cell sequencing technology
Jinrui ZHOU ; Wenhao WANG ; Yaru GU ; Yangxue OU ; Bixia LIU ; Houyi ZUO ; Yexiang DU ; Rui ZHANG ; Qianfei ZUO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(15):1782-1791
Objective To prepare humanized monoclonal antibodies(Mabs)targeting Acinetobacter baumannii(Ab)based on single memory B cell sequencing technology,construct the immune repertoire of the core protein of Ab,hemolysin-coregulated protein(Hcp),and express its Mabs with binding activity.Methods E.coli BL21 harboring the recombinant plasmid pGEX-6p-1-Hcp was constructed.Hcp protein was obtained using protein expression and affinity chromatography.Female SPF BALB/c mice(6~8 weeks old,weighing 18~20 g)were immunized intramuscularly with antigen Hcp to generate specific memory B cells.Single antigen-specific memory B cells were sorted using flow cytometry.The immune repertoire of Hcp was constructed using single-cell sequencing technology,and bioinformatics analysis was performed on the sequencing results.Mabs were obtained using antibody humanization techniques.The in vitro binding activity of the antibodies was detected by ELISA.Results The target protein Hcp with a purity>95%was obtained after expression and purification.The immune repertoire of Hcp was successfully constructed,and the results of BCR clonotype identification and analysis,CDR3 region characteristic analysis,and V-J gene pairing characteristic analysis were achieved.Antibody humanization got 7 Mabs,that is,IgG1-1,IgG1-2,IgG2-1,IgG2-2,IgG3-1,IgG4-1 and IgG4-2.ELISA results showed IgG1-1,IgG3-1,IgG4-1,and IgG4-2 had an antibody binding titer of 1∶1 280,IgG2-2 of 1∶10 240,IgG2-1 of 1∶5 120,and IgG1-2 of 1∶160.Conclusion Single-cell sequencing technology enables rapid,accurate,and efficient construction of an Hcp protein immune repertoire containing extensive antibody information.Utilizing this immune repertoire allows for the expression of Mabs with binding activity.

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