1.Resveratrol activates extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 signaling protein to promote proliferation of mouse MC3T3-E1 cells
Yongkang NIU ; Zhiwei FENG ; Yaobin WANG ; Zhongcheng LIU ; Dejian XIANG ; Xiaoyuan LIANG ; Zhi YI ; Hongwei ZHAN ; Bin GENG ; Yayi XIA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):908-916
BACKGROUND:The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5(ERK5)signaling protein is essential for the survival of organisms,and resveratrol can promote osteoblast proliferation through various pathways.However,whether resveratrol can regulate osteoblast function through the ERK5 signaling protein needs further verification. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effect of ERK5 on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and related secreted proteins,and to further verify whether resveratrol can complete the above process by activating ERK5. METHODS:Mouse MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts were treated with complete culture medium,XMD8-92(an ERK5 inhibitor),epidermal growth factor(an ERK5 activator),resveratrol alone,XMD8-92+EGF,and resveratrol+XMD8-92,respectively.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of ERK5 and p-ERK5 proteins,proliferation-related proteins Cyclin D1,CDK4 and PCNA,and osteoblast-secreted proteins osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in MC3T3-E1 cells of each group.The fluorescence intensity of ERK5,osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in each group was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining,and cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining,respectively.The appropriate concentration and time of resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by cell morphology observation and cell counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The activation of ERK5 signaling protein could effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells,up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand ratio.The appropriate concentration and time for resveratrol intervention in MC3T3-E1 cells was 5 μmol/L and 24 hours,respectively.Resveratrol could activate ERK5 signaling protein,thereby promoting osteoblast proliferation and up-regulating the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio.All these results indicate that resveratrol can promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio by activating the ERK5 signaling protein.
2.Compressive stress induces degeneration of cartilaginous endplate cells through the SOST/Wnt/beta-catenin pathway
Pan XIANG ; Yanjun CHE ; Zongping LUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):951-957
BACKGROUND:Many factors can cause disc degeneration,including aging,nutritional deficiency,and mechanical factors.The mechanical load is considered to be a very important factor,but its mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of sclerostin(SOST)and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in inducing degeneration of endplate cartilage. METHODS:Cartilage endplate cells were extracted from 4-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats.Compressive stress was applied to endplate chondrocytes in vitro using a mechanical loading apparatus,and the cell viability was determined by the cell counting kit-8 assay at 1,3,5,and 7 days after compression.Western blot,reverse transcription quantitative PCR,and cellular immunofluorescence techniques were employed to examine intracellular cartilage markers(Aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen)as well as calcification-related factors(Runx2 and osteocalcin).The expression of extracellular matrix degradation enzyme and genes related to the signaling pathway(SOST and β-catenin)was also analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Under compressive stress,the cell activity of endplate chondrocytes increased with both the duration and intensity of stress.Furthermore,the expression levels of Aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen decreased in endplate cells under compressive stress,while those of calcification-related factors(Runx2 and osteocalcin)increased.Additionally,compressive stress promoted extracellular matrix degradation in endplate chondrocytes,leading to an increase in matrix metalloproteinase 3 and matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression.Abnormalities were observed in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway within these cells under compressive stress,characterized by a decrease in specific inhibitory factor SOST expression accompanied by abnormal accumulation of β-catenin.To conclude,decreased SOST expression in endplate chondrocytes under compressive stress activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thereby promoting calcification,degeneration and extracellular matrix degradation in the cartilage endplate.
3.Metformin exerts a protective effect on articular cartilage in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Tianjie XU ; Jiaxin FAN ; Xiaoling GUO ; Xiang JIA ; Xingwang ZHAO ; Kainan LIU ; Qian WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1003-1012
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that metformin has anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,anti-aging and vasoprotective effects,and can inhibit the progression of osteoarthritis,but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of metformin on cartilage protection in a rat model of osteoarthritis. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):blank,control,sham-operated,and metformin groups.The blank group did not undergo any surgery.In the sham-operated group,the joint cavity was exposed.In the model group and the metformin group,the modified Hulth method was used to establish the osteoarthritis model.At 1 day after modeling,the rats in the metformin group were given 200 mg/kg/d metformin by gavage,and the model,blank,and sham-operated groups were given normal saline by gavage.Administration in each group was given for 4 weeks consecutively.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological structure of rat knee joints.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect the protein expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5(ADAMTS5),Beclin1,P62,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),p-PI3K,protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,mammalian target of rapamycin(Mtor),and p-Mtor in rat cartilage tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of hematoxylin-eosin,toluidine blue and safranin O-fast green staining showed smooth cartilage surface of the knee joints and normal histomorphology in the blank group and the sham-operated group,while in the model group,there was irregular cartilage surface of the knee joint and cartilage damage,with a decrease in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.In the metformin group,there was a significant improvement in the damage to the structure of the cartilage in the knee joints of the rats,and the cartilage surface tended to be smooth,with an increase in the number of chondrocytes and the content of proteoglycans in the cartilage matrix.Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot results showed that compared with the control and sham-operated groups,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,compared with the model group,the expression of SOX9,type Ⅱ collagen,and Beclin1 proteins in the cartilage tissue of rats in the metformin group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of ADAMTS5,P62,as well as p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-Mtor proteins was significantly decreased(P<0.05).To conclude,Metformin can improve the autophagy activity of chondrocytes and reduce the degradation of cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis rats by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT/Mtor signaling pathway,thus exerting a protective effect on articular cartilage.
4.Bioinformatics analysis of potential biomarkers for primary osteoporosis
Jiacheng ZHAO ; Shiqi REN ; Qin ZHU ; Jiajia LIU ; Xiang ZHU ; Yang YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1741-1750
BACKGROUND:Primary osteoporosis has a high incidence,but the pathogenesis is not fully understood.Currently,there is a lack of effective early screening indicators and treatment programs. OBJECTIVE:To further explore the mechanism of primary osteoporosis through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. METHODS:The primary osteoporosis data were obtained from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database,and the differentially expressed genes were screened for Gene Ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.In addition,the differentially expressed genes were subjected to protein-protein interaction network to determine the core genes related to primary osteoporosis,and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was used to identify and verify the primary osteoporosis-related biomarkers.Immune cell correlation analysis,gene enrichment analysis and drug target network analysis were performed.Finally,the biomarkers were validated using qPCR assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 126 differentially expressed genes and 5 biomarkers including prostaglandins,epidermal growth factor receptor,mitogen-activated protein kinase 3,transforming growth factor B1,and retinoblastoma gene 1 were obtained in this study.GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in the cellular response to oxidative stress and the regulation of autophagy.KEGG analysis showed that autophagy and senescence pathways were mainly involved.Immunoassay of biomarkers showed that prostaglandins,retinoblastoma gene 1,and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 were closely related to immune cells.Gene enrichment analysis showed that biomarkers were associated with immune-related pathways.Drug target network analysis showed that the five biomarkers were associated with primary osteoporosis drugs.The results of qPCR showed that the expression of prostaglandins,epidermal growth factor receptor,mitogen-activated protein kinase 3,and transforming growth factor B1 in the primary osteoporosis sample was significantly increased compared with the control sample(P<0.001),while the expression of retinoblastoma gene 1 in the primary osteoporosis sample was significantly decreased compared with the control sample(P<0.001).Overall,the study screened and validated five potential biomarkers of primary osteoporosis,providing a reference basis for further in-depth investigation of the pathogenesis,early screening and diagnosis,and targeted treatment of primary osteoporosis.
5.Rapid determination of tramadol in urine by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Xiaojing YAO ; Peiying JI ; Feng LU ; Guorong SHI ; Xiang FU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):185-189
Objective To establish a method for rapid detection of tramadol in urine by liquid-liquid extraction(LLE)-surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Methods Tramadol was extracted from urine with chloroform∶isopropyl alcohol (9∶1) extractant and detected in urine samples by enhanced Raman spectroscopy (wavelength 785 nm). Results The quantitative curve of tramadol was Y=204.35 X−465.62, r=
6.Literature study and properties discussion of Chromolaena odorata
Xing XIANG ; Huiqing ZHANG ; Qijin ZHANG ; Yinqin LIU ; Baokang HUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):195-199
Objective To provide theoretical basis for the clinical application of the rational compatibility of C. odorata by studying the related domestic and international literature and explore the properties of C. odorata according to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Methods The medical literature related to C. odorata was retrieved and screened from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, China Biomedical Literature Database and foreign literature databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and SciFinder. A total of 397 English articles and 50 Chinese articles were included in the study, which were systematically classified according to clinical application, chemical composition, pharmacological effect, toxic and side effects, and were analyzed according to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Results C. odorata features spicy, astringent tastes, a cool nature, entering heart and liver meridians, and a slightly toxic.Its functions included astringing to stop bleeding, detoxifying and promoting tissue regeneration, as well as intercepting malaria and killing parasites. It was used for conditions such as hematemesis, haemoptysis, traumatic bleeding, sores and abscesses, malaria, and leech bites. Conclusion The exploration of the properties and efficacy of C. odorata could provide reference for its clinical research and application in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
7.Seroprevalence of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with hematological malignancies
Yujuan YANG ; Qian WANG ; Lili XIANG ; Yanna MENG ; Cixian ZHANG ; Jie FU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):93-97
Objective To investigate the seroprevalence of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with hematological malignancies, and compare it with that among health individuals, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. Methods A total of 225 patients with hematological malignancies in Department of Hematology, Xuzhou Central Hospital and 300 healthy individuals in the same hospital were enrolled from 2017 to 2024. Blood samples were collected from all subjects, and the serum IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Demographic and clinical features were collected from patients with hematological malignancies, including gender, age, contact with cats, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, type of malignancy, clinical symptoms, blood transfusion and treatment, and the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody was compared among patients with different characteristics. Results The age (t = 0.72, P > 0.05) and gender (χ2 = 0.93, P > 0.05) were compared between patients with hematological malignancies and healthy individuals. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 20.89% among patients with hematological malignancies and 4.33% among healthy individuals (χ2 = 34.81, P < 0.01), and the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 20.89% among patients with hematological malignancies and 4.33% among healthy individuals (χ2 = 34.81, P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody between patients with hematological malignancies and healthy individuals (1.33% vs. 0; corrected χ2 = 2.02, P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 23.08% among patients with leukemia, 16.67% among patients with lymphoma, 19.23% among patients with multiple myeloma, 24.00% among patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm, and 26.09% among patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (χ2 = 1.44, P > 0.05), and was all higher than among healthy individuals (corrected χ2 = 23.92, 10.74, 13.76, 12.84 and 14.54; all P values < 0.01). In addition, there were no significant differences in the detection of anti-T. gondii antibody among patients with hematological malignancies in terms of gender, age, contact with cats, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, chemotherapy or blood transfusion (χ2 = 0.76, 1.97, 0, 2.81, 2.38 and 0.66; all P values > 0.05). Conclusions There is a high risk of T. gondii infection among patients with hematological malignancies, and intensified surveillance of T. gondii infection is recommended among patients with hematological malignancies.
8.Genetic characteristics of viruses related to viral diarrhea in Jilin Province
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(04):436-441+449
Objective To investigate the genetic characteristics of viruses associated with viral diarrhea in Jilin Province, in order to provide a scientific basis for making more effective prevention and control strategies of viral diarrhea.Methods A total of 211 fecal specimens from hospitalized children under 5 years of age with diarrhea and 7 sewage samples were collected in Jilin Province from January to July 2023. Initial screening was performed using qPCR, and positive specimens were further analyzed by RT-PCR to amplify target genes. Sequencing was conducted, and phylogenetic trees were constructed to analyze genetic relationships.Results In fecal specimens, the positive rates for rotavirus(RV), Norovirus(NoV),Sapovirus(SaV), astrovirus(AstV), and adenovirus(AdV) were 10. 9%, 48. 3%, 4. 3%, 1. 4%, and 5. 7%, respectively. In sewage samples, 5 AstV and 4 NoV were detected, along with 3 samples each of RV, SaV, and AdV. Sequencing and genotyping results revealed that RV G8P [8] was the predominant circulating strain. Among NoV strains, GⅡ.4 [P16] was the most prevalent, followed by GⅡ.4 [P31]. In fecal samples, GⅠ group strains included GⅠ.3 [P13] and GⅠ.1 [P1]. One SaV strain of GⅡ.5 was identified. For AstV, three strains of HAstV-1a and one strain of HAstV-5 were detected. Among AdV strains, three were identified as HAdV-41, three as HAdV-2, one as HAdV-1, and one as HAdV-5.Conclusion The pathogenic genes of viral diarrhea in Jilin Province are diverse, the dominant strains of RV have changed, and domestic sewage contains a variety of diarrhea viruses.
9.Impact of initial screening strategies on compliance with colonoscopy for colorectal carcinoma in residents aged 50 years and above
Fang XIANG ; Zhihao HU ; Yawei WANG ; Yiying ZHANG ; Fang HUANG ; Qian PENG ; Hongjie YU ; Chaowei FU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):140-144
ObjectiveTo compare colonoscopy compliance rates under different screening strategies, to explore ways to enhance colonoscopy compliance among residents with colorectal carcinoma. MethodsResidents aged between 50‒80 years were recruited through extensive community outreach and voluntary participation. A total of 210 630 residents who participated in the colorectal carcinoma screening program in Jiading District, Shanghai, between 2013 and 2019 were selected as the research subjects. All subjects underwent a colorectal carcinoma risk assessment questionnaire survey and two fecal occult blood tests (FOBT). Positive results in the initial screening were defined as a positive questionnaire survey or a positive result in at least one FOBT. Participants with positive initial screening results were advised to undergo colonoscopy screening in a hospital. Colonoscopy results were collected from hospital reports and physician follow-ups. Compliance with colonoscopy was analyzed under different screening strategies to identify possible factors influencing residents’ willingness to undergo the procedure. ResultsA total of 21 403 individuals (10.16%) were identified as positive with the questionnaire survey, 31 595 individuals (15.00%) tested positive with at least one FOBT. Combined questionnaire and FOBT positivity was observed in 3 501 individuals (1.66%). Among the 48 453 individuals with positive initial screening results, 17 230 (35.56%) underwent colonoscopy, and a total of 315 cases of colorectal cancer were detected. The sensitivity, specificity value of FOBT initial screening were 83.81% and 84.66%, respectively. According to the combined risk assessment and FOBT initial screening preliminary screening, the lowest colonoscopy compliance rate (25.63%) was observed among individuals with only a positive questionnaire, and the highest compliance rate (52.55%) was among those with both positive questionnaire survey and two positive FOBT results. Multivariate analysis revealed that FOBT positivity had the greatest impact on colonoscopy compliance. Those with one positive FOBT test result were 2.64 times more likely to undergo colonoscopy screening than those with negative FOBT results, while individuals with two positive FOBT results were 3.18 times more likely to do so. After adjusting for FOBT results, individuals with positive questionnaire survey results were 1.43 times more likely to undergo colonoscopy screening than those with negative results (95%CI: 1.34‒1.52). Compared to questionnaire-based risk assessment, FOBT results were more influential in determining compliance with colonoscopy. ConclusionThe choice of initial screening method significantly impacts residents’ compliance with colonoscopy. While implementing colorectal carcinoma screening programs, it is necessary to strictly adhere to screening protocols, including risk assessment and FOBT. Additionally, efforts should be made to raise public awareness, encouraging residents to actively participate in risk assessments and FOBT, thereby improving their compliance with colonoscopy.
10.Management status and influencing factors of disease stabilization in patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province
Xuemei ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Benjing CAI ; Youguo TAN ; Bo XIANG ; Jing HE ; Qidong JIANG ; Jian TANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):131-137
BackgroundSevere mental disorders represent a major public health concern due to the high disability rates and substantial disease burden, which has garnered significant national attention and prompted their inclusion in public health project management systems. However, credible evidence regarding the current status of disease management and factors influencing disease stabilization among patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, remains limited. ObjectiveTo investigate the current management status of patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, and to analyze influencing factors of disease stabilization among patients under standardized care, so as to provide evidence-based insights for developing targeted management strategies to optimize clinical interventions for this patient population. MethodsIn March 2023, data were extracted from the Sichuan Mental Health Service Comprehensive Management Platform for patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City who received management between December 2017 and December 2022. Information on mental health service utilization and clinical status changes was collected. Trend analysis was conducted to evaluate temporal changes in key management indicators for severe mental disorders in Luzhou City. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing the disease stabilization or fluctuation of these patients. ResultsThis study enrolled a total of 20 232 patients. In Luzhou City, the stabilization rate and standardized management rate of severe mental disorders were 94.89% and 79.36% in 2017, respectively, which increased to 95.33% and 96.92% by 2022. The regular medication adherence rate rose from 34.42% in 2018 to 86.81% in 2022. In 2022, the regular medication adherence rate was 71.80% for schizophrenia, 55.26% for paranoid psychosis, and 51.43% for schizoaffective disorder. Multivariate analysis identified the following protective factors for disease stabilization: age of 18~39 years (OR=0.613, 95% CI: 0.409~0.918), age of 40~65 years (OR=0.615, 95% CI: 0.407~0.931), urban residence (OR=0.587, 95% CI: 0.478~0.720), and regular medication adherence (OR=0.826, 95% CI: 0.702~0.973). Risk factors for disease fluctuation included poor (OR=1.712, 95% CI: 1.436~2.040), non-inclusion in care-support programs (OR=1.928, 95% CI: 1.694~2.193), non-participation in community rehabilitation (OR=2.255, 95% CI: 1.930~2.634), and intermittent medication adherence (OR=3.893, 95% CI: 2.548~5.946). ConclusionThe stability rate, standardized management rate, and regular medication adherence rate of patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City have shown a year-by-year increase. Age, household registration status, economic condition, medication compliance, and community-based rehabilitation were identified as influencing factors for disease fluctuation in these patients. [Funded by Luzhou Science and Technology Plan Project (number, 2022-ZRK-186)]


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