1.Research progress on the role of Piezo1 in dental and periodontal tissues
LI Wenyan ; MO Chaolun ; WANG Yajing ; FU Xuefei
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):595-605
Piezo1 is a Ca²⁺-permeable mechanosensitive ion channel that plays a central role in mechanosensing and signal transduction in dental and periodontal tissues. In tooth tissue, Piezo1 is a key factor mediating dentin sensitive pain. The flow of dentinal tubule fluid induced by external stimulation can activate the Piezo1 channel on odontoblasts, triggering neuronal signals through the pannexin-1-purinergic 2X3 receptor (PANX-1-P2X3) receptor axis, resulting in pain perception. In addition, Piezo1 has a dual regulatory role in the process of pulp inflammation and repair : on the one hand, its expression is up-regulated in an inflammatory environment, which may aggravate pain sensitivity ; on the other hand, it activates the migration, proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells by mediating Ca²⁺influx, ATP release and downstream purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R), MEK / ERK signaling pathways, thereby promoting reparative dentin formation. In periodontal tissue, Piezo1 plays a central role in maintaining periodontal tissue homeostasis and regulating alveolar bone remodeling by sensing mechanical stimuli such as bite force. During orthodontic tooth movement, Piezo1 promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating Wnt / Ca²⁺, Notch and other pathways on the tension side. It affects osteoclast activity by regulating receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) balance on the pressure side. At the same time, Piezo1 is also a key regulator of periodontal immune microenvironment. It is expressed in immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. Its activation can promote the polarization of macrophages to pro-inflammatory M1 type, enhance the release of pro-inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinases, and thus aggravate the inflammatory destruction of periodontal tissue.In view of its multiple functions, Piezo1 has become a potential therapeutic target, including local or systemic application of its inhibitors, mechanical intervention, physical therapy, gene therapy and stem cell therapy, showing a broad clinical transformation prospect in the treatment of oral diseases. In this paper, the structural characteristics, signal transduction mechanism of Piezo1 and its expression distribution, function and regulatory network in tooth tissue and periodontal tissue are reviewed, so as to provide ideas for the development of oral disease treatment strategies targeting Piezo1.
2.Relationship of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes comorbidities and lifestyle among adults in Hebei Province
Yajing CAO ; Jingjing ZHAO ; Mei LI ; Tiantian GUO ; Fujuan YUE ; Xiuli NIU ; Xiaoli LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):56-61
Objective To investigate the relationship between the comorbidity of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes and lifestyle of adult residents in Hebei Province in 2018, and to provide reference for the development of chronic diseases prevention measures. Methods Using data from the surveillance of chronic diseases and their risk factors among adults in Hebei in 2018, 7 711 permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected as the research subjects. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the comorbidity of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes and lifestyle in adult residents. Results A total of 7 711 subjects aged ≥18 years were included in 2018. The comorbidity rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia, diabetes and dyslipidemia, and hypertension and diabetes were 16.88%, 7.91%, and 8.13%, respectively. The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was 22.65%. These comorbidity rates increased with age and BMI. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that male, age, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, daily sedentary behavior time ≥5 hours, and sleep problems were risk factors for the comorbidity of the "three highs". Conclusion The prevalence of the "three highs" comorbidities is relatively high in Hebei Province, and there are multiple common risk factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and implementing comprehensive prevention and control measures are the key to improving the health level of residents.
3.Protective effect of Shenfu injection against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury by inhibiting the ferroptosis
Xiaotong Zhang ; Meng Zhang ; Gang Li ; Yang Hu ; Yajing Xun ; Hui Ding ; Donglin Shen ; Ming Wu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):31-40
Objective :
To observe the brain tissue injury during hypoxia-ischemia, as well as the pathological changes and the expression of ferroptosis-related factors after the use of Shenfu injection(SFI), and to explore the protective effect of SFI on hypoxic-ischemic brain injury(HIBD) by inhibiting ferroptosis.
Methods :
An animal model of HIBD in SD rats was constructed and intervened with SFI. Pathologic changes in brain tissue were observed by HE staining methods. Nissen staining was used to observe neuron survival. Glutathione Peroxidase 4(GPX4) and Divalent Metal Transporter 1(DMT1) expression were detected in brain tissue by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Reduced Glutathione(GSH), Lactate Dehydrogenase(LDH), Malondialdehyde(MDA), Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and tissue iron content were determined with the kits. BV-2 microglial cell line(BV2) cells were culturedin vitroand divided into control group(Ctrl group), oxygen-glucose deprivation group(OGD group), iron ferroptosis-inducing group(Erastin group), iron ferroptosis-inhibiting group(Fer-1 group), Shenfu injection group(SFI group), and Erastin+Shenfu injection group(Erastin+SFI group). 2′,7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) reactive oxygen species(ROS) fluorescent probe was used to detect the ROS release level; Immunofluorescence was used to observe intracellular GPX4, DMT1 expression.
Results :
Compared with the Sham group, rats in the HIBD group showed significant neuronal cell damage in brain tissue, decreased GPX4 expression(P<0.01), increased DMT1 expression(P<0.01), decreased GSH and SOD levels(P<0.01), and increased LDH, MDA and tissue iron levels(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01). In contrast, after the intervention of SFI, GPX4 expression was elevated(P<0.01), DMT1 expression decreased(P<0.01), GSH and SOD levels were elevated(P<0.01), and LDH, MDA, and tissue iron levels decreased(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01). The cells experiments showed that compared with the Ctrl group, the OGD group had a significantly higher ROS content and a decrease in the expression of GPX4 fluorescence intensity, and an increase in the fluorescence intensity of DMT1(P<0.01), compared with the OGD group, the ROS content was reduced in the SFI group, while the expression of GPX4 was elevated and the expression of DMT1 was reduced(P<0.01).
Conclusion
Hippocampal and cortical regions are severely damaged after HIBD in neonatal rats, and their brain tissues show decreased expression of GPX4 and increased expression of DMT1. The above suggests that ferroptosis is involved in HIBD brain injury in neonatal rats. In contrast, Shenfu injection has a protective effect on HIBD experimental animal model and BV2 cell injury model by reducing iron aggregation and ROS production.
4.Clinical Evidence Profile of Eleven Expensive Chinese Patent Medicines: A Scoping Analysis
Yajing LI ; Miaomiao LI ; Le ZHANG ; Wenya WANG ; Hui ZHAO ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):227-238
ObjectiveThis study employed the scoping review method to systematically retrieve and analyze the basic information and clinical research evidence of expensive Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), aiming to provide a basis for future related research and clinical applications. MethodsEight Chinese and English databases were systematically searched for the clinical research evidence on expensive CPMs. ResultsEleven expensive CPMs (Angong Niuhuang Wan, Jufang Zhibao Wan, Suhexiang Wan, Pien Tze Huang, Niuhuang Qingxin Wan, Qinggong Shoutao Wan, Compound Realgar Natural Indigo Tablets, Xihuang Wan, Dingkun Wan, Babao Wan, and Guilingji Capsules) were selected. A total of 365 related studies were included in this review, comprising 331 clinical studies (of which 291 were randomized controlled trials), 30 systematic reviews and Meta-analyses, 3 expert consensus, and 1 rapid health technology assessment. Among the 11 CPMs, 2(Angong Niuhuang Wan and Jufang Zhibao Wan) had a daily price over 500 yuan. The famous and precious Chinese medicinal materials involved included Moschus (frequency of 7), Bovisc Alculus (7), and Borneol (5). The dosage forms included pills, capsules, oral liquid, tablets, and lozenges. The diseases treated by these CPMs mainly included malignant tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, gynecological diseases, and hepatobiliary system diseases. The sample sizes of the clinical studies were mainly concentrated within the range of 51-100 cases, and the main control form was CPM + basic Western medicine treatment vs. basic Western medicine treatment. The 331 clinical studies reported a total of 44 adverse events occurred, of which 36 were determined to be adverse reactions. ConclusionThe scarcity of raw materials leads to the high prices of expensive CPMs. The difficulty of conducting clinical research and the critical and severe cases treated lead to a lack of clinical research evidence with large sample sizes. The uneven distribution of existing studies, incomplete information on medicine package, and non-standard clinical research designs remain to be addressed in the future.
5.Effects of artificial turf versus natural grass on biomechanical performance of the lower limbs in young females during jump-landing
Jieming LU ; Yajing LI ; Peijie DU ; Dongqing XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1101-1107
BACKGROUND:It has been found that internal factors such as anatomical structure,hormone level and neuromuscular function of athletes are closely related to the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries,and external factors such as the material of the playing field also become one of the risk factors affecting the occurrence of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries,but they are relatively under-attended in the current studies. OBJECTIVE:To explore effects of artificial turf versus natural grass on the biomechanical performance of the lower limbs in young females during jump-landing. METHODS:According to the test needs,artificial turf and natural grass in accordance with the standards of GB/T 20033.3-2006 and GB/T 19995.1-2005 were leveled and fixed on two three-dimensional force measuring platforms.Twenty-one young females were voluntarily recruited and completed the jump-landing task on the artificial turf and natural grass.Subjects stood on the steps and then jumped forward,jumped down to the force measuring platform and immediately jumped with full force to the force measuring platform again.The two landings were required to fall to the two force measuring platforms,and the whole jumping action was considered successful without any pause.The kinematic,kinetic and electromyographic data of the lower limbs during the landing process were collected synchronously to compare and analyze the differences between the two. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In terms of kinetics,posterior and vertical ground reaction force at the initial landing moment during jump-landing on the natural grass were significantly lower than those on the artificial turf(P<0.05,P<0.01),as well as at the peak ground reaction force moment(P<0.05,P<0.05).Additionally,the knee flexion moment when jump-landing on the natural grass was higher than that on the artificial turf(P<0.01).In terms of electromyography,within 100 ms after the initial landing moment,the electromyography activity levels of medial femoris muscle,lateral femoris muscle and anterior tibialis muscle when jump-landing on the natural grass were significantly lower than those on the artificial turf(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05).To conclude,compared with the natural grass,jump-landing on the artificial turf leads to an change in biomechanical performance that will cause an increase in anterior cruciate ligament tension.
6.Discovery of fernane-type triterpenoids from Diaporthe discoidispora using genome mining and HSQC-based SMART technology.
Yajing WANG ; Yongfu LI ; Yan DONG ; Chunyan YU ; Chengwei LIU ; Chang LI ; Yi SUN ; Yuehu PEI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(3):368-376
In this study, we employed a combination of genome mining and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC)-based small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART) technology to search for fernane-type triterpenoids. Initially, potential endophytic fungi were identified through genome mining. Subsequently, fine fractions containing various fernane-type triterpenoids were selected using HSQC data collection and SMART prediction. These triterpenoids were then obtained through targeted isolation and identification. Finally, their antifungal activity was evaluated. As a result, three fernane-type triterpenoids, including two novel compounds, along with two new sesquiterpenes and four known compounds were isolated from one potential strain, Diaporthe discoidispora. Their structures were elucidated through analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electron capture detector (ECD) analysis. Compound 3 exhibited moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans CMCC 98001 and Aspergillus niger.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
;
Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Candida albicans/drug effects*
;
Ascomycota/genetics*
;
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
;
Aspergillus niger/drug effects*
;
Genome, Fungal
;
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
7.Influence of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome on the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and the interventional effect of traditional Chinese medicine
Jinxue ZHANG ; Junhong LIU ; Jiale CHEN ; Dan WANG ; Lining SU ; Yajie CHEN ; Xueqian LAI ; Miaolei WANG ; Yajing LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2365-2371
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease with the main pathological features of hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and interstitial fibroplasia, and it is an important risk factor for liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is the core of innate immunity, and the abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is closely associated with the development and progression of NASH, which involves multiple links such as inflammatory response and oxidative stress. A large number of studies have shown that the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TCM compound prescriptions can improve oxidative stress, regulate lipid metabolism, and alleviate liver inflammation by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome. TCM treatment applied in clinical practice has achieved a good therapeutic effect, while inflammasome is one of the key pathways or targets for TCM in improving NASH. This article reviews the mechanism of action of NLRP3 inflammasome in NASH and the research advances in TCM intervention of NLRP3 inflammasome, in order to provide ideas for the clinical TCM treatment of NASH, as well as reference targets and research directions for the research and development of new TCM drugs.
8.Longitudinal survival data study on upper extremity motor rehabilitation trajectory within 6 months of stroke
Ran LI ; Sujuan LIU ; Yajing HOU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;40(7):1025-1032
Objective:To explore the prognostic factors for long-term upper limb motor function recovery after stroke.Method:Patients(n=61)with upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke were included.General demographic and clinical data were collected.Upper limb motor function was evaluated with the Fugl-Meyer assessment-up-per extremity(FMA-UE).Intracranial lesion locations were identified based on head MRI or CT.The recovery of upper limb motor function was monitored longitudinally at admission and at 1,3 and 6 months post-stroke.Patients were divided into a good prognosis group or a poor prognosis group according to the FMA-UE score at 6 months poststroke.Clinical and radiological data between the two groups were compared using the χ2 test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Result:The prognosis of upper limb motor function in stroke patients is determined by the recovery of active hand movement and the location of the lesion,but not with age,sex,stroke type or affected side.The average recovery time to achieve good prognosis for those who experience active hand movement within 1 month and 3 months poststroke is 2.100 months and 3.313 months.Patients with earlier active hand movement had better prog-noses.Poor long-term prognosis is associated with lesions affecting core regions such as the precentral gyrus,posterior horn of the lateral ventricular and posterior limb of the inner capsule.In contrast,patients with lesions not involving these core regions achieved good prognosis after an average of approximately 2.792 months.Conclusion:The long-term prognosis for hemiplegic upper limbs recovery after stroke is significantly influ-enced by the timing of active hand movement and the location of intracranial lesions.
9.Influencing factors on the success rate of patient-derived gastrointestinal malignant tumor organoid culture
Qian LIU ; Yajing LIU ; Sihan ZHAO ; Yuqi SUN ; Zequn LI ; Xiaodong LIU ; Yulong TIAN ; Shougen CAO ; Pu CHEN ; Yanbing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(6):473-480
Objective:To explore the factors influencing the success rate of culturing patient-derived gastric and colorectal cancer organoids.Methods:From Feb 2022 to Oct 2023, 398 tumor tissue specimens from patients who underwent gastric cancer and colorectal cancer resection at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, were used for organoid culture. The clinicopathological factors affecting the success rate of organoid culture were analyzed.Results:The overall success rate of organoid culture in this group was 75.1% (299/398), with the success rate of gastric cancer organoid culture being 79.8%(154/193) and that of colorectal cancer being 70.7% (145/205). Different clinicopathological T stage ( χ2=4.765, P<0.05),histological type ( χ2=11.248, P<0.05), and tumor regression grade (TRG) grade after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( χ2=7.797, P<0.05) were related to the success rate of organoid culture . Multivariate analysis showed that the TRG grade was an independent influencing factor( P=0.040). For colorectal cancer, different pathological T stage ( χ2=5.108, P<0.05), histological type ( χ2=11.270, P<0.05), and TRG grade after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( χ2=6.797, P<0.05) were related to the success rate of organoidculture . Different from gastric cancer, the results of multivariate analysis of colorectal cancer showed that the histological type was an independent influencing factor ( P=0.018). Conclusions:The pathologic T stage, histological type of tumors, and TRG of cancer patients all have a significant impact on the success rate of establishing tumor organoids. Among them, the TRG grade is an independent influencing factor for the culture of gastric cancer organoids, and the histological type is an independent influencing factor for colorectal cancer organoids.
10.Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and influencing factors in adults in Hebei Province
Tiantian GUO ; Xiaoli LIU ; Jingjing ZHAO ; Mei LI ; Lijuan TANG ; Fujuan YUE ; Yajing CAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):107-117
Objective:To analyze the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and influencing factors of adults in Hebei Province, and provide scientific evidence for the development of comprehensive CKD prevention and control strategies.Methods:In China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance in Hebei in 2018, a total of 7 562 permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected by multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling from 13 surveillance points in Hebei for questionnaire survey, medical examination and laboratory test.Results:A total of 1 067 CKD patients were detected in the adults aged ≥18 years in this survey, with a weighted prevalence rate of 12.10%. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the daily total static behavior time ( OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09), living in rural area ( OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.14-1.97), coal use ( OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-1.61), coal gas/liquefied gas/natural gas/biogas use ( OR=2.92, 95% CI: 2.40-3.54) and solar energy/electricity use ( OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.36-2.25), insufficient fruit intake ( OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.83), insufficient physical activity ( OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.11-1.64), suffering from hypertension ( OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.44-2.24) and suffering from diabetes ( OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.27-2.45) were risk factors for CKD in adults in Hebei. High education level ( OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.91), excessive drinking ( OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.28-0.99), central obesity ( OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.58-0.97), history of allergic diseases ( OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.72) were protective factors for CKD. Conclusions:The prevalence of CKD in adults in Hebei was relatively high, especially in those who had too long average daily static behavior, lived in rural area, used coal, gas/liquefied gas/natural gas/biogas, solar energy/electricity, had inadequate intake of fruits, lacked physical activity and suffered from hypertension and diabetes. It is necessary to pay attention to the early prevention and treatment of CKD, strengthen the health education about healthy lifestyle and improve the management of patients with chronic disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, to further reduce the risk for CKD.


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