1.Scaffold-free three-dimensional human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome repairs mouse skin injury
Wenjing MA ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Mingxia JIANG ; Bingshui XIU ; Rui BAI ; Yuhan LIU ; Xuyi CHEN ; Zengqiang YUAN ; Zhiqiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):68-77
BACKGROUND:The mesenchymal stem cell secretome contains bioactive substances,cytokines,and growth factors.Three-dimensional cell culture can regulate the secretion of these components,potentially enhancing the ability to promote injury repair.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the repair effect of three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome on skin injuries in mice.METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in conventional two-dimensional culture dishes and 96-well U-bottom cell culture plates,from which their secretory components were subsequently collected.The expression of skin damage repair related secretory factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was analyzed using RT-qPCR.The protein expression level of skin damage repair related factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome to repair vascular injuries was evaluated using an immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration model.A mouse skin injury model was established,and the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was injected subcutaneously.Repair effects on skin injury were assessed through wound healing rates and histopathological analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After three days of cultivation,human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured in two dimensions exhibited a fibroblast-like,swirling growth pattern,whereas three-dimensional culture led to the formation of uniform microspheres.(2)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional culture significantly increased the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β and basic fibroblast growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(3)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly enhanced the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin-10,and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome.(4)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly promoted the migration of immortalized human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(5)Compared with the untreated control group and the two-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome,the three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome can significantly accelerate the skin wound healing rate and wound skin structure remodeling in mice.These results indicate that three-dimensional culture can enhance the expression of paracrine factors of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and their secretome can significantly promote the repair of mouse skin damage.
2.Cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis:mechanisms and regenerative challenges
Xiao YANG ; Yuehui BAI ; Tiantian ZHAO ; Donghao WANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Shuo YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):926-935
BACKGROUND:The exact pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is currently unclear.Traditional clinical treatment strategies for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis are symptomatic treatments such as pain relief and reduction of inflammation,which can stop the progression of the disease to a certain degree but cannot reverse the destruction of the cartilage.Cartilage degeneration,as one of the most prominent pathologic features in the development of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,has been the subject of an increasing number of studies that focus on its pathogenesis.Consequently,we hope to provide an ideal radical solution for the regeneration of the temporomandibular joint.OBJECTIVE:To review the progress of research on cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.METHODS:The search terms were"temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis,degradation of cartilage matrix,synovitis,oxidative stress,chondrocyte hypertrophy,chondrocyte apoptosis,ferroptosis,autophagy,angiogenesis,extracellular vesicles"in Chinese and English.Literature search was conducted in PubMed database and CNKI,and the time limit for the search was from January 2004 to October 2024.Screening was performed by analyzing and reading the literature,and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,81 papers were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Increased secretion of cartilage matrix degrading enzymes causes degradation of the cartilage matrix,leading to cartilage degeneration.(2)Synovitis promotes cartilage degeneration through macrophage M1-type polarization and production of inflammatory mediators.(3)Oxidative stress promotes cartilage degeneration by exacerbating the inflammatory response through overproduction of reactive oxygen species.(4)Chondrocyte phenotypic changes and death lead to the decrease of cartilage matrix synthesis,resulting in cartilage degeneration.(5)Blood vessels of subchondral bone penetrate the calcified cartilage layer to reach the superficial cartilage layer,which destroys the cartilage structure and leads to cartilage degeneration.(6)Bioactive substances carried by serum-derived extracellular vesicles in inflammatory states also promote cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
3.Relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia and body mass index:analysis of GWAS datasets for European populations
Qiwang HE ; Bo CHEN ; Fuchao LIANG ; Zewei KANG ; Yuan ZHOU ; Anxu JI ; Xialin TANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):1036-1046
BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease has been associated with sarcopenia,but a causal relationship has not been established.Exploring the causal relationship between the two most common disability-burdening diseases in the aging population-Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia-and their potential mediating factors holds certain implications for further alleviating the healthcare costs and socioeconomic burden for older adults in China.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the general population using a Mendelian randomization study and to explore the role of body mass index in this context.METHODS:Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis based on published genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used to infer causality,and univariate Mendelian randomization and mediation analyses were used in the study design.Through the Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)database,ieu-b-2 was selected as the Alzheimer's disease dataset(sample size:63 926),ieu-b-4816 as the body mass index dataset(99 998),ebi-a-GCST90000027 as the appendicular lean mass dataset(244 730),ukb-b-7478 as the left hand grip strength dataset(461 026),ukb-b-10215 as the right hand grip strength dataset(461 089)and ukb-b-4711 as the walking pace dataset(459 915).Inverse-variance weighting was used as the primary analysis method,and the results were validated by pleiotropy and heterogeneity analysis.The Steiger Directionality Test was performed to validate the reasonableness of the causal direction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence that Alzheimer's disease predicted the risk of appendicular lean mass[odds ratio(OR)=1.009;95%confidence interval(Cl),1.001-1.017;P=0.023),and walking pace(OR=1.010;95%Cl,1.003-1.017;P=0.008).No correlation with hand grip strength was observed.(2)Alzheimer's disease was negatively correlated with body mass index(OR=0.893;95%Cl,0.811-0.984;P=0.022);body mass index was positively correlated with appendicular lean mass(OR=1.084;95%Cl,1.031-1.141;P=0.002)and negatively correlated with walking pace(OR=0.975;95%Cl,0.969-0.980;P<0.001).(3)Mediation analyses showed that the causal relationship between Alzheimer's disease and appendicular lean mass and walking pace was partially mediated by body mass index,with the proportion of mediations being 50.25%and 32.11%,respectively.(4)The results of this study suggest that based on large-scale population studies,genetic prediction of Alzheimer's disease is a potential risk factor for sarcopenia,in which body mass index plays an important mediating role.This suggests that in clinical practice,attention should be paid to the muscle condition of patients with Alzheimer's disease,and weight management should be implemented,as maintaining a body mass index within the normal high range may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.However,further research is needed to verify the applicability of this conclusion to other ethnic groups.This study utilized an international public database for analysis,providing a reference for research on the correlation between Alzheimer's disease and sarcopenia in the Chinese population.It also highlights the significant mediating role of body mass index,offering insights for further prevention and treatment of sarcopenia among Chinese individuals.
4.Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Zheng XU ; Yuan TANG ; Fenglan QIU ; Yiguang LI ; Lingyu YANG ; Jie CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):322-330
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common type of dementia, primarily characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairments as well as deficits in learning and memory. The progression of AD has imposed a significant economic burden on society and families. However, its exact pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Currently, available therapeutic drugs are limited and are often accompanied by serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their extracts are mostly natural products and possess advantages such as multi-pathway regulation and relatively few adverse reactions. Experimental studies have shown that TCMs exhibit great potential in the prevention and treatment of AD. For example, Huanglian Jieduang, Danggui Shaoyaosan, Kaixin San, Liuwei Dihuangwan, Buyang Huanwutang, as well as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Gardeniae Fructus, Ginkgo Folium, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, can reduce β-amyloid deposition, inhibit excessive Tau protein phosphorylation, restore mitochondrial function, alleviate oxidative stress, suppress neuroinflammation and apoptosis, repair synaptic function, and improve gut microbiota. This article mainly summarizes the effects of several TCMs and compound prescriptions on AD, aiming to provide a reference for subsequent TCM-based treatment of AD.
5.Cross-cultural adaptation of blood donation behavior intention scale and its reliability and validity test in college students
Yuan CHEN ; Jiao XU ; Jing XIONG ; Jing XU ; Qing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):83-89
Objective: To translate the common metrics for donation attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention for the blood donation context (BD-ASPI) into Chinese, and to test its reliability and validity among college students. Methods: A research team was established. Following Beaton's cross-cultural adaptation guidelines, the BD-ASPI was translated, culturally adapted, and pre-tested to develop the Chinese version. Using convenience sampling, 620 students from four universities in Wuhan were surveyed form August to November 2024 to test the scale's reliability and validity. Results: The Chinese version of the scale consisted of 21 items across four dimensions: attitude towards blood donation, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention. The item-level content validity index ranged from 0.89 to 1.00, and the average scale-level content validity index was 0.984. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit for the second-order factor model. The Criterion validity was 0.509 (P<0.001). The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.965, with the coefficients for each dimension ranging from 0.891 to 0.974. The test-retest reliability was 0.894. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the BD-ASPI demonstrates good reliability and validity, and can serve as an effective tool for assessing the behavioral intention of voluntary blood donation among college students in China.
6.Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates oxidative stress injury in retinal pigment epithelial cells under high glucose via FGFR1/PI3K/Akt signal pathway
Ye TIAN ; Guoheng ZHANG ; Tianhao YUAN ; Xin WANG ; Tianfang CHANG ; Yuan CHEN ; Guorui DOU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):383-390
AIM:To investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to determine the expression profile of the FGF21 receptor FGFR1 in RPE cells. Human ARPE-19 cells were cultured and randomly assigned to control, high glucose(30 mmol/L), and high glucose+FGF21 analog treatment groups, with additional siFGFR1 and PI3K inhibitor groups. Cell viability in different treatment groups was assessed using CCK-8 assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were quantified using DCFH-DA fluorescent probing combined with immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on cells from the high glucose group and high glucose+FGF21 group to analyze the enrichment level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blotting was performed to detect phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt pathway components.RESULTS:Single-cell sequencing revealed specific expression of FGFR1 in RPE cells of retinal tissues from diabetic model mice. Under In vitro experiments, high glucose(30 mmol/L)exposure reduced ARPE-19 cell viability by 49.7% and increased ROS levels by approximately 2-fold. Whereas treatment with the FGF21 analog(60 ng/mL)restored cell viability and attenuated high glucose-induced ROS accumulation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FGFR1 knockdown inhibited the antioxidative stress of FGF21. Further validation of the molecular mechanism revealed that high glucose significantly suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway activation(the levels of p-Akt and p-PI3K were decreased by 33.9% and 36.6%, respectively), while FGF21 effectively reversed this inhibitory effect and restored the expression of p-Akt and p-PI3K. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the cytoprotective effect of FGF21 and significantly increased the ROS-positive cells, these findings confirm that PI3K/Akt signaling is indispensable downstream mechanism for FGF21 to exert its effects.CONCLUSION:FGF21 alleviates high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in RPE cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through its receptor FGFR1.
7.Current status and influencing factors of knowledge-attitude-practice in myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents in Ningbo
Jue WANG ; Xiaotian LIU ; Xia JIN ; Yanli ZHANG ; Hongjun LI ; Honger SUN ; Aiai CHEN ; Yuan TANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):518-522
AIM:To investigate the current status and influencing factors of knowledge-attitude-practice in myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents in Ningbo City, thereby providing a scientific basis for formulating targeted prevention strategies.METHODS: Children and adolescents aged 6-12 years old were selected from the medical-school collaborative myopia prevention network in Ningbo City between August 2024 and May 2025 using stratified cluster sampling. Information on myopia prevention knowledge(15 items)and practice(9 items)was collected through questionnaire surveys. Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors influencing myopia occurrence in children and adolescents.RESULTS: A total of 664 children and adolescents aged 6-12 years were enrolled in this study. Participants were divided by age into three groups: 6-7 years old(n=221), 8-9 years old(n=221), and 10-12 years old(n=222). Of the 664 questionnaires distributed, 637 valid questionnaires were returned(201 from the 6-7 age group, 235 from the 8-9 age group, and 201 from the 10-12 age group), yielding an effective response rate of 95.9%. Based on myopia screening results, the non-myopic group comprised 203 participants(31.9%), including 100 males and 103 females, with a mean age of 8.82±1.98 years old. The myopic group comprised 434 participants(68.1%), including 213 males and 221 females, with a mean age of 9.10±1.95 years old. The myopia prevalence rates in the 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12 age groups were 37.8%(76/201), 71.9%(169/235), and 94.0%(189/201), respectively(P<0.001). Regarding the knowledge and practice of myopia prevention, the overall awareness rate in the non-myopic group(59.7%±9.7%)was significantly higher than that in the myopic group(48.7%±8.5%; P<0.001). Additionally, the non-myopic group scored higher on the key practice of “regular eye examinations”(4.27±0.96)compared to the myopic group(4.10±1.05; P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age was the primary risk factor for myopia occurrence.CONCLUSION: Age is the dominant factor in the onset of myopia, and there is a phenomenon of “knowledge-practice gap”; the traditional health education model has limitations, and a precise prevention and control system based on developmental patterns should be established.
8.Neuroprotective Mechanism of Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo Prescription on VaD Rats Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Bingmao YUAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xiu LAN ; Lingfei JIANG ; Lin WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):88-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription regulates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to improve neuronal function in vascular dementia (VaD) rats. MethodsA VaD model was established by intermittently clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) combined with bilateral vascular occlusion (2-VO). Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, sham group, model group, piracetam group (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription groups (6.09, 12.18, and 24.36 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 7 after surgery, once daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological morphological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive expression rate of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Immunofluorescence single staining was used to assess nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in platform-crossing frequency (P0.01), aggravated hippocampal injury, a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis (P0.05), decreased NeuN positivity in the CA1 region (P0.05), increased nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 (P0.05), and significantly elevated expression of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β (P0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups improved learning and spatial memory in VaD rats, alleviated hippocampal pathological injury and neuronal apoptosis, and protected neuronal ultrastructure. Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription at doses of 12.18 and 24.36 g·kg-1 reduced hippocampal expression levels of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β in VaD rats (P0.05), showing dose-dependent inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ConclusionYifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
9.Neuroprotective Mechanism of Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo Prescription on VaD Rats Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Bingmao YUAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xiu LAN ; Lingfei JIANG ; Lin WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):88-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription regulates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to improve neuronal function in vascular dementia (VaD) rats. MethodsA VaD model was established by intermittently clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) combined with bilateral vascular occlusion (2-VO). Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, sham group, model group, piracetam group (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription groups (6.09, 12.18, and 24.36 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 7 after surgery, once daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological morphological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive expression rate of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Immunofluorescence single staining was used to assess nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in platform-crossing frequency (P0.01), aggravated hippocampal injury, a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis (P0.05), decreased NeuN positivity in the CA1 region (P0.05), increased nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 (P0.05), and significantly elevated expression of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β (P0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups improved learning and spatial memory in VaD rats, alleviated hippocampal pathological injury and neuronal apoptosis, and protected neuronal ultrastructure. Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription at doses of 12.18 and 24.36 g·kg-1 reduced hippocampal expression levels of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β in VaD rats (P0.05), showing dose-dependent inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ConclusionYifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
10.Impact of height-desk-chair matching intervention on viewing distance of primary school students
ZHANG Yaxin*, YAO Yuan, FENG Mian, WU Yuxuan, CHEN Guoping, TAO Fangbiao, XU Shaojun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):51-54
Objective:
To compare the effects of height-desk-chair matching on the viewing distance of primary school students before and after intervention, so as to provide scientific basis for the hygiene management of desks and chairs.
Methods:
From April to June 2025, a random cluster sampling method was used to select 141 third grade students from three classes equipped with adjustable desks and chairs in a primary school in Hefei City for a height-desk-chair matching intervention study. The height of students desks and chairs was adjusted according to the standard height and height range specified in the Functional Sizes and Technical Requirements of Chairs and Tables for Educational Institutions (GB/T 3976-2014), with an intervention period of one week. Before and after the intervention, eye use data were measured by using the electronic smart device "Cloud Clip", while collecting data on vision data viewing distance, time spent using eyes at close range and outdoor time, desk and chair height, and physical examination. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the factors related to viewing distance before the intervention of height-desk-chair matching, and a paired t-test was used to analyze the difference in viewing distance before and after the intervention. A mixed effects model was used to explore the effect of height desk and chair adaptation intervention on viewing distance.
Results:
The compliance rates for desk and chair adjustments before and after the intervention were 1.4% and 18.4%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=22.84, P <0.01). The viewing distance increased from (30.48±5.01) cm before intervention to (32.06±5.75) cm post intervention, with a statistically significant difference ( t=4.57, P <0.01). The proportion of students meeting the viewing distance standard increased from 33.3% to 51.1%. The linear mixedeffects model results indicated that the association between height appropriate desk and chair interventions and viewing distance was statistically significant, regardless of whether covariates such as time spent using eyes at close range and outdoor time were adjusted ( β=-1.58, 95%CI = -2.25 to -0.91; β=-1.14, 95%CI =-1.85 to -0.43, both P <0.05).
Conclusion
Height adjusted desks and chairs, which can effectively increase the viewing distance for primary school students, has positive implications for improving healthy eye care behaviors among children and adolescents.


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