1.Visualization analysis of macrophage polarization in tissue repair process
Jinxia CHANG ; Yufei LIU ; Shaohui NIU ; Chang WANG ; Jianchun CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1486-1496
BACKGROUND:During tissue repair and regeneration,macrophages exhibit multiple activities such as promoting inflammation,anti-inflammation,fibrosis,and wound healing at various stages of tissue damage.The heterogeneity and balanced polarization of macrophages are decisive in organ repair. OBJECTIVE:To explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of macrophage polarization in tissue repair through visualization analysis methods,as well as the research level of global scientific and clinical workers in this field. METHODS:Using bibliometric analysis methods,this study employed Citespace literature visualization analysis software and VOSviewer tools,retrieving related literature from 2013 to 2023 in the Web of Science Core Collection's Science Citation Index Expanded(SCI-Expanded)and Social Sciences Citation Index Expanded(SSCI-Expanded)databases.The analysis results were presented in a dynamic map format,revealing the main trends and focuses of the research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The number of publications in this field had dramatically increased from 2013 to 2023,with a significant rise starting in 2017.Chinese researchers had the highest number of publications,with 642 papers,while American researchers began focusing on this field early on.Professor Elisseeff Hennifer H had made a substantial contribution to the research in this area.Shanghai Jiao Tong University had produced the most publications.In recent years,keywords such as"hyaluronic acid"and"regulation"had been prevalent.Macrophage polarization research in tissue repair primarily concentrates on its multifunctional regulatory mechanisms,interactions with other cell types,and its behavior under specific pathological conditions.The main research areas include the role of macrophages in wound healing,cardiovascular diseases,chronic inflammation,tumor microenvironments,and regenerative medicine.A deeper understanding of the multifunctionality and polarization mechanisms of macrophages can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies to enhance tissue repair and regeneration,thereby improving patient treatment outcomes.
2.The Solomon Four-Group Design:Key Considerations in Design and Statistical Analysis and Their Significance in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wenqian ZHANG ; Yufei LI ; Tong LIN ; Xintong WEI ; Yingjie WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Ying ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1649-1655
The Solomon four-group design, a critical method for improving internal validity in clinical research, can reduce bias and control the interference of Hawthorne effects and pretest sensitization on research results, which offers unique advantages in evaluating complex intervention outcomes. This paper systematically outlined the core framework and key points of statistical analysis of the Solomon four-group design, summarized its applications in clinical research at home and abroad, explored its advantages and limitations, and discussed the potential value in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials. It is believed that the Solomon four-group design can help distinguish between testing effects and intervention effects in TCM clinical studies, and reduce the bias in the evaluation of subjective indicators. Meanwhile, given the complexity of the Solomon four-group design and the particularity of TCM clinical research, it is proposed that future TCM clinical studies should focus on using psychological scales, know-ledge, attitude, and behavior measurements, and other similat evaluations as endpoints. It also advocates strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration to provide new methodological paths for TCM clinical research.
3.Improvement effects and mechanism of Zhichi suanzaoren decoction on oxidative stress injury of hippocampal neurons in perimenopausal insomnia mice
Yufei LIU ; Zeyu ZHANG ; Yonghua ZHANG ; Linlin HU ; Xin ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2372-2378
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of Zhichi suanzaoren decoction (ZSD) on hippocampal oxidative stress injury in hippocampal neurons of mice with perimenopausal insomnia. METHODS The potential targets of active ingredients in ZSD were predicted using TCMSP and TCMIP databases; the targets related to insomnia were searched through GeneCards, OMIM and DisGeNET databases; protein-protein interaction network of intersecting targets of ZSD ingredients and insomnia was constructed; Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on key targets. Sixty mice were divided into sham operation group, model group, ZSD low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11, 22, and 33 g/kg), and eszopiclone group (positive control, 1 mg/kg). Except for sham operation group, the perimenopausal insomnia model was constructed by ovariectomy (OVX) in the other groups. After successful modeling, mice in each group were gavaged with normal saline or the corresponding drug solution, once a day, for three consecutive weeks. The sleep status of mice was evaluated through the pentobarbital sodium sleep synergy experiment, and the pathological changes of hippocampal neurons and the expressions of related genes and proteins in mice were observed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry staining, immunofluorescence staining, transcriptome sequencing technology and Western blot. RESULTS The results of network pharmacology showed that there were 296 intersection targets between ZSD and perimenopausal insomnia. Protein kinase B1 (Akt1) was a key target for treating insomnia with ZSD. After administration of ZSD, the sleep latency of mice was shortened, the sleep duration was prolonged significantly, and the mean optical density value of neuron-specific nuclear protein in the hippocampal CA1 region was significantly increased (P<0.01). Additionally, hippocampal neuron damage in OVX mice was significantly alleviated. The results of transcriptome sequencing showed that ZSD significantly upregulated the transcriptional levels of Nfe2l2 gene in hippocampal tissue of OVX mice (P<0.05). After administration of ZSD, protein expressions of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hippocampal tissue of OVX mice, as well as the phosphorylated Akt level, were increased significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS ZSD can ameliorate hippocampal oxidative stress injury of hippocampal neurons in perimenopausal insomnia mice by activating the Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
4.Analysis of the demands for pharmaceutical clinic service and influential factors based on Kano model
Han SHAN ; Xuan YE ; Zihan GUO ; Jing WU ; Jinwei HU ; Xiaopei TONG ; Yufei BIN ; Jiyong LIU ; Qiong DU ; Mengmeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2850-2855
OBJECTIVE To explore the characteristics and influential factors of pharmaceutical clinic service demands, providing evidence for optimizing pharmaceutical service models and facilitating pharmaceutical service models of pharmacist role transformation. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and 410 outpatient participants were selected from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center through convenience sampling for questionnaire administration from February to May 2025. Kano model was applied to analyze the demand attributes of 25 pharmaceutical services, while questionnaires were used to assess patients’ awareness and demand status. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on key demographic variables such as gender, age, educational attainment, and economic burdens, to SACA- systematically examine the differences in Kano attribute classification among patients in each subgroup. RESULTS The awareness rate of pharmaceutical outpatient services among patients was only 14.63%, yet those who were aware demonstrated a significantly higher demand rate for such services compared to those who were unaware (P<0.001). The demand for pharmaceutical clinic services exhibited a hierarchical characteristic: twelve items were identified as attractive attributes (e. g., providing suggestions for more affordable treatment options, offering online consultation services, etc.), five items as expected attributes (e.g., having a good attitude and being able to patiently answer your questions, etc.), three items as must-have attributes (e.g., providing guidance on medication dosage and usage, providing guidance on medication precautions, etc.), five items as indifferent attributes (e.g., providing treatment plan recommendations based on the patient’s condition). There were zero items classified as reverse attribute. Subgroup analysis revealed that female patients showed greater concern for “neat and clean attire of medical staff” than male patients (P<0.001); patients under 60 years of age demonstrated stronger demand for “providing treatment plan recommendations based on patients’ conditions” compared to patients aged 60 or above (P=0.016); those with below high school education placed greater emphasis on “providing guidance on medication precautions” compared to those with a high school education or above (P=0.011); patients with lower economic burdens exhibited stronger preferences for “neat and clean attire of medical staff ” (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The public awareness rate of pharmaceutical clinic services is considerably low; however, those who are aware of such services demonstrate significantly higher demand. The medication safety-related services and convenience-oriented demands should be prioritized in the development of pharmaceutical clinics. Moreover, the study also revealed that factors such as gender, age, educational level, and economic burdens exert significant influences on patients’ service demands.
5.Quercetin ameliorates myocardial injury in diabetic rats by regulating L-type calcium channels.
Hongyan SUN ; Guoqing LU ; Chengwen FU ; Mengwen XU ; Xiaoyi ZHU ; Guoquan XING ; Leqiang LIU ; Yufei KE ; Lemei CUI ; Ruiyang CHEN ; Lei WANG ; Pinfang KANG ; Bi TANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):531-541
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of quercetin on cuproptosis and L-type calcium currents in the myocardium of diabetic rats.
METHODS:
Forty SD rats were randomized into control group and diabetic model groups. The rat models of diabetes mellitus (DM) induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection were further divided into DM model group, quercetin treatment group, and empagliflozin treatment group (n=10). Blood glucose and body weight were measured every other week, and cardiac function of the rats was evaluated using echocardiography. HE staining, Sirius red staining, and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) analysis were used to observe the changes in myocardial histomorphology, and serum copper levels and myocardial FDX1 expression were detected. In cultured rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells with high-glucose exposure, the effects of quercetin and elesclomol, alone or in combination, on intracellular CK-MB and LDH levels and FDX1 expression were assessed, and the changes in L-type calcium currents were analyzed using patch-clamp technique.
RESULTS:
The diabetic rats exhibited elevated blood glucose, reduced body weight, impaired left ventricular function, increased serum copper levels and myocardial FDX1 expression, decreased L-type calcium currents, and prolonged action potential duration. Quercetin and empagliflozin treatment significantly lowered blood glucose, improved body weight, and restored cardiac function of the diabetic rats, and compared with empagliflozin, quercetin more effectively reduced serum copper levels, downregulated FDX1 expression, and enhanced myocardial L-type calcium currents in diabetic rats. In H9c2 cells, high glucose exposure significantly increased myocardial expressions of FDX1, CK-MB and LDH, which were effectively lowered by quercetin treatment; Elesclomol further elevated FDX1, CK-MB and LDH levels in the exposed cells, and these changes were not significantly affected by the application of quercetin.
CONCLUSIONS
Quercetin ameliorates myocardial injury in diabetic rats possibly by suppressing myocardial cuproptosis signaling and restoring L-type calcium channel activity.
Animals
;
Quercetin/pharmacology*
;
Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism*
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Myocytes, Cardiac/drug effects*
;
Myocardium/pathology*
;
Male
7.Recombinant yeast-cell microcapsules carrying the DNA vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
Xiafang ZHAO ; Lihong DU ; Baoxia MA ; Shaona JIA ; Yufei LIU ; Yufei ZHU ; Xiaotao MA ; Xiaojun YANG ; Kun XU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(6):2388-2404
The enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is a major factor restricting the development of animal husbandry. However, the abuse of antibiotics will lead to the antibiotic residues and emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The existing vaccines face challenges in stimulating intestinal immunity, demonstrating limited prevention effects. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop a new vaccine that is safe and suitable as a feed additive to activate intestinal immunity. This study constructed yeast-cell microcapsules (YCM) carrying the DNA vaccine against ETEC by genetic engineering. Furthermore, animal experiments were carried out to explore the regulatory effects of feeding YCM on the intestinal immune system and intestinal microbiota. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was selected as the oral delivery vehicle (microcapsules) of the DNA vaccine. The codon-optimized nucleic acid sequence of K88, the main antigen of mammal-derived ETEC, was synthesized, and the yeast shuttle vector containing the corresponding DNA vaccine expression cassette was constructed by DNA recombination. The recombinant strain of YCM was prepared by transforming JMY1. Additionally, the characteristics of the YCM strain and its feasibility as an oral vaccine were comprehensively evaluated by the fluorescence reporter assay, gastrointestinal fluid tolerance assay, intestinal epithelial cell adhesion assay, intestinal retention assessment, antiserum detection, and intestinal microbiota detection. The experimental results showed that the DNA vaccine expression cassette was expressed in mammals, and the recombinant strain of YCM could tolerate up to 8 hours of gastrointestinal fluid digestion and had good adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells. The results of mouse feeding experiments indicated that the recombinant strain of YCM could stay in the intestinal tract for at least two weeks, and the DNA vaccine expression cassette carried by YCM entered the intestinal immune system and triggered an immune response to induce the production of specific antibodies. Moreover, feeding YCM recombinant bacteria also improved the abundance of gut microbiota in mice, demonstrating a positive effect in regulating intestinal flora. In summary, we prepared the recombinant strain of YCM carrying the DNA vaccine against ETEC and comprehensively evaluated its characteristics and feasibility as an oral vaccine. Feeding the recombinant YCM could induce specific immune responses and regulate intestinal microbiota. The findings provide a reference for the immunoprevention of ETEC-related animal diseases.
Animals
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Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism*
;
Vaccines, DNA/genetics*
;
Mice
;
Escherichia coli Infections/immunology*
;
Escherichia coli Vaccines/genetics*
;
Capsules
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Female
8.Association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index and body circumferences among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China
Zheng ZHANG ; Bing WU ; Yingli QU ; Yang LI ; Lanjing XU ; Chunxian LYU ; Chen CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Kai XUE ; Yuan WEI ; Jinhui ZHOU ; Xulin ZHENG ; Yidan QIU ; Yufei LUO ; Junxin LIU ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):227-234
Objective:To investigate the association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index (BMI) and body circumferences among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.Methods:Subjects were older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) between 2017 and 2018 conducted in 9 longevity areas in China. A total of 1 968 older adults were included in this study. Information including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet intake, and health status was collected by using questionnaires and physical examinations. Urine samples were collected to detect urinary cadmium and creatinine levels. Body circumferences included waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference. Subjects were divided into three groups (low:<0.77 μg/g·creatinine, middle:0.77-1.69 μg/g·creatinine, high:≥1.69 μg/g·creatinine) by tertiles of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium level with BMI and body circumferences. The dose-response relationship of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration with BMI and body circumferences was analyzed by using restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model.Results:The mean age of subjects was (83.34±11.14) years old. The median (Q1, Q3) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium was 1.13 (0.63, 2.09) μg/g·creatinine, and the BMI was (22.70±3.82) kg/m 2. The mean values of waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference were (85.42±10.68) cm, (92.67±8.90) cm, and (31.08±4.76) cm, respectively. After controlling confounding factors, the results of the multiple linear regression model showed that for each increment of 1 μg/g·creatinine in creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium, the change of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference in the high-level group was -0.28 (-0.37, -0.19) kg/m 2, -0.74 (-0.96, -0.52) cm, -0.78 (-0.96, -0.61) cm, and -0.20 (-0.30, -0.11) cm, respectively. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a negative nonlinear association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with BMI ( Pnonlinear<0.001) and negative linear associations of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with waist circumference ( Plinear<0.001), hip circumference ( Plinear<0.001), and calf circumference ( Plinear<0.001). Conclusion:Urinary cadmium level is significantly associated with decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.
9.Association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index and body circumferences among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China
Zheng ZHANG ; Bing WU ; Yingli QU ; Yang LI ; Lanjing XU ; Chunxian LYU ; Chen CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Kai XUE ; Yuan WEI ; Jinhui ZHOU ; Xulin ZHENG ; Yidan QIU ; Yufei LUO ; Junxin LIU ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):227-234
Objective:To investigate the association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index (BMI) and body circumferences among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.Methods:Subjects were older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) between 2017 and 2018 conducted in 9 longevity areas in China. A total of 1 968 older adults were included in this study. Information including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet intake, and health status was collected by using questionnaires and physical examinations. Urine samples were collected to detect urinary cadmium and creatinine levels. Body circumferences included waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference. Subjects were divided into three groups (low:<0.77 μg/g·creatinine, middle:0.77-1.69 μg/g·creatinine, high:≥1.69 μg/g·creatinine) by tertiles of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium level with BMI and body circumferences. The dose-response relationship of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration with BMI and body circumferences was analyzed by using restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model.Results:The mean age of subjects was (83.34±11.14) years old. The median (Q1, Q3) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium was 1.13 (0.63, 2.09) μg/g·creatinine, and the BMI was (22.70±3.82) kg/m 2. The mean values of waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference were (85.42±10.68) cm, (92.67±8.90) cm, and (31.08±4.76) cm, respectively. After controlling confounding factors, the results of the multiple linear regression model showed that for each increment of 1 μg/g·creatinine in creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium, the change of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference in the high-level group was -0.28 (-0.37, -0.19) kg/m 2, -0.74 (-0.96, -0.52) cm, -0.78 (-0.96, -0.61) cm, and -0.20 (-0.30, -0.11) cm, respectively. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a negative nonlinear association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with BMI ( Pnonlinear<0.001) and negative linear associations of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with waist circumference ( Plinear<0.001), hip circumference ( Plinear<0.001), and calf circumference ( Plinear<0.001). Conclusion:Urinary cadmium level is significantly associated with decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.
10.Identification of potential immune-related mechanisms related to the development of multiple myeloma
Yaomei WANG ; Wenli ZHANG ; Tiandong LI ; Mengmeng LIU ; Mengya GAO ; Xinqing LI ; Yufei CHEN ; Yongping SONG ; Wei LI ; Chunyan DU ; Fang WANG ; Lina LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(13):1603-1613
Background::Although significant advances have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), leading to unprecedented response and survival rates among patients, the majority eventually relapse, and a cure remains elusive. This situation is closely related to an incomplete understanding of the immune microenvironment, especially monocytes/macrophages in patients with treatment-na?ve MM. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the immune microenvironment, especially monocytes/macrophages, in patients with treatment-na?ve MM.Methods::This study used the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of both patients with MM and heathy donors to identify immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes/macrophages. Transcriptomic data and flow cytometry analysis of monocytes/macrophages were used to further examine the effect of monocytes/macrophages in treatment-na?ve MM patients.Results::A significant difference was observed between the bone marrow (BM) immune cells of the healthy controls and treatment-na?ve MM patients through scRNA-seq. It is noteworthy that, through an scRNA-seq data analysis, this study found that interferon (IFN)-induced NK/T cells, terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) cells, T-helper cells characterized by expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG +Th cells), IFN-responding exhausted T cells, mannose receptor C-type 1 (MRC1) + DCs, IFN-responding DCs, MHCII + DCs, and immunosuppressive monocytes/macrophages were enriched in patients with treatment-na?ve MM. Significantly, transcriptomic data of monocytes/macrophages demonstrated that "don’t eat me" -related genes and IFN-induced genes increase in treatment-na?ve MM patients. Furthermore, scRNA-seq, transcriptomic data, and flow cytometry also showed an increased proportion of CD16 + monocytes/macrophages and expression level of CD16. Cell-cell communication analysis indicated that monocytes/macrophages, whose related important signaling pathways include migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and interleukin 16 (IL-16) signaling pathway, are key players in treatment-na?ve MM patients. Conclusions::Our findings provide a comprehensive and in-depth molecular characterization of BM immune cell census in MM patients, especially for monocytes/macrophages. Targeting macrophages may be a novel treatment strategy for patients with MM.

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