1.Fabrication and evaluation of an inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel with dual capabilities of self-mineralization and osteoinduction
LIU Mingyi ; MIAO Xiaoyu ; CAI Yunfan ; WANG Yan ; SUN Xiaotang ; KANG Jingrui ; ZHAO Yao ; NIU Lina
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):29-40
Objective:
To fabricate a hydrogel loaded with inositol hexaphosphate-zinc and preliminarily evaluate its performance in self-mineralization and osteoinduction, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of bone regeneration materials.
Methods:
The hydrogel framework (designated DF0) was formed by copolymerizing methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride and four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate, followed by sequentially loading inositol hexaphosphate anions via electrostatic interaction and zinc ions via chelation. The hydrogel loaded only with inositol hexaphosphate anions was named DF1, while the co-loaded hydrogel was named DF2. The self-mineralization efficacy of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The biocompatibility was assessed via live/dead cell staining and a CCK-8 assay. The osteoinductive capacity of the DF0 , DF1 and DF2 hydrogels on MC3T3-E1 cells was assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. In the aforementioned cell experiments, cells cultured in standard medium served as the control group
Results:
The DF0, DF1, and DF2 hydrogels were successfully synthesized. Notably, DF1 and DF2 exhibited distinct self-mineralization within 6 days. Results from TEM, EDS, and SAED confirmed that the mineralization products were amorphous calcium phosphate in group DF1, and amorphous calciumzinc phosphate in group DF2. Biocompatibility tests revealed that none of the hydrogels (DF0, DF1, and DF2) adversely affected cell viability or proliferation. In osteogenic induction experiments, both ALP and ARS staining were intensified in the DF1 and DF2 groups, with the most profound staining observed in the DF2 group.
Conclusion
The developed inositol hexaphosphate-zinc hydrogel (DF2) demonstrates the dual capacity to generate calcium-phosphate compounds through self-mineralization while exhibiting excellent osteoinductive properties. This biocompatible, dual-promoting osteogenic hydrogel presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration.
2.Experience in Treating Ischemic Stroke with Triple-Medicinal Combinations
Xueru ZHANG ; Wei SHEN ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):407-410
This paper summarized the clinical experience in treating ischemic stroke with jiao (角) medicine (triple-medicinal combinations). Clinically, the combination of Roucongrong (Cistanche deserticola)-Shanyurou (Cornus officinalis)-Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) is used to nourish the kidneys and liver for disease mechanism of liver-kidney depletion, and foundation deficiency due to insufficient essence and blood; the combination of Xixiancao (Sigesbeckia orientalis)-Tianma (Gastrodia elata)-Gouteng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) is used to extinguish wind and eliminate dampness for treating numbness and swelling of limbs caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Shichangpu (Acorus Tatarinowii)-Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia)-Yujin (Curcumae Radix) is used to improve intelligence, refresh the brain, and clear the mind for treating cognitive impairment, memory loss, or speech difficulties caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Banxia (Pinellia ternata)-Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)- Tianma (Gastrodiae rhizoma) is used to dissolve phlegm and extinguish wind, unblock meridians and relieve dizziness for treating dizziness or headache caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Danggui (Angelica sinensis radix)- Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)-Guijianyu (Euonymus alatus) is used to nourish and activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis and unblock meridians for treating weak limbs and activiry difficulty caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Chaihu (Bupleurum chinense)-Zhiziz (Gardenia jasminoides)-Guanye Jinsitao (Hypericum perforatum) is used to soothe the liver and resolve constraint, cool the blood and calm the mind for treating emotional complications.
3.Reconsideraton of Stroke with Syndrome of Combined Blood Stasis and Toxin from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Yunfan ZHANG ; Di ZHAO ; Lina MIAO ; Hongxi LIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Xiao LIANG ; Liuding WANG ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1305-1310
Xiang thinking is a cognitive approach that reflects the relationships between phenomena and their underlying principles by analyzing their external manifestations through methods such as analogy, reasoning, deduction, and symbolism. This article applied xiang thinking to analyze the etiology and pathogenesis of "wind, fire, phlegm, and blood stasis" in stroke, thereby exploring its impact on the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment of this condition. Meanwhile, the article traced the construction process of xiang thinking, and interpreted the concept of "toxin pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine from four perspectives, state, attribute, origin, and law. Furthermore, the relationship between the process of constructing xiang thinking and the origin of etiology, identification methods, pathogenesis evolution, and treatment strategies for stroke with syndrome of combined blood stasis and toxin was explored, so as to provide insights into research on the etiology and pathogenesis of stroke, as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment approaches.
4.Exploring the Disease Mechanism and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Based on Ascending and Descending of Qi Movement from the Perspective of Xiang Thinking
Liuding WANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Yifan CHEN ; Yue LIU ; Hongxi LIU ; Di ZHAO ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Yunmeng CHEN ; Xueru ZHANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1443-1448
Xiang thinking is the key way of thinking to construct the life model of human body in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the theory of ascending and descending of qi movement is an important manifestation of xiang thinking in the theory of TCM. Based on the theory of qi movement, this paper interpreted the mechanism of ischemic stroke through the perspective of xiang thinking "earth weakness - wood constraint - fire hyperactivity", as "earth weakness in the central and dampness accumulated to phlegm" "wood constraint and stirring wind led to blood stasis" and "fire hyperactivity and fire toxin showed flaming upward" due to disorder of qi movement. Combined with the "xiang of medicinal properties and therapy methods" to discuss the treatment and prescriptions of ischaemic stroke, applying wind medicinals to elevate ji-earth (己土) and yi-wood (乙木), so that phlegm and stasis can be eliminated, and cold medicinals to descend jia-wood (甲木) and wu-earth (戊土) so that fire toxin can be cleared, with a view to restore ascending and descending of qi movement for ischaemic stroke.
5.Discussion on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Pharmacological Mechanism of Xuanfei Baidu Prescription in Treatment of Viral Pneumonia
Yihao ZHANG ; Xin PENG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Yunfan WANG ; Jiaqi SHANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):214-224
Viral pneumonia (VP) is an inflammatory disease caused by one or more viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract and spread downward. Causing varying degrees of pulmonary parenchymal damage, VP poses a serious threat to the society and public health. The treatment of VP now faces the dilemma of drug shortage, since Western medicine can only alleviate symptoms and lacks specific treatment methods. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), VP is assigned as an epidemic disease, with the etiology attributed to epidemic toxin and six excesses and the pathological factors of dampness, heat, toxin, deficiency, and stasis. The basic pathogenesis of VP is Yin-Yang imbalance, dysfunction of Zang-Fu organs, and healthy Qi deficiency. Accordingly, the treatment should follow the principle of replenishing healthy Qi and expelling pathogen. The treatment method of VP is mainly developed based on syndrome differentiation of six meridians, defense-Qi-nutrient-blood, and triple energizer. Xuanfei Baidu prescription (XFBD) is an effective prescription developed by Academician ZHANG Boli and Professor LIU Qingquan by literature research and selection of multi-component Chinese medicine. It is the product of modern research combined with TCM. XFBD is modified from Maxing Shigantang, Maxing Yigantang, Tingli Dazao Xiefeitang, Qianjin Weijingtang, and Buhuanjin Zhengqisan. It is mainly used to treat epidemic diseases with the syndrome of dampness toxin stagnating in the lung, with the effects of ventilating lung and resolving dampness, clearing heat and expelling pathogen, purging lung, and removing toxin, demonstrating the potential for the prevention and treatment of VP. This paper reviews the research progress of XFBD in combating VP in terms of the prescription composition, compatibility ideas, indications, and clinical new applications, as well as the pharmacological mechanisms of inhibiting virus, reducing inflammation, regulating immune system, ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis, and modulating intestinal flora. In addition, we put forward our thoughts and suggestions on the problems in the research, with a view to informing the clinical use of drugs and the basic research on the treatment of VP including COVID-19.
6.Effects of different concentrations of brusatol on silicosis fibrosis in mice
Huimin KANG ; Rou LI ; Hanqin WANG ; Yunfan ZHENG ; Shi CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(5):539-545
Background Silicosis is a diffuse fibrosis of the lungs caused by long-term inhalation of free silicon dioxide (SiO2). It has a complex pathogenesis and lacks effective treatment. Brusatol (Bru) has a variety of biological activities, and its role in silicosis fibrosis is unclear yet. Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of Bru on SiO2-induced silicosis fibrosis in mice. Methods Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups: a control group, a silica group, and three Bru intervention groups with low, medium, and high doses (1, 2, and 4 mg·kg−1), with 6 mice in each group. Except the control group, the remaining groups were established as SiO2-induced silicosis mouse models by using a single tracheal infusion of 50 μL 60 mg·mL−1 SiO2 suspension. The control group was dosed with equal amount of saline. The Bru intervention groups were injected intraperitoneally with Bru for 5 consecutive days and then injected every other day. After 28 d of exposure, the mice were executed and lung tissues were collected. The lung coefficient of the mice was measured, and the pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The levels of apoptotic protein Cleaved-caspase 3, fibrosis-related protein α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen (Col-I), autophagy-associated protein Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), Sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1), Kelch like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) were detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of Caspase 3, α-SMA, and Col-I were measured by realtime fluorescence-based quantitative PCR. Results Compared with the control group, the lung coefficient of mice in the silica group was significantly increased (P < 0.01); the lung tissues of the silicosis mice showed damaged alveolar walls, along with infiltration of inflammatory cells, fibrous nodules, and collagen deposition; furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of Cleaved-caspase 3, α-SMA, and Col-I were significantly increased (P < 0.01); the expression levels of Beclin1, LC3-II/I, p62, and Nrf2 were increased, while that of Keap1 was decreased (P < 0.05). The interventions with low and medium doses of Bru reduced lung coefficient (P < 0.05) and protected against pathological damage and collagen deposition in the lung tissues of the silicosis mice; the protein and mRNA expression levels of Cleaved-caspase 3, α-SMA, and Col-I were significantly decreased in the low and medium dose groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), the expression levels of Beclin1, LC3-II/I, p62, and Nrf2 were also decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the expression level of Keap1 was increased in the medium dose group (P < 0.05). However, compared with the silica group, the differences in lung coefficient, pathological damage, and protein and mRNA expression levels of Cleaved-caspase 3, α-SMA, and Col-I in the Bru high dose group were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In addition, the high dose of Bru decreased Beclin1, LC3-II/I, and Nrf2 expression levels (P < 0.01), did not change p62 protein expression level (P > 0.05), while increased Keap1 protein level (P < 0.01). Conclusion Low and medium doses of Bru might regulate autophagy through the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, ameliorate autophagic degradation impairment, reduce pulmonary coefficient, attenuate apoptosis, and delay the progression of fibrosis in SiO2-induced silicosis mice.
7.Correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and disease activity in Behcet's disease
Changfen YUAN ; Ying XU ; Yunfan GUO ; Yuntao WU ; Xiuyan WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(3):311-314
Objective To explore the correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and Behcet's disease(BD)activity.Methods A total of 103 BD patients were divided into the low activity group(0-4,61 cases)and the high activity group(5-11,42 cases)according to electronic medical record-based disease activity index(EMRAI)score.The white blood cell(WBC),neutrophil(NEU),lymphocyte(LY),platelet(PLT),red blood cell(RBC),hemoglobin(Hb),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),IgG,IgA,IgM,complement C3 and C4 were detected.NLR and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)were calculated.The correlation between NLR,PLR and ESR,CRP,EMRAI were analyzed.Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of BD disease activity.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the effectiveness of NLR in judging BD disease activity.Results WBC,NEU,PLT,ESR,CRP,NLR,PLR,complement C3 and C4 in patients were higher in the high activity group than those in the low activity group(P<0.05),and there were no significant differences in other indexes(P>0.05).NLR was positively correlated with ESR,CRP and EMRAI in the whole group,while PLR was positively correlated with ESR,CRP and EMRAI in the whole group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that high NLR was a risk factor for BD disease activity(OR=1.511,95%CI:1.080-2.113,P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of NLR in evaluating BD disease activity was 0.706(95%CI:0.603-0.809).Conclusion NLR is effective in judging the disease activity of BD patients,and can be used as a biological index to evaluate the disease activity of BD.
8.Treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitor for newly-diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia: a domestic multi-centre retrospective real-world study
Xiaoshuai ZHANG ; Bingcheng LIU ; Xin DU ; Yanli ZHANG ; Na XU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Weiming LI ; Hai LIN ; Rong LIANG ; Chunyan CHEN ; Jian HUANG ; Yunfan YANG ; Huanling ZHU ; Ling PAN ; Xiaodong WANG ; Guohui LI ; Zhuogang LIU ; Yanqing ZHANG ; Zhenfang LIU ; Jianda HU ; Chunshui LIU ; Fei LI ; Wei YANG ; Li MENG ; Yanqiu HAN ; Li'e LIN ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Chuanqing TU ; Caifeng ZHENG ; Yanliang BAI ; Zeping ZHOU ; Suning CHEN ; Huiying QIU ; Lijie YANG ; Xiuli SUN ; Hui SUN ; Li ZHOU ; Zelin LIU ; Danyu WANG ; Jianxin GUO ; Liping PANG ; Qingshu ZENG ; Xiaohui SUO ; Weihua ZHANG ; Yuanjun ZHENG ; Qian JIANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(3):215-224
Objective:To retrospectively analyze the treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in China.Methods:Data of chronic phase (CP) and accelerated phase (AP) CML patients diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2022 from 77 centers, ≥18 years old, and receiving initial imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib or flumatinib-therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China with complete data were retrospectively interrogated. The choice of initial TKI, current TKI medications, treatment switch and reasons, treatment responses and outcomes as well as the variables associated with them were analyzed.Results:6 893 patients in CP ( n=6 453, 93.6%) or AP ( n=440, 6.4%) receiving initial imatinib ( n=4 906, 71.2%), nilotinib ( n=1 157, 16.8%), dasatinib ( n=298, 4.3%) or flumatinib ( n=532, 7.2%) -therapy. With the median follow-up of 43 ( IQR 22-75) months, 1 581 (22.9%) patients switched TKI due to resistance ( n=1 055, 15.3%), intolerance ( n=248, 3.6%), pursuit of better efficacy ( n=168, 2.4%), economic or other reasons ( n=110, 1.6%). The frequency of switching TKI in AP patients was significantly-higher than that in CP patients (44.1% vs 21.5%, P<0.001), and more AP patients switched TKI due to resistance than CP patients (75.3% vs 66.1%, P=0.011). Multi-variable analyses showed that male, lower HGB concentration and ELTS intermediate/high-risk cohort were associated with lower cytogenetic and molecular responses rate and poor outcomes in CP patients; higher WBC count and initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher response rates; Ph + ACA at diagnosis, poor PFS. However, Sokal intermediate/high-risk cohort was only significantly-associated with lower CCyR and MMR rates and the poor PFS. Lower HGB concentration and larger spleen size were significantly-associated with the lower cytogenetic and molecular response rates in AP patients; initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher treatment response rates; lower PLT count, higher blasts and Ph + ACA, poorer TFS; Ph + ACA, poorer OS. Conclusion:At present, the vast majority of newly-diagnosed CML-CP or AP patients could benefit from TKI treatment in the long term with the good treatment responses and survival outcomes.
9.Choice of extraction media for Ni release risk evaluation on nickel-titanium alloys cardiovascular stents
Bin LIU ; Yang QIN ; Xiaoman ZHANG ; Changyan WU ; Dongwei WANG ; Wenli LI ; Cheng JIN ; Yunfan DONG ; Yiwei ZHAO ; Lili LIU ; Wei XIONG
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2024;47(2):156-161
Objective:To determine the content of the released nickel ion through the 7 extraction media to extract the Ni-Ti wires and to plot the curve of the released nickel ion so as to identify a leaching medium that can be substituted for blood for in vitro Ni release evaluation. Methods:The release of Ni through microwave digestion/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the goat serum was determined. Because of the high content of Ni release, it could be determined by diluting the extraction medium, and other extraction media could be determined directly. Ni release standard curves were plotted by the release amount and different time point variables. Though the different extraction media Ni release curves confirm the specificity of extraction media instead of blood.Results:By analyzing the Ni release curves of seven leaching media, it was found that none of these seven extraction media was suitable for the evaluation of Ni release in in vitro leaching media. Considering the safety of the leaching medium and the simplicity of preparation, hydrochloric acid solution was chosen as the leaching medium, but the concentration needed to be diluted accordingly. Finally, a hydrochloric acid solution was created as an alternative to blood for the in vitro study of Ni release from Ni-Ti alloy cardiovascular products, with a volume fraction of 0.005%. Conclusions:The in vitro leaching medium that can replace blood was found to be hydrochloric acid for the time being, but its concentration was too high, resulting in too much Ni release as well, which deviated from the actual situation. Therefore, the hydrochloric acid solution was diluted step by step, and the Ni release curve was examined until it was close to the clinical release level, and the actual concentration was determined, thus laying a solid foundation for the subsequent evaluation of the safety and risk.
10.Dawn of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases
Yuxin LIU ; Minghao DONG ; Yunhui CHU ; Luoqi ZHOU ; Yunfan YOU ; Xiaowei PANG ; Sheng YANG ; Luyang ZHANG ; Lian CHEN ; Lifang ZHU ; Jun XIAO ; Wei WANG ; Chuan QIN ; Daishi TIAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(10):1140-1150
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Based on the immunomodulatory capability of CAR-T cells, efforts have turned toward exploring their potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Bibliometric analysis of 210 records from 128 academic journals published by 372 institutions in 40 countries/regions indicates a growing number of publications on CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases, covering a range of subtypes such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, among others. CAR-T therapy holds promise in mitigating several shortcomings, including the indiscriminate suppression of the immune system by traditional immunosuppressants, and non-sustaining therapeutic levels of monoclonal antibodies due to inherent pharmacokinetic constraints. By persisting and proliferating in vivo, CAR-T cells can offer a tailored and precise therapeutics. This paper reviewed preclinical experiments and clinical trials involving CAR-T and CAR-related therapies in various autoimmune diseases, incorporating innovations well-studied in the field of hematological tumors, aiming to explore a safe and effective therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory autoimmune diseases.


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