1.Schwann cells promote peripheral nerve regeneration:retrospect and prospect
Zhenyi FU ; Junhao LI ; Yating ZHANG ; Yunkai HE ; Junyu LIU ; Yunhao WEI ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1236-1246
BACKGROUND:Peripheral nerve axon rupture seriously affects patients' physical function and mental health.Microsurgery,nerve autograft,nerve allograft,fibrin glue and catheter technology are the main treatments for peripheral nerve injury,each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages,but the overall treatment effect is not satisfactory.Despite the clinical success of Schwann cells in promoting axonal regeneration,there are still many challenges in the treatment with Schwann cells,such as slow expansion of Schwann cells,immune rejection,and low survival rate of transplanted cells.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the role and mechanism of Schwann cells in promoting the regeneration of peripheral nerve axons,and the difficulties and challenges of Schwann cells in the process of nerve regeneration treatment.METHODS:PubMed,Medline,WanFang,VIP,and CNKI were searched by computer using the search terms of"Schwann cells,synaptic Schwann cell,macrophage,peripheral nerve axon rupture,Wallerian degeneration,Peripheral nerve axon regeneration,Central nervous system repair"in English and Chinese.Literature related to Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation,promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration,and clinical applications was retrieved from database inception to October 2024,and a total of 95 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Schwann cells interact with macrophages,T cells and other cells,to initiate the regeneration process through signaling pathways,including Krox20/C-Jun,NRG-1/ErbB,Notch,MAPK,and PI3K/Akt/mTOR,synthesize and release nerve growth factors,and thus promote regeneration of the peripheral nervous system.Schwann cells have been experimentally demonstrated to have great potential in peripheral nerve repair and are expected to become the key target of therapeutic intervention.However,there are still problems such as difficulties in cell harvest and culture,as well as the occurrence of other diseases during the treatment process.
2.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
3.Effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤) on Th2 Immune Responses and Nasal Mucosal TSLP/OX40L Pathway in Allergic Rhinitis Model Rats
Yimeng CHEN ; Yuye CHEN ; Guangchun YU ; Bei CHEN ; Jianwei ZHANG ; Shanshan DING ; Xiaoting YANG ; Baifan YU ; Yating CAI ; Xuejuan LIN ; Mengting ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):994-1002
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction (小青龙汤, XD) in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. MethodsForty-five rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a model group, a loratadine group, low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups, and low-, medium- and high-dose Mahuang Decoction and Cang'erzi Powder (麻黄汤合苍耳子散, MDCP) groups. Except for the control group, rats were administered with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection for 14 days to establish an allergic rhinitis model. After the 14th-day injection, nasal stimulation was continued with 20 μl of 10% OVA solution to maintain the model. Rats in the control group and the model group received 10 ml/(kg·d) of saline, whereas those in the loratadine group were administered with 0.9 mg/(kg·d) of loratadine. The low-, medium- and high-dose XD groups were administered XD at the dose of 2.7, 5.4, and 10.8 g/(kg·d), respectively. The low-, medium- and high-dose MDCP groups were administered MDCP at the dose of 2.43, 4.86, and 9.72 g/(kg·d), respectively. All treatments were administered by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the final gavage, nasal symptom scores were recorded for all group of rats. The next day, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the nasal mucosal tissue. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot were performed to assess mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and OX40 ligand (OX40L) in the nasal mucosa. ResultsCompared to the control group, total nasal symptom score in the model group significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining revealed disrupted and adhered cilia, thickened basement membranes, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. Serum levels of total IgE, IL-4, and IL-13, as well as TSLP and OX40L mRNA and protein expression in the nasal mucosa, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the total nasal symptom scores in all drug intervention groups were significantly reduced; the serum total IgE levels in the loratadine group, the low- and medium-dose XD groups, and the low- and high-dose MDCP groups were significantly reduced; and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in the high-dose XD group and the high-dose MDCP group decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Nasal mucosal structure was improved. Except for the low-dose MDCP group, all other intervention groups showed a significant reduction in TSLP and OX40L mRNA expression in the nasal mucosa (P<0.01). All doses of XD and the medium- and high-dose MDCP groups significantly decreased the protein levels of TSLP and OX40L (P<0.05). The medium-dose XD group exhibited more improvement of nasal symptom scores and greater suppression of expression of TSLP and OX40L mRNA, and TSLP protein levels compared to the loratadine group (P<0.05). ConclusionXD may protect nasal mucosa of rats and alleviate allergic rhinitis by suppressing the TSLP/OX40L pathway, thereby attenuating Th2-mediated immune responses.
4.Schwann cells promote peripheral nerve regeneration:retrospect and prospect
Zhenyi FU ; Junhao LI ; Yating ZHANG ; Yunkai HE ; Junyu LIU ; Yunhao WEI ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1236-1246
BACKGROUND:Peripheral nerve axon rupture seriously affects patients' physical function and mental health.Microsurgery,nerve autograft,nerve allograft,fibrin glue and catheter technology are the main treatments for peripheral nerve injury,each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages,but the overall treatment effect is not satisfactory.Despite the clinical success of Schwann cells in promoting axonal regeneration,there are still many challenges in the treatment with Schwann cells,such as slow expansion of Schwann cells,immune rejection,and low survival rate of transplanted cells.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the role and mechanism of Schwann cells in promoting the regeneration of peripheral nerve axons,and the difficulties and challenges of Schwann cells in the process of nerve regeneration treatment.METHODS:PubMed,Medline,WanFang,VIP,and CNKI were searched by computer using the search terms of"Schwann cells,synaptic Schwann cell,macrophage,peripheral nerve axon rupture,Wallerian degeneration,Peripheral nerve axon regeneration,Central nervous system repair"in English and Chinese.Literature related to Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation,promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration,and clinical applications was retrieved from database inception to October 2024,and a total of 95 articles were finally included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Schwann cells interact with macrophages,T cells and other cells,to initiate the regeneration process through signaling pathways,including Krox20/C-Jun,NRG-1/ErbB,Notch,MAPK,and PI3K/Akt/mTOR,synthesize and release nerve growth factors,and thus promote regeneration of the peripheral nervous system.Schwann cells have been experimentally demonstrated to have great potential in peripheral nerve repair and are expected to become the key target of therapeutic intervention.However,there are still problems such as difficulties in cell harvest and culture,as well as the occurrence of other diseases during the treatment process.
5.Mechanism of artemether in treating diabetic sarcopenia via network pharmacology and animal experiment
Jiaxin LI ; Yuchun CAI ; Xiufen GU ; Yating ZHANG ; Shoupan GAO ; Huili SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1032-1044
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of artemether in diabetic sarcopenia(DS)using network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsPotential active components and therapeutic targets were screened using artemisinin as the parent compound. The predicted targets were intersected with DS-related targets, followed by construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to identify the key biological processes and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was further used to evaluate the binding affinity between artemether and core targets. The DS mouse model was established using db/db mice, followed by artemether intervention. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, diabetes-related symptoms, body composition, grip strength, serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed. The expression levels of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), Atrogin-1, muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1), acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2), and fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) in skeletal muscle were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, metabolomics was performed to analyze changes in acylcarnitine metabolites in skeletal muscle. ResultsA total of 68 overlapping targets between artemether and diabetic sarcopenia (DS) were identified. The core targets included AKT1, FoxO1, NFKB1, FBXO32, and TRIM63, which were mainly enriched in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway, forkhead box O (FoxO) signWaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and insulin resistance-related pathways. Molecular docking analysis showed that artemether exhibited favorable binding affinity with the core targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that artemether reduced fasting blood glucose, ameliorated metabolic symptoms, increased lean mass and grip strength, decreased serum and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels, and increased muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in DS mice. In addition, artemether downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxO1, FBXO32/Atrogin-1, TRIM63/MuRF1, ACSS2, CPT2, and FABP3, and improved the disturbance of acylcarnitine metabolism in skeletal muscle. ConclusionArtemether improves metabolic and skeletal muscle phenotypes in DS mice. Its effects may be associated with the amelioration of lipid metabolic disorders and the downregulation of FoxO1 and its downstream ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-related factors Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in skeletal muscle.
6.The efficacy and safety of zanubrutinib combined with BR regimen in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorder
Danxia LIN ; Zhihong JIANG ; Xiaona WANG ; Yating JIANG ; Yangyang WANG ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Zheng WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(4):651-660
Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of a zanubrutinib-based combination regimen as first-line treatment for patients with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorder (B-CLPD). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients with B-CLPD, including indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-iNHL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and other unclassifiable B-CLPD, who were newly diagnosed and treated at the Department of Hematology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University between January 2021 and January 2025. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment regimen: BR (bendamustine plus rituximab) and ZBR (zanubrutinib combined with BR regimen). Baseline characteristics, treatment responses, and the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were compared between the two groups. Results No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups. All patients completed at least four cycles of treatment. There were no significant differences between the BR and ZBR groups in partial response rate (46.2% vs 53.8%), complete response rate (53.8% vs 15.4%), overall response rate (100.0% vs 84.6%), or TRAE incidence. After the first cycle, the lymphocyte count was higher in the ZBR group than in the BR group (P=0.002); no other statistically significant differences in other hematologic parameters were observed at any treatment cycle. Conclusions In patients with B-iNHL, MCL, and other unclassifiable B-CLPD, the ZBR regimen demonstrates similar safety and response rates to the BR regimen. These findings support further investigation into the clinical value of ZBR as first-line treatment regimen in a limited course for indolent lymphoid malignancies.
7.Identification and molecular biological mechanism study of subtypes caused by ABO*B.01 allele c. 3G>C mutation
Yu ZHANG ; Jie CAI ; Yating LING ; Lu ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Qiang FU ; Chengtao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):274-279
[Objective] To study on the genotyping of a sample with inconsistent forward and reverse serological tests, and to conduct a pedigree investigation and molecular biological mechanism study. [Methods] The ABO blood group of the proband and his family members were identified using blood group serological method. The ABO gene exon 1-7 of samples of the proband and his family were sequenced by Sanger and single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT). DeepTMHMM was used to predict and analyze the transmembrane region of proteins before and after mutation. [Results] The proband and his mother have the Bw phenotype, while his maternal grandfather has ABw phenotype. The blood group results of forward and reverse typing of other family members were consistent. ABO gene sequencing results showed that there was B new mutation of c.3 G>C in exon 1 of ABO gene in the proband, his mother and grandfather, leading to a shift in translation start site. DeepTMHMM analysis indicated that the shift in the translation start site altered the protein topology. [Conclusion] The c.3G>C mutation in the first exon of the ABO gene leads to a shift in the translation start site, altering the protein topology from an α-transmembrane region to a spherical signaling peptide, reducing enzyme activity and resulting in the Bw serological phenotype.
8.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
9.Applications and Clinical Significance of Artificial Intelligence in Antimicrobial Resistance
Ruike ZHANG ; Junqi ZHANG ; Rongchen DAI ; Yating NING ; Yingchun XU ; Li ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1088-1095
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major global public health challenge, with traditional prevention and control methods exhibiting significant limitations in detection efficiency, data processing, and clinical decision-making. Leveraging its robust capabilities in data analysis and pattern recognition, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been widely applied across multiple critical aspects of AMR containment. Current evidence demonstrates that AI technologies can significantly enhance the efficiency of resistancediagnosis, optimize personalized treatment strategies, and improve real-time monitoring of resistant pathogen transmission. Despite persistent challenges such as data heterogeneity, model interpretability, and ethical compliance in practical applications, AI holds immense promise in supporting precision infection management and addressing the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance.This article systematically reviews the clinical applications of AI in AMR prevention and control, including resistance detection and prediction based on mass spectrometry and genomic data, the use of clinical decision support systems in anti-infective therapy, as well as the role of AI in epidemiological surveillance, pathogen tracking, early warning systems, and novel antimicrobial drug discovery aiming to provide reference for clinical practice.
10.Effect of Huayu Tongluo moxibustion on learning-memory ability in rats with vascular dementia based on hippocampal Mst1/NF-κB p65 pathway.
Ping WANG ; Jun YANG ; Yu KONG ; Yating ZHANG ; Yinqiu FAN ; Haiping SHI ; Lanying LIU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):53-60
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of Huayu Tongluo (transforming stasis and unblocking collaterals) moxibustion on learning-memory ability and hippocampal mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 pathway related to inflammatory response in rats with vascular dementia (VD).
METHODS:
A total of 60 male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a sham operation group (12 rats) and a modeling group (48 rats). VD model was established by the method of modified bilateral common carotid artery permanent ligation in the modeling group. Thirty-six rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and a western medication group, with 12 rats in each group. Huayu Tongluo moxibustion was applied at "Dazhui" (GV14), "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24) in the moxibustion group, 20 min each time, once a day, 7 day-intervention was as one course, and 1 day-interval was taken between two courses, for a total of 3 courses. In the western medication group, piracetam was given 0.72 mg/kg by intragastric administration, twice a day, the course of intervention was same as that of the moxibustion group. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test; the morphology of hippocampal CA1 region was observed by HE staining; the mRNA expression of Mst1, M1 microglia markers CD86, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected by real-time PCR; the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were detected by ELISA; and the protein expression of Mst1 and NF-κB p65 in hippocampus was detected by Western blot in rats of each group.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency was prolonged in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the escape latency was shortened in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). The cells in the CA1 region of hippocampus were disordered, cell collapse and irregular nuclei could be observed in the model group; compared with the model group, the cell arrangement in the CA1 region of hippocampus was more regular, and the damage was improved in the moxibustion group and the western medication group. Compared with the sham operation group, the mRNA expression of Mst1, CD86, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as the protein expression of Mst1, NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of Mst1, CD86, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as the protein expression of Mst1, NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were decreased in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in hippocampus were decreased in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Huayu Tongluo moxibustion can improve the learning-memory ability of VD rats, the mechanism may be related to regulating the activation of microglia through Mst1/NF-κB p65 pathway, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors i.e. IL-6 and TNF-α, so as to alleviating the damage of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of VD rats.
Animals
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Moxibustion
;
Hippocampus/metabolism*
;
Rats, Wistar
;
Dementia, Vascular/genetics*
;
Memory/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Transcription Factor RelA/genetics*
;
Learning
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal

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