1.Effect of macrophage polarization on osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis
Wenqi CAO ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yi ZHAO ; Zhimin WANG ; Yiran CHEN ; Xiao YANG ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):917-925
BACKGROUND:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a secondary causative factor for osteoporosis.As highly heterogeneous innate immune cells,macrophages may be polarized in a hyperglycemic environment,which affects osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.This may be a research target for improving bone quality in patients with type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization to influence osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis and to summarize the effects of commonly used anti-glucose and anti-osteoporosis drugs and bone biorepair materials on bone osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization.METHODS:The keywords of"macrophage polarization,type 2 diabetes,osteoporosis,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in Chinese and"macrophages,macrophage polarization,osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling"in English were used to search for relevant literature in CNKI and PubMed,respectively.Seventy-nine pieces of literature were screened and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes the body to be in a hyperglycemic environment and increases the secretion of inflammatory-related factors in the body,which promotes macrophage polarization towards M1 and decreases the number of M2 macrophages.(2)In type 2 diabetes,promoting M2 macrophage polarization is beneficial for osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.(3)Some anti-glycemic drugs,active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and bone biorepair materials can improve type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization,reducing M1/M2 ratio,and promoting osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling.
2.An artificial neural network model of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis shared genes and machine learning-based mining and validation
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):770-784
BACKGROUND:Ankylosing spondylitis is closely related to the occurrence and development of psoriasis,but the key genes and regulatory mechanisms are still unclear.OBJECTIVE:To establish an artificial neural network model of genes shared by ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis based on the GEO database and evaluate its effect,and also to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the expression of key genes and the two diseases using Mendelian randomization.METHODS:Datasets GSE25101(816 ankylosing spondylitis samples and 816 healthy control samples),GSE30999(85 psoriasis samples and 85 healthy control samples),GSE73754(52 ankylosing spondylitis samples and 20 healthy control samples),and GSE14905(33 psoriasis samples and 49 healthy control samples)were downloaded from the GEO database.GSE25101 and GSE30999 were used as the training datasets of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis,respectively,and their respective differentially expressed genes were identified through difference analysis to obtain the common driver genes of the two diseases,and the key core genes were further screened out based on Mendelian randomization.The key core genes were further screened out,and artificial neural network models were constructed based on the key core genes and validated in external datasets GSE73754 and GSE14905,followed by the construction of the corresponding nomogram to predict the incidence rates of the diseases.Also,the results of immune infiltration in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis were analyzed.Finally,Mendelian randomization was used to assess causal relationships between key genes and diseases,and drug-gene interactions were analyzed using the Dgidb database to predict drug targets.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 61 differential genes were obtained in ankylosing spondylitis and 4 309 differential genes were obtained in psoriasis.Eight shared differential genes were obtained after intersection,and five key genes(DNMT1,GNG11,CDC25B,S100A8,and S100A12)were further screened by machine learning.The key genes were utilized to build artificial neural network models of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis,with the area under curve values of 0.979 and 0.989 in the training sets GSE25101 and GSE30999,respectively,and 0.818 and 0.874 in the external validation datasets GSE73754 and GSE14905,respectively.(2)Nomogram was constructed based on the five core genes,and the calibration curves showed that the predicted probabilities of the nomogram models were almost the same as that of the ideal model.Immune cell infiltration showed that the key genes were associated with activated B cells,natural killer cells,γδ T cells,follicular helper T cells,monocytes,plasma cell-like dendritic cells,and neutrophils.Mendelian randomization showed that S100A8 was a risk factor for the occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis.Finally,DGldb screening was utilized to obtain 81 targeted drugs,only 16 of which,including methotrexate,atogepant,ubrogepant,rimegepant,eptinezumab,azacitidine,selenium,hydroxyurea,ifosfamide,floxuridine,curcumin,mitoxantrone,cisplatin,arsenic trioxide,diethylstilbestrol,and decitabine,were approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.(3)A large number of successful cases have been accumulated in international databases,research results and data analysis of European groups,especially in genomics and disease phenotyping studies.These experiences provide valuable references for the epidemiological characterization of diseases in China,genetic diversity and their response to the environment and lifestyle.(4)An artificial neural network model of the common driver genes of ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis was constructed and validated,the causal relationship between the key genes and the pathogenesis of the two diseases was discovered,and the targeted drugs for potential treatments were predicted,which hopefully provides a new perspective for exploring their pathogenesis and therapeutic directions.
3.Mechanisms of Qiaobai cold compress solution in improving acne vulgaris based on transcriptomics and experiment
Zhenjiang XIE ; Weina ZHU ; Liangliang CAO ; Fuqiong ZHOU ; Shupan ZHANG ; Bingwen ZHOU ; Yinsheng CHEN ; Wen LI ; Ying ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):425-430
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Qiaobai cold compress solution (QBCS) improves acne vulgaris (AV) based on transcriptomics and animal experiments. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a blank control group ( n =6) and a modeling group ( n =30). AV models were established in the modeling group by topical application of oleic acid to the inner surface of both ears, combined with subcutaneous injection of Cutibacterium acnes suspension into the auricle. Successfully modeled rats were further divided into the model group, positive control group (Tretinoin cream, 0.045 g/kg), and QBCS low-, medium-, high-dose groups [3.55, 7.11, 14.22 g/kg (calculated by the amount of crude drug) ] , with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each d rug group were treated with the corresponding drugs once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the final administration, changes in the appearance of the ears and histopathological changes in the ear tissues were observed, and serum levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, were measured. Auricular tissues from the blank control group, model group and QBCS medium-dose group were collected for transcriptome sequencing. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, followed by validation using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rats in all QBCS groups showed alleviated auricular acne symptoms, with reduced epidermal thickening, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of TNF-α (except for the QBCS low-dose group), IL-6 (except for the QBCS low-dose group) and IL-1β were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). A total of 590 DEGs were identified (blank control group vs. model group), and 596 DEGs were identified (model group vs. QBCS medium-dose group). Above DEGs (blank control group vs. model group) were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, etc. Validation experiments showed that, compared with model group, low-, medium- and high-dose of QBCS reduced, to varying degrees, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, TLR2, interferon-γ and CXC chemokine ligand 8 in the auricular tissues of AV rats, increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma and tumor protein 53, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 protein as well as the expressions of TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88(MyD88) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QBCS can alleviate auricular inflammation and skin lesions in AV rats. This effect may be related to inhibition of the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the expression of downstream inflammatory factors such as TNF-α.
4.SNORA71A regulates the malignant biological behaviors of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma TE-1 cells via the TLR3/PD-L1 expression
SHEN Supenga ; LIANG Jiaa ; CAO Shirua ; ZHAO Yanb ; DONG Zhiminga ; LIU Leic
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):147-154
[摘 要] 目的:探讨核仁小RNA(snoRNA)71A通过TLR3/PD-L1通路对食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力的影响。方法:qPCR检测52例ESCC患者的配对肿瘤组织、癌旁组织,以及人ESCC细胞中SNORA71A的表达情况。将反义寡核苷酸(SNORA71A-ASO-29、SNORA71A-ASO-102和NC-ASO)或小干扰RNA(siTLR3、siTLR3-NC)分别转染至人ESCC TE-1细胞,分别记为SNORA71A-ASO1组、SNORA71A-ASO2组、NC-ASO组及siTLR3组、siNC组。另外将过表达质粒pcDNA3.1-SNORA71A和pcDNA3.1空载体质粒分别转染至TE-1细胞,分别记为SNORA71A组和Vector组。细胞功能学实验(MTS实验、划痕愈合实验,以及Transwell侵袭实验)评估各组细胞在敲低或过表达SNORA71A后增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的变化。高通量转录组测序筛选SNORA71A下游作用靶基因,基因本体论(GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)功能富集分析预测SNORA71A下游作用靶基因可能参与的生物学过程和信号通路。qPCR检测测序筛选出的下游作用靶基因TLR3在ESCC组织以及细胞中的表达。同时,qPCR和WB检测TE-1细胞在敲低或过表达TLR3后PD-L1 mRNA和蛋白质表达变化。细胞功能学实验检测TLR3敲低对SNORA71A所促进的TE-1细胞恶性生物行为(增殖、迁移、侵袭)的影响。结果:在52例ESCC患者的肿瘤组织以及ESCC细胞中SNORA71A表达均呈高水平(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。敲低SNORA71A抑制TE-1细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭(P < 0.01或P < 0.05),过表达SNORA71A则促进TE-1细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。高通量转录组测序筛选到TLR3为SNORA71A下游作用靶基因。TLR3在ESCC组织以及TE-1细胞中呈低表达(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。TLR3正向调控PD-L1 mRNA和蛋白质表达(P < 0.01或P < 0.05)。细胞功能学实验中,TLR3可以部分削弱SNORA71A对PD-L1表达的调控(P < 0.01)。结论:SNORA71A通过调控TLR3/PD-L1通路调节TE-1细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭。
5.Relationship of non-suicidal self-injury behavior with serum lipid levels and thyroid function among college students with depression
CHEN Lu, YANG Zhiqiang, CAO Xiaoping, ZHAO Yanxia, LIANG Shaoying, LUO Yi, LI Hongyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):394-397
Objective:
To explore the relationship between non suicidal self injury (NSSI) behavior and serum lipid levels as well as thyroid function among college students with depression.
Methods:
A total of 169 college students with depression in the psychiatry departments of tertiary hospitals (grade 3A and 3B) in Ningbo from December 2023 to April 2025 were selected. The Adolescent Self injury Scale (ASIS) was used to assess the presence of NSSI, and participants were accordingly divided into a NSSI group ( n =51) and a non NSSI group ( n =118). General demographic data (including gender, age, and family situation) were collected from both groups. Blood tests were performed to measure lipid profiles [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Multivariate Logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors for NSSI, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum lipid and thyroid hormone levels for NSSI occurrence in college students with depression.
Results:
The levels of TC, LDL-C, and TSH in the NSSI group were (4.02±0.73) mmol/L, (2.32±0.36) mmol/L, and (6.57±1.95) mU/L , which were significantly higher than those in the non NSSI group [(3.41±0.56) mmol/L, (2.00±0.27) mmol/L, and ( 4.48± 1.09) mU/L, respectively] ( t =5.32, 5.60, 7.20, all P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that college students from single parent/reconstituted families, those who had experienced school bullying, and those with higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and TSH had a significantly increased risk of engaging in NSSI ( OR =5.22, 6.12, 5.90, 83.64, 3.64, all P <0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of TC, LDL-C, and TSH had high diagnostic efficacy for predicting NSSI in college students with depression, with a sensitivity of 86.3% and a specificity of 94.9%.
Conclusions
NSSI behavior in college students with depression is associated with serum lipid levels and thyroid function. These biomarkers may serve as useful reference indicators for assessing the conditions of these patients.
6.Osler’s view of the physician and physician’s narrative literacy in narrative medicine
Huihui CHEN ; Wenhua CAO ; Yanling TAO ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiaolin YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):399-404
In the era of evidence-based medicine, the progress of medical science and technology has enriched medical diagnostic tools and treatment methods, but it has also led to the loss of medical warmth and the alienation of the doctor-patient relationships. William Osler emphasized that while medical technology advances, attention should also be paid to the practice of narrative medicine and the development of physician’s narrative literacy. The view of the physician he advocated reminds us that the core of medicine still lies in the narrative connection between doctors and patients, as well as a deep understanding of human nature. By exploring the relationship between Osler’s view of the physician and narrative medicine as well as physician’s narrative literacy, this paper analyzed the methods of cultivating physician’s narrative literacy, providing references for modern medical education and practice, and assisting in the harmony and unity of science and technology and humanity.
7.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
8.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
9.Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Prevention andTreatment of MIRI Based on PINK1/Parkin-mediated Mitophagy: A Review
Qiongwen CAO ; Mingwang ZHAO ; Fengru WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):350-360
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a key complication of reperfusion therapy for ischemic heart disease. Due to its complex pathological mechanism, there is still a lack of targeted drugs and effective interventions in clinical practice. As the core organelle of cell energy metabolism, mitochondria not only undertake the key function of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, but also maintain the homeostasis of intracellular environment by regulating ion dynamic balance, oxidative stress response and apoptosis. Mitophagy is an important mechanism to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway, as one of its core pathways, has been proved to have important physiological functions. Mitophagy mediated by PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway can synergistically act on the pathological process of MIRI through the multi-level regulatory mechanism of oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis, so as to achieve the prevention and treatment of MIRI by reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting programmed cell death. Studies have shown that modern drugs, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, DL-3-n-butylphenylpeptide, and dapagliflozin, active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine such as phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and anthraquinones, as well as traditional Chinese medicine compounds and preparations such as Tongxinluo capsules, Shuangshen Ningxin capsules, and Qili Qiangxin capsules, can exert myocardial protection by regulating mitophagy mediated by this pathway and multiple targets. This study focuses on the PINK1/Parkin pathway, aiming to provide new ideas and directions for the prevention and treatment of MIRI from the perspective of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.
10.Animal Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Jiyu ZOU ; Lijian PANG ; Tianjiao WANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Yongming LIU ; Qi SI ; Tianya CAO ; Xuenan MA ; Ying WANG ; Jiaran WANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):294-303
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as one of the three major causes of death, is a complex systemic disease with high prevalence, high mortality, high disability, frequent acute exacerbations, and a variety of pulmonary complications. The pathogenesis is complex. Western medicine has no effective specificity scheme for a complete cure. However, multiple-component and multiple-target characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrate significant advantages in COPD treatment through multi-link, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism intervention. Therefore, exploring the essence of COPD pathogenesis and discovering effective TCM treatment drugs through the application of TCM principles and prescriptions is a key focus of modern research. Animal models are of paramount importance in medical research. It is the first consideration to select appropriate animals, adopt reasonable modeling methods to replicate stable animal models that closely resemble the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological characteristics of COPD, and use appropriate evaluation methods to determine the success of COPD animal models in experimental research. The core of experimental research lies in observing the intervention effect of TCM on COPD animal models, exploring the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms of TCM on COPD disease, and finding TCM monomers, single herbs, and TCM formulas with definite curative effects. At present, animal model research on COPD mainly involves model establishment, model evaluation, efficacy observation, mechanism exploration, and other aspects. In recent years, there has been no systematic organization, update, and reflection on the relevant research on TCM intervention in COPD animal models. This study reviewed the selection of animals for the COPD model, methods for establishing COPD animal models, model evaluation methods, and the intervention effects of TCM on COPD animal models. It aims to grasp the current research status and identify existing problems for further improvement, in order to provide evidence and support for scientific research and clinical treatment of COPD.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail