1.Eucommia ulmoides promotes alveolar bone formation in ovariectomized rats
Lin ZHENG ; Wenjun JIN ; Shanshan LUO ; Rui HUANG ; Jie WANG ; Yuting CHENG ; Zheqing AN ; Yue XIONG ; Zipeng GONG ; Jian LIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1159-1167
BACKGROUND:Eucommia ulmoides has a certain osteogenic effect,which can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.However,it is unclear whether Eucommia ulmoides has effects on alveolar bone formation and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which Eucommia ulmoides promotes alveolar bone formation in ovariectomized rats based on the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into five groups:blank control group,sham-operation group,model group,low-dose group Eucommia ulmoides group,and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group,with twelve rats in each group.Osteoporosis animal models were constructed by bilateral oophorectomy in the model group and the low-dose and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups.The sham-operation group underwent the same method to remove adipose tissue of equal mass around the bilateral ovaries.Three months after surgery,the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups were given 2.1 g/kg/d and 4.2 g/kg/d Eucommia ulmoides by gavage,respectively.The sham-operation group and model group were given the same amount of physiological saline by gavage.After 12 weeks of drug intervention,the changes in alveolar bone mass of rats in each group were observed through Micro-CT;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological structural changes of alveolar bone in rats;enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in the serum of rats;western blot was used to detect the expression levels of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 receptor proteins in the alveolar bone of rats;and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of osteocalcin,Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),alkaline phosphatase,β-catenin,and frizzled9 mRNAs in alveolar bone tissues of rats. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,and bone mineral density were reduced in the model group(P<0.05),and trabecular separation was elevated(P<0.05).Pathological observation showed that the arrangement of trabeculae was disordered and irregular,the trabeculae were thinned or broken,and the marrow cavity was enlarged in the model group,with a significant reduction in bone volume;the level of alkaline phosphatase in the serum was increased(P<0.05),and the level of osteocalcin was decreased(P<0.05);mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,Runx2,β-catenin,and frizzled9 were decreased(P<0.05);protein expression of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups showed an increase in bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,and bone mineral density(P<0.05)and a decrease in trabecular separation(P<0.05).In the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups,bone trabeculae were slightly aligned and thickened,with a significant increase in bone mass.Compared with the model group,the serum level of alkaline phosphatase was reduced(P<0.05)and the serum level of osteocalcin was elevated(P<0.05)in the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups.Compared with the model group,the mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,Runx2,β-catenin,and frizzled9 were increased in the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expression of Frizzled9 was increased in the low-dose Eucommia ulmoides group(P<0.05),while the protein expression of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 was increased in the high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group(P<0.05).Compared with the low-dose Eucommia ulmoides group,the high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group had a more significant improvement in the above indexes.To conclude,Eucommia ulmoides can effectively promote the alveolar bone formation,and its mechanism of action might be related to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Exploration of Party-building leadership in promoting hospital culture construction in the new era: taking Xi’an No. 9 Hospital as an example
Louyan MA ; Yi WANG ; Zhen ZHEN ; Mi PANG ; Ting HE ; Puyan WEN ; Juxian ZHENG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(3):398-402
Hospital culture is the sum of common values, codes of conduct, and working methods formed by internal employees within the hospital, and it is the spiritual pillar and core of cohesion of the hospital. Party-building leadership plays an important role in promoting hospital culture construction, including strengthening values guidance, enhancing team cohesion, facilitating management system innovation, and shaping social image and brand value. By analyzing the effectiveness of a series of Party-building activities carried out by Xi’an No. 9 Hospital in recent years, this paper explored the effect and significance of Party-building leadership in promoting hospital culture construction in the new era, as well as proposed guiding strategies for strengthening Party-building work in promoting hospital culture construction in the new era, so as to promote high-quality development of the hospital.
3.Correlation Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and eGFR in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-sectional Analysis Based on NHANES Data
Chunyu JIA ; Gangan WANG ; Jiahui WANG ; Gang CHEN ; Ke ZHENG ; Xuemei LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):379-385
To investigate the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) andestimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with diabetes using large-scale data. Across-sectional analysis was conducted using data from diabetic patients in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2009 to 2014. Differences in NLR between patients with and without chronickidney disease (CKD) were compared. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models wereapplied to assess the relationship between NLR and eGFR. A total of 857 diabetic patients were included, with 190 (22.2%) having CKD and 667 (77.8%) without CKD. NLR was significantly higher in patients with CKD compared to those without CKD (2.94±1.69 vs.2.36±1.98, NLR is independently negatively associatedwith eGFR in diabetic patients, demonstrating potential clinical value as an indicator of kidney function declineand CKD risk in this population.
4.Advances in Mechanisms of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis
Yarong WU ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Ying ZHENG ; Caihong WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):439-447
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the most common complications of liver cirrhosis. The formation of PVT can increase the mortality rate of cirrhotic patients and adversely affect the successful implementation and prognosis of liver transplantation. A hypercoagulable state is a unique mechanism underlying PVT formation in cirrhotic patients. In recent years, the pathogenesis of PVT has gradually been elucidated, with specific mechanisms including the following aspects: systemic and local inflammatory responses lead to vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, thereby promoting the activation of the coagulation system; abnormal activation of the monocyte-macrophage system exacerbates local inflammation, enhancing platelet adhesion and aggregation, and facilitating thrombus formation; an imbalance between the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems results in a sustained hypercoagulable state; and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis induces inflammation and metabolic disturbances, thereby increasing the risk of PVT. This article summarizes the latest research progress on these key mechanisms and their interactions, providing new insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of PVT. It also offers directions for the early diagnosis of PVT and the exploration of novel intervention strategies in the future.
5.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
6.Research progress on impact of micro/nanoplastics exposure on reproductive health
Yan HUANG ; Yuanyuan HUANG ; Yanxi ZHUO ; Yiqin LIN ; Qipeng LI ; Xiaofeng ZHENG ; Wenxiang WANG ; Yuchen LI ; Wenya SHAO ; Henggui CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):490-496
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), recognized as emerging environmental pollutants, are widely distributed in natural environments. Due to their small particle size and significant migratory capacity, MNPs can infiltrate diverse environmental matrices, then invade and accumulate in the organism via the skin, respiration, and digestion. Recently, concerns have grown over the detrimental effects and potential toxicity of MNPs on reproductive health. This review summarized published epidemiological and toxicological studies related to MNPs exposure and their effects on reproductive health. Firstly, this review critically examined the current landscape of epidemiological evidence and found that MNPs (e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, etc.) are present in various biological specimens from both males and females, and their presence may be associated with an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Secondly, extensive toxicological studies revealed that MNPs exposure induces reproductive health damage through mechanisms such as disrupting the microstructure of reproductive organs and altering molecular-level expressions. Oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis are identified as potential links between MNPs exposure and reproductive damage. Finally, this review addressed the prevalent shortcomings in existing studies and proposed future directions to tackle the challenges posed by MNPs-induced reproductive harm. These insights aim to inform strategies for safeguarding public reproductive health and ecological security, providing a scientific foundation for mitigating risks associated with MNPs pollution.
7.Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription Treats Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jinye ZHOU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):182-189
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards, and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose (50, 25, 12.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription, and mesalazine (0.52 g·kg-1·d-1) groups, with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method, the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15), ubiquitin-specific protease 30 (USP30) in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.
8.Randomized Controlled Trail of Ganlu Qingwen Prescription for Treatment of Community-acquired Pneumonia
Xiangpeng LI ; Fengsen LI ; Ling WANG ; Zheng LI ; Dan XU ; Jiangtao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):225-236
ObjectiveTo explore the regulatory effect of Ganluqingwen prescription on inflammation and immunity by observing the clinical efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), so as to provide a clinical basis for the treatment of CAP by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted by selecting patients who were diagnosed with CAP and identified as wind-heat attacking lungs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Hospital of TCM from January 2024 to May 2024 and assigning the patients to a control group (treated by western medicine treatment) or an experimental group (treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine). The data of the enrolled patients before treatment, for three-day treatment, for seven-day treatment, and for 14-day treatment were collected, including basic information, medical history, pneumonia severity index (PSI) classification, and distribution and difference of laboratory and imaging information indexes. The peripheral blood specimens were collected from the patients. and the changes of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent kits and flow-type multifactor microarrays to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of Ganluqingwen prescription in CAP. ResultsCompared with those in the groups before treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes significantly decreased in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group after treatment, the total scores of TCM syndromes decreased more significantly in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group displayed a significantly reduced number of days of fever in patients (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the leukocyte, neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin (IL)-6, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in both groups decreased (P<0.05) after treatment. Compared with that in the control group after treatment, the decrease of leukocyte, neutrophil counts, CRP, PCT, IL-6, ALT, AST, Cr, CK, and CK-MB was more pronounced in the experimental group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the group before treatment, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and the standard alkali residual, actual alkali residual, standard bicarbonate concentration, and actual bicarbonate concentration increased in the experimental group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with that in the group before treatment, D-dimer decreased in the control group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). D-dimer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) decreased in the experimental group for 3 d of treatment (P<0.05), and D-dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), and APTI significantly decreased in the group for 7 d of treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the group for 3 d of treatment, the experimental group for 7 d of treatment showed decreased FIB (P<0.05). Compared with those in the groups before treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 were elevated in the peripheral blood of the two groups after treatment, and the levels of B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the control group after treatment, the experimental group exhibited more significant improvement in indexes above (P<0.01). ConclusionThe group treated by Ganluqingwen prescription combined with western medicine shows more significant effects on reducing total scores of TCM syndromes, lowering the ability of leukocyte and neutrophil counts, decreasing BLC, IP-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, CRP, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23p19 in the peripheral blood of the patients, and elevating levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 than the group treated by western drugs alone.
9.Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Shenlong Decoction Granules in Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Qi SI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Mei WANG ; Weidong ZHENG ; Chuang LIU ; Yongming LIU ; Haoyang ZHANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Jiyu ZOU ; Jingze LI ; Lijian PANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):237-245
ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation (30 patients) and control groups (30 patients). All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally,the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules,while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each,taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed,and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and 6 min walk test (6MWT). The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test [actual value/expected value of total lung volume (TLC%),actual value/expected value of vital capacity(FVC%),actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide(DLCO%),actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%),and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC)],blood gas analysis [arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2),partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2),and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)],serum inflammatory factors [transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-13 (IL-13),interleukin-12 (IL-12),and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ)],and quality of survival evaluation [St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score]. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment, and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study,comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period,the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% (9/27),whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% (14/26),which was statistically superior to the control group (χ2=4.034,P<0.05). After the treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,DLCO%,FEV1%,PaO2,PaCO2,TGF-β1,IL-4,IL-13,IL-12,and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved (P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,PaO2,and PaCO2 were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication (P<0.01). Three months after the end of medication,the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group (P<0.05),and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF,enhance exercise tolerance,improve the quality of life,and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.
10.Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription Treats Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jinye ZHOU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):182-189
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards, and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose (50, 25, 12.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription, and mesalazine (0.52 g·kg-1·d-1) groups, with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method, the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15), ubiquitin-specific protease 30 (USP30) in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.

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