1.Research progress on the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer
Tianhao SONG ; Weiheng XU ; Yan WANG ; Li CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(2):65-70
Liver cancer, one of the most common primary malignancies in humans, is a malignant tumor characterized by multifactorial induction, polygenic involvement, and intricate molecular mechanisms. This disease is characterized by its treatment challenges and poor prognosis, which are closely related to its unique tumor microenvironment composition. The tumor microenvironment of liver cancer is a dynamic ecosystem composed of heterogeneous cellular populations, soluble cytokines, and remodeled extracellular matrix. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the study of the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer, revealed an important role in the occurrence, development, and treatment of liver cancer. The key regulatory elements of the tumor microenvironment in liver cancer were systematically summarized, such as activation of hepatic stellate cells, dysfunction of immune cells, abnormalities of platelet, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which provided theoretical foundations for prevention and treatment strategies against liver cancer.
2.Efficacy Connotation and Mechanisms of Shudi Qiangjin Pills Against Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on "Disease-Syndrome-Formula" Association Network
Zhijian CHEN ; Suya ZHANG ; Longlong DING ; Guixin ZHANG ; Bo LIU ; Baohong MI ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunzhu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):88-99
ObjectiveTo elucidate the efficacy connotation of Shudi Qiangjin pills (SQP) against liver and kidney deficiency in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH) from the perspective of the "disease-syndrome-formula" association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experiment validation. MethodsThe chemical components and the corresponding putative targets of SQP were collected from the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) v2.0, and HERB databases. The SONFH-related genes were identified based on the differential expression profiles of peripheral blood of patients with SONFH compared to the healthy volunteers, and the disease phenotype-related targets were collected from the TCMIP v2.0 database. Then, the interaction network of "SONFH-related genes and candidate targets of SQP" was constructed based on "gene-gene interaction information", and the major network targets were screened by calculating the topological characteristic values of the network followed by the functional mining according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and the SoFDA database. After that, the SONFH rat model was prepared by lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone injection, and 2.5, 5, 7.5 g·kg-1 SQP (once per day, equivalent to 1, 2, and 3 times the clinical equivalent dose, respectively) or 7.3×10-3 g·kg-1 of alendronate sodium (ALS, once per week, equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose) was given for 8 weeks. The effect characteristics of SQP and ALS in the treatment of SONFH were evaluated by micro-computed tomography scanning, hematoxylin and eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining, and a comparative efficacy analysis was conducted with ALS. In addition, SONFH cell models were prepared by dexamethasone stimulation of osteoblasts, and the intervention was carried out with the medicated serum of SQP at the aforementioned three doses. Cell counting kit-8, ALP staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red staining, and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the regulatory effect of SQP on osteoblasts. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins and key factors of the target signaling axis were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. ResultsThe network analysis results demonstrated that the candidate targets of SQP primarily exerted their therapeutic effects through key signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, prolactin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors pathways. These pathways were significantly involved in critical biological processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the regulation of the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby addressing both modern medical symptoms (e.g., delayed skeletal maturation and recurrent fractures) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms (e.g., fatigue, aversion to cold, cold limbs, and pain in the limbs and joints in patients with SONFH characterized by liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. Among these pathways, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway exhibited the highest degree of enrichment. The in vivo experimental results demonstrated that starting from the 4th week after modeling, the modeling group exhibited a significant reduction in body weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). After six weeks of treatment, all dosage groups of SQP showed significantly higher body weights compared to the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in femoral head tissue, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (P<0.01), along with significant increases in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), empty lacunae rate in tissue, and apoptosis rate (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the SQP intervention groups showed significant improvements in BMD, BV/TV and Tb.N (P<0.01), significant reductions in Tb.Sp, empty lacunae rate and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and significant increases in protein levels of OCN and ALP as well as BALP content (P<0.05). The in vitro experimental results revealed that all dosage groups of SQP medicated serum showed no toxic effects on osteoblast. Compared with the normal group, the model group displayed significant suppression of osteoblast proliferation activity, ALP activity, and calcified nodule formation rate (P<0.01), significant decreases in mRNA transcription levels of OCN and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) (P<0.01), significant reductions in protein content of osteopontin (OPN), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ)A1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), PI3K, and phosphorylated (p)-Akt (P<0.01), and a significant increase in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SQP medicated serum intervention groups exhibited significant increases in proliferation activity, ALP activity, calcified nodule formation rate, mRNA transcription levels of OCN and RUNX2, and protein content of OPN, ColⅠA1, Bcl-2, PI3K, and p-Akt (P<0.05), along with a significant decrease in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). ConclusionSQP can effectively reduce the disease severity of SONFH with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and improve bone microstructure, with the therapeutic effects exhibiting a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism may be related to its regulation of key processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the correction of imbalances in the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby promoting osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis. The PI3K/Akt signaling axis is likely one of the key pathways through which this formula exerts its effects.
3.The Effects of Tai Chi Training on Bone Density,Bone Turnover Markers,and Heart Rate Variability in High-Risk Osteoporosis Population
Jiaming LIN ; Chao LI ; Wei ZHAO ; Jun ZHOU ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Xiangyu XI ; Haijun HE ; Baohong MI ; Yuefeng CHEN ; Weiheng CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1566-1571
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tai Chi training on bone density, bone turnover markers, and heart rate variability for people with high-risk osteoporosis, and to provide evidence for the prevention of osteoporosis at early stage. MethodsSixty-six cases of people with high risk of osteoporosis were included, and they were divided into 33 cases each in the intervention group and the control group using the random number table method. The control group received osteoporosis health education three times a week, and the intervention group received Tai Chi training under the guidance of a trainer three times a week for 40 mins each time on the basis of the control group, and both groups were intervened for 12 weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure the bone density of L1~L4 vertebrae, bilateral femoral necks and bilateral total hips in the two groups before and after the intervention; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine bone turnover markers before and after the intervention, including pro-collagen type Ⅰ pro-amino-terminal prepropyl peptide (P1NP) and β-collagen type Ⅰ cross-linking carboxy-terminal peptide (β-CTX). Seven cases with good compliance in the intervention group were selected. After wearing the heart rate sensor, they successively performed Tai Chi training and walking activities recommended by the guideline for 20 mins each, and the heart rate variability (HRV) during exercise was collected, including time-domain indexes such as standard deviation of normal sinus intervals (SDNN), root-mean-square of the difference between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD), frequency-domain metrics such as low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), and low-frequency/high-frequency power ratio (LF/HF), as well as nonlinear metrics such as approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn). ResultsFinally, 63 cases were included in the outcome analysis, including 30 cases in the intervention group and 33 cases in the control group. After the intervention, the differences of L1~L4 vertebrae, bone density of bilateral femoral neck and bilateral total hip in the intervention group were not statistically significant when compared with those before intervention (P>0.05), while the bone density of all parts of the control group decreased significantly compared with that before intervention (P<0.05), and the difference in the bone density of the L1~L4 vertebrae, bilateral femoral neck, and the right total hip before and after the intervention of the intervention group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05). The differences in P1NP and β-CTX between groups before and after intervention was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with walking exercise, LF decreased, HF increased and LF/HF decreased during Tai Chi exercise (P<0.05); the time domain indexes and non-linear indexes between groups had no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionTai Chi exercise can maintain lumbar, hip, and femoral bone density and improve sympathetic/parasympathetic balance in people at high risk for osteoporosis, but cannot significantly improve bone turnover markers.
4.Analysis on Clinical Characteristics and Medication Patterns of 2 999 Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Treated with Wangbi Tablets Based on the Real World
Kuayue ZHANG ; Chao LI ; Zhuoyun WU ; Yawei DONG ; Yuzhi LIU ; Jiaming LIN ; Yuefeng CHEN ; Baohong MI ; Chunzhu GONG ; Fuhui LIN ; Weiheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):156-163
Objective To study the clinical characteristics and medication patterns of Wangbi Tablets in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the real world and to analyze the advantages and specific features of Chinese patent medicines in treating advantage disease.Methods A prospective case registry study was conducted,registering 3 000 patients from 30 TCM and Western medicine hospitals across China from April 2019 to December 2021.Data on gender,age,BMI,Chinese medicine staging(CMS),K-L grading,medication duration,VAS score,medical history and combined medication were collected for descriptive analysis.Comparisons were made between different stages and between single-use and combined-use groups.The Apriori algorithm was used for association analysis of combined medications.Results A total of 2 999 patients were included,with 2 063 females(68.79%)and 936 males(31.21%).The average age was(56.89±8.90)years.The average BMI was(23.80±2.88)kg/m2.The proportion of patients in CMS I was 512(17.07%),with a VAS median score of 8,while the proportion of patients in CMS Ⅱ was 2 181(72.73%),with a VAS median score of 6.The proportion of patients in CMS Ⅲ was 306(10.20%),with a VAS median score of 3;316 cases(10.54%)were classified as K-L grade I,2 477 cases(82.59%)as grade Ⅱ,204 cases(6.80%)as grade Ⅲ,and 2 cases(0.07%)as grade Ⅳ.Medication analysis indicated that the single-use group(1507 cases,50.25%)was larger than the combined-use group(1 492 cases,49.75%).In terms of the number of drugs used in combination,one(39.01%)and two(38.14%)were the main types;in terms of medication types,combination therapy with Western medicine(62.27%)and simultaneous use of Western medicine and other Chinese materia medica(26.14%)were the main methods;the top three drugs with the highest frequency of combination use were glucosamine capsules,imrecoxib tablets and sodium hyaluronate injection.The top three drug combinations with the highest support were"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets","glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+sodium hyaluronate injection".Inter-group comparisons showed that the medication duration for Wangbi Tablets in CMS I was longer than in CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ(P<0.01).The proportion of patients on monotherapy in CMS I(62.11%)was higher than in CMS Ⅱ(46.54%)and CMS Ⅲ(56.86%)(P<0.001).Among patients in CMS I(16.41%)and CMS Ⅲ(21.24%),the highest proportion used one combined medication,whereas in CMS Ⅱ,the highest proportion was for those using two combined medications(20.50%).In all three groups,CMS I(19.53%),CMS Ⅱ(33.70%)and CMS Ⅲ(30.72%),the highest proportion of combined medications was Western medicine.Conclusion More than half of the patients treated KOA with Wangbi Tablets alone.Approximately one-fifth of the patients were in CMS I,with a median pain score of 8.The average duration of medication for patients in CMS I,CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ decreases,and there is no obvious pattern in the medication method at different stages;combination therapy is represented by"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets".
5.Protocol for clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fracture through integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine
Lyuyu LI ; Chuan LI ; Dan XING ; Bin WANG ; Ning LI ; Yan YAN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Yongqing XU ; Wei DONG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(3):253-258
Osteoporotic distal radius fracture (ODRF), a common fragility fracture in elderly patients, poses a significant threat to patients′ life and health due to its high incidence and disability rate. Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have accumulated extensive clinical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of ODRF. However, there is currently a lack of specific guideline on how to effectively integrate the strengths of the two medical systems. To standardize the collaborative diagnosis and treatment of ODRF using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the Clinical Practice Guideline Working Group for the clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fracture through integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine was established in September 2024, led by the Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese medicine (Kunming Hospital of Chinese Medicine) with the participation of many medical institutions across China. Protocol for the guideline was then formulated to detail each key aspect in the development of the guideline and explain the related procedures, aiming to ensure a standardized, orderly and transparent development.
6.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
7.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
8.Bushen Zhuanggu Formula promotes bone repair in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head via regulating PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis
Zhang CHU ; Ma ZHAOCHEN ; Li TAO ; Liu YUDONG ; Jia YAN ; Li QUN ; Liu CHUNFANG ; Lin YA ; Gong CHUNZHU ; Lin NA ; Chen WEIHENG ; Zhang YANQIONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):239-249
Background:Bushen Zhuanggu Formula(BZF),derived from the classic Yougui Pills,has shown favorable clinical efficacy in treating advanced nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(NONFH),particularly by promoting bone repair.However,its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Objective:This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which BZF promotes bone repair in advanced NONFH.Materials and methods:A total of 518 potential BZF targets were identified from the ETCM v2.0 database.Transcriptomic profiling of clinical cohorts revealed 485 differentially expressed genes in advanced NONFH patients compared to healthy controls.A drug target-disease gene interaction network was constructed to identify candidate BZF targets involved in NONFH pathogenesis.In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of BZF in a rat model of advanced NONFH.Results:Network analysis identified key pathways associated with blood circulation obstruction,immune-inflammatory imbalance,and abnormal bone metabolism.Protein kinase C alpha(PKCA),Ras proto-oncogene(RAS),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(ERK),ETS proto-oncogene 1(ETS1),and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)formed a signaling axis implicated in NONFH pathogenesis.BZF treatment alleviated joint inflammation,preserved trabecular bone morphology,reduced bone loss,and promoted bone repair.Mechanistically,BZF significantly downregulated the expression of PKCA,RAS,ERK,ETS1,and RANKL,improved blood circulation,and inhibited osteoclast activation while promoting osteoblast activation.Conclusion:BZF may promote bone repair in advanced NONFH by enhancing blood circulation and modulating the PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis,thereby reversing dysregulated bone metabolism.
9.Bushen Zhuanggu Formula promotes bone repair in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head via regulating PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis
Chu ZHANG ; Zhaochen MA ; Tao LI ; Yudong LIU ; Yan JIA ; Qun LI ; Chunfang LIU ; Ya LIN ; Chunzhu GONG ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):239-249
Background: Bushen Zhuanggu Formula (BZF), derived from the classic Yougui Pills, has shown favorable clinical efficacy in treating advanced nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH), particularly by promoting bone repair. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which BZF promotes bone repair in advanced NONFH. Materials and methods: A total of 518 potential BZF targets were identified from the ETCM v2.0 database. Transcriptomic profiling of clinical cohorts revealed 485 differentially expressed genes in advanced NONFH patients compared to healthy controls. A drug target-disease gene interaction network was constructed to identify candidate BZF targets involved in NONFH pathogenesis. In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of BZF in a rat model of advanced NONFH. Results: Network analysis identified key pathways associated with blood circulation obstruction, immune-inflammatory imbalance, and abnormal bone metabolism. Protein kinase C alpha (PKCA), Ras proto-oncogene (RAS), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(ERK), ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS1), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) formed a signaling axis implicated in NONFH pathogenesis. BZF treatment alleviated joint inflammation, preserved trabecular bone morphology, reduced bone loss, and promoted bone repair. Mechanistically, BZF significantly downregulated the expression of PKCA, RAS, ERK, ETS1, and RANKL, improved blood circulation, and inhibited osteoclast activation while promoting osteoblast activation. Conclusion: BZF may promote bone repair in advanced NONFH by enhancing blood circulation and modulating the PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis, thereby reversing dysregulated bone metabolism.
10.Bushen Zhuanggu Formula promotes bone repair in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head via regulating PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis
Zhang CHU ; Ma ZHAOCHEN ; Li TAO ; Liu YUDONG ; Jia YAN ; Li QUN ; Liu CHUNFANG ; Lin YA ; Gong CHUNZHU ; Lin NA ; Chen WEIHENG ; Zhang YANQIONG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(3):239-249
Background:Bushen Zhuanggu Formula(BZF),derived from the classic Yougui Pills,has shown favorable clinical efficacy in treating advanced nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head(NONFH),particularly by promoting bone repair.However,its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Objective:This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which BZF promotes bone repair in advanced NONFH.Materials and methods:A total of 518 potential BZF targets were identified from the ETCM v2.0 database.Transcriptomic profiling of clinical cohorts revealed 485 differentially expressed genes in advanced NONFH patients compared to healthy controls.A drug target-disease gene interaction network was constructed to identify candidate BZF targets involved in NONFH pathogenesis.In vivo experiments were conducted to validate the effects of BZF in a rat model of advanced NONFH.Results:Network analysis identified key pathways associated with blood circulation obstruction,immune-inflammatory imbalance,and abnormal bone metabolism.Protein kinase C alpha(PKCA),Ras proto-oncogene(RAS),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(ERK),ETS proto-oncogene 1(ETS1),and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)formed a signaling axis implicated in NONFH pathogenesis.BZF treatment alleviated joint inflammation,preserved trabecular bone morphology,reduced bone loss,and promoted bone repair.Mechanistically,BZF significantly downregulated the expression of PKCA,RAS,ERK,ETS1,and RANKL,improved blood circulation,and inhibited osteoclast activation while promoting osteoblast activation.Conclusion:BZF may promote bone repair in advanced NONFH by enhancing blood circulation and modulating the PKC-RAS-ERK-ETS1-RANKL signaling axis,thereby reversing dysregulated bone metabolism.

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