1.Research Progress on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Jin GONG ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Lili CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Yanchao XING
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):75-82
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by synovial inflammation, cartilage loss. Often manifesting as joint pain and limited mobility, it severely affects the quality of life of patients. Traditional treatment methods such as pharmacological injections and surgical interventions primarily aim to alleviate symptoms but have limited effects on cartilage repair. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), due to their anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic capabilities, is considered a new hope for the treatment of KOA. This article synthesizes the latest research findings from both domestic and international sources to discuss the theoretical basis for the clinical application of hUC-MSCs in treating KOA, clinical study design, and efficacy evaluation. It also addresses the challenges in the clinical application of hUC-MSCs and explores future directions, in the hope of providing feasible theoretical support for the treatment of KOA with hUC-MSCs.
2.Blood management strategy for massive transfusion patients in frigid plateau region
Haiying WANG ; Jinjin ZHANG ; Lili CHEN ; Xiaoli SUN ; Cui WEI ; Yongli HUANG ; Yingchun ZHU ; Chong CHEN ; Yanchao XING
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):268-273
[Objective] To explore the strategy of blood management in patients with massive transfusion in the frigid plateau region. [Methods] The treatment process of a patient with liver rupture in the frigid plateau region was analyzed, and the blood management strategy of the frigid plateau region was discussed in combination with the difficulties of blood transfusion and literature review. [Results] The preoperative complete blood count (CBC) test results of the patient were as follows: RBC 3.14×1012/L, Hb 106 g/L, HCT 30.40%, PLT 115.00×109/L; coagulation function: PT 18.9 s, FiB 1.31 g/L, DD > 6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL; ultrasound examination and imaging manifestations suggested liver contusion and laceration / intraparenchymal hematoma, splenic contusion and laceration, and massive blood accumulation in the abdominal cavity; it was estimated that the patient's blood loss was ≥ 2 000 mL, and massive blood transfusion was required during the operation; red blood cell components were timely transfused during the operation, and the blood component transfusion was guided according to the patient's CBC and coagulation function test results, providing strong support and guarantee for the successful treatment of the patient. The patient recovered well after the operation, and the CBC test results were as follows: RBC 4.32×1012/L, Hb 144 g/L, HCT 39.50%, PLT 329.00×109/L; coagulation function: APTT 29.3 s, PT 12.1 s, FiB 2.728 g/L, DD>6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL. The patient was discharged after 20 days, and regular follow-up reexamination showed no abnormal results. [Conclusion] Individualized blood management strategy should comprehensively consider the patient’s clinical symptoms, the degree of hemoglobin decline, dynamic coagulation test results and existing treatment conditions. Efficient and reasonable patient blood management strategies can effectively improve the clinical outcomes of massive transfusion patients in the frigid plateau region.
3.Effect of Different Time Interventions of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on DNA Methylation in Rat Models of Premature Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Xing CHEN ; Zixuan YU ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yanjuan LIU ; Shuangyou DENG ; Ying WANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1165-1173
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) by midnight-noon ebb-flow administration method for rat models of premature coronary heart disease (PCHD) with blood stasis syndrome, and to explore the possible mechanism of action from the perspective of DNA methylation differential gene expression. MethodsThere were 3 SD rats in each of the blank group, model group and Yangxin Tongmai Formula group, and the rats in the model group and Yangxin Tongmai Formula group were fed with high-fat chow plus vitamin D3 by gavage plus isoproterenol hydrochloride by subcutaneous injection to construct rat models of PCHD with blood stasis syndrome. After successful modelling, rats in Yangxin Tongmai Formula group were gavaged with 18 g/(kg‧d) of Yangxin Tongmai Formula, and rats in blank group and the model group were gavaged with 4 ml/(kg‧d) of 0.9% NaCl solution, and serum samples of rats in each group were collected for DNA methylation sequencing after 3 weeks to screen for the relevant DNA methylation differentiation genes. In addition, rats with successful modelling of PCHD with blood stasis were randomly divided into model group, Yangxin Tongmai Formula with midnight-noon ebb-flow administration method group [18 g/(kg‧d) of Yangxin Tongmai Formula was gavaged twice in the heart channel period (12:00) and pericardium channel period (20:00)], the Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group [18 g/(kg‧d) of Yangxin Tongmai Formula was gavaged twice at 8:00 and 18:00] and the Atorvastatin Calcium group [atorvastatin calcium tablets solution 1.8 mg/(kg‧d) at the same intervention time as that in Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group], and set up a blank group of 8 rats in each group. The model group and blank group were gavaged with 0.9% NaCl solution 4 ml/(kg‧d) for the same time as the Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group. After 3 weeks of gavage, the blood lipids [including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)] levels of rats in each group were detected; the HE staining of myocardial tissues and thoracic aorta was used to observe the pathomorphological changes; the levels of serum inflammation indexes [tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interleukin 10 (IL-10)] were detected; immunoprecipitation-realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression of cardiac tissue screening differential genes. ResultsThe genes screened for differentially methylated regions were calmodulin 2 (Calm2), calcium voltage-gated channel subunit α1s (Cacna1s), and phospholipase Cβ1 (Plcb1). Compared with the blank group, rats in the model group showed elevated levels of TC, LDL, TNF-α and LPS, and decreased levels of HDL and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01); HE staining showed obvious swelling of myocardial fibres, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, and thickening of the inner wall of the aortic vessels with internal wall damage, which was visible as a large number of lipid cholesterol crystals and obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the TC, LDL, TNF-α and LPS contents of rats in the Yangxin Tongmai Formula with midnight-noon ebb-flow administration method group, the Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group, and the atorvastatin calcium group all reduced, and the contents of HDL and IL-10 all elevated (P<0.05), with the improvement of myocardial tissue damage and the reduction of inflammatory infiltration, and the improvement of the damage of the inner lining of the thoracic aorta and the reduction of lipid infiltration. Compared with Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group, LDL, TNF-α and LPS contents reduced, and IL-10 contents increased in the midnight-noon ebb-flow administration method group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the relative expression of Calm2 and Plcb1 genes decreased and the relative expression of Cacna1s gene increased in Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group and the midnight-noon ebb-flow administration method group (P<0.05); compared with the Yangxin Tongmai Formula control group, the relative expression of Calm2 gene decreased and the relative expression of Cacna1s gene increased in the midnight-noon ebb-flow administration method group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe intervention of Yangxin Tongmai Formula in the heart channel period (12:00) and pericardium channel period (20:00) was more effective in improving the blood lipid level, inhibiting inflammation, and improving myocardial tissue damage in rats of PCHD with blood stasis syndrome, and Calm2 and Cacna1s genes may be the key targets of Yangxin Tongmai Formula in intervening the blood stasis syndrome of PCHD.
4.Research on the chemical compositions and their biological activities of Piper nigrum L.
Xing GAO ; Fengping ZHAO ; Wentao WANG ; Wei TIAN ; Canhui ZHENG ; Xin CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(7):313-319
Piper nigrum L. is an evergreen climbing vine, which belongs to the genus Piperia in the Piperaceae family. Piper nigrum L., which known as the “king of spices”, is used as both food and medicine. The main active substances in Piper nigrum L. are alkaloids mainly composed of amides, and essential oil, as well as phenolic compounds. In this paper, the chemical compositions, especially amide alkaloids, and their biological activities of Piper nigrum L. were summarized. These studies showed that Piper nigrum L., as a medicinal and food plant, had a wide range of biological activities and was deserved further research and in-depth utilization.
5.Research progress on the treatment role and chemical synthesis methods of isoselenoazolones
Wentao WANG ; Xing GAO ; Fengping ZHAO ; Canhui ZHENG ; Xin CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(8):367-372
Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) is a key selenoenzyme that protects the body from oxidative damage. A series of small molecular organic selenium compounds have been designed and synthesized as functional mimics of GPx, among which isoselenazolones are the most widely studied. Taking ebselen as a representative, the catalytic mechanism of isoselenazolones in mimicing GSH-Px activity in vivo, the therapeutic effects of isoselenazolones in stroke, sensorineurium deafness and tinnitus, treatmentresistant depression (TRD) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and research on their chemical synthesis methods were summarized and discussed in this paper.
6.Recreational use of electronic products among high school students in Shanxi Province
WANG Wenwen ; CHEN Hailong ; CHEN Mengli ; XING Yiyi ; ZHANG Xuejuan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):425-428
Objective:
To investigate the recreational use status of electronic products among high school students in Shanxi Province and the influencing factors for excessive use, so as to provide insights into the promotion of rational use of electronic products among high school students.
Methods:
The high school students from 117 schools in Shanxi Province were selected using the stratified random sampling method, and basic information, lifestyle behaviors and recreational use of electronic products were collected using questionnaire surveys. The prevalence of excessive recreational use of electronic products was analyzed, and the factors affecting excessive recreational use of electronic products among high school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 13 804 valid questionnaires were recoverd, with an effective rate of 98.32%. There were 6 634 males (48.06%) and 7 170 females (51.94%), with a median age of 17.00 (interquartile range, 1.00) years. There were 7 024 students in Grade One (50.88%) and 6 780 students in Grade Two (49.12%). The prevalence of recreational use of electronic products was 14.18% (1 958 cases). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that males (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.325-1.611), students in Grade Two (OR=1.720, 95%CI: 1.559-1.897), students whose parents had below high school education (OR=1.391, 95%CI: 1.156-1.674), students without parental support (OR=1.281, 95%CI: 1.078-1.523), students not living on campus (OR=1.142, 95%CI: 1.026-1.271), students without myopia (OR=1.121, 95%CI: 1.008-1.248), and students with sufficient sleep (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.054-1.281) had a higher risk of excessive recreational use of electronic products.
Conclusion
The prevalence of excessive recreational use of electronic products among high school students in Shanxi Province was relatively high, which was related to gender, grade, parental education, parental attitudes, boarding status, myopia and sleep quality.
7.The role of circadian rhythm and its new strategies for prevention and treatment in oral diseases
WANG Yajun ; ZHANG Lin ; CHENG Chen ; XING Wenmin ; GE Xuejun ; CHENG Fengli ; ZHANG Fang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(11):986-996
Circadian rhythm is a biological endogenous process regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which transmits light signals to peripheral clocks and synchronizes the body with the external environment through balanced expression of circadian rhythm genes. Working the night shift, sleep disorders, and exposure to artificial light can lead to disturbances in circadian rhythm and genetic imbalances. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that circadian rhythm plays a significant role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, with increasing attention being directed toward their impact on oral health. Disturbances in circadian rhythm primarily affect psycho-neuro-immune mechanisms, oxidative stress responses, and oral microflora through pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and BMAL1-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) interactions. These disruptions may influence the progression of oral diseases. Certain pharmacological agents (e.g., melatonin, vitamin D, nobiletin, and propofol) have been shown to regulate mood disorders, immune function, and sleep-wake cycles by upregulating BMAL1 expression, thus alleviating disturbances in circadian rhythm. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions, such as sleep management strategies, psychotherapy approaches, and light therapy, also modulate these processes through HPA axis regulation. Currently, the specific mechanisms by which circadian rhythm regulates BDNF levels, T cell subsets, and inflammatory signals—thereby influencing both pathogenesis and treatment outcomes for oral diseases—remain unclear. Future research should focus on elucidating these molecular mechanisms as well as identifying therapeutic targets related to circadian rhythm within the oral health context. Further, multidisciplinary collaboration encompassing pharmacy, sleep behavior studies, and psychology will be instrumental in advancing prevention strategies and treatments for oral diseases.
8.Influencing factors and current status of heart failure in patients with unstable angina pectoris
Nan FENG ; Xing WU ; Qingrong ZHOU ; Jianfeng WANG ; Gang CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):184-187
Objective To explore the current status and influencing factors of heart failure occurrence in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and to provide a scientific basis for developing individualized prevention and treatment strategies. Methods A total of 310 patients with UAP admitted to the Fifth People's Hospital from October 2021 to October 2024 were selected as study subjects. The current status of the patients' heart failure was statistically analyzed, and the patients were divided into heart failure group and non-heart failure group according to whether they had heart failure. Univariate and logistic multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for the occurrence of heart failure in patients with UAP. Results Among the 310 patients with UAP, 63 cases had heart failure, with an incidence rate of 20.32%. After logistic multivariate analysis, it was found that diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, number of coronary artery lesions, homocysteine and plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels were risk factors of heart failure in patients with UAP, and hemoglobin level was a protective factor (OR: 2.010, 95%CI: 1.063-3.800; OR: 4.495, 95%CI: 2.228-9.067; OR: 2.408, 95%CI: 1.256-4.617; OR: 3.655, 95%CI: 1.812-7.372; OR: 4.693, 95%CI: 2.622-8.399; OR: 0.359, 95%CI: 0.205-0.628, P<0.05). Conclusion The coronary heart disease risk of heart failure is high in patients with UAP, and is affected by comorbidities, number of coronary artery lesions, homocysteine, and plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels. It is necessary to perform clinical screening and pay attention to such patients, and take active prevention and control interventions.
9.Progress on the relationship of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 with human diseases and its small-molecule activators
Xiangpei SUN ; Xing GAO ; Fengping ZHAO ; Wentao WANG ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Wei TIAN ; Canhui ZHENG ; Xin CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2024;42(1):6-11
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is one of important factors against from the damage under oxidative stress in human body. A high proportion of East Asians carry ALDH2 inactive mutation gene. There are many diseases closely related to ALDH2, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and liver diseases. Recent studies also have found that ALDH2 is associated with ferroptosis. Therefore, ALDH2 has becoming a potential target for the treatment of the above related diseases. Several types of small molecule activators with potential value of clinical application have been reported. The research progress on the structure and function of ALDH2 , the relationship with human diseases and its activators were summarized in this paper.
10.Therapeutic effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells co-cultured with bone marrow M2 macrophages on a rat model of liver cirrhosis
Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Danyang WANG ; Feifei XING ; Mengyao ZONG ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(1):96-103
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) co-cultured with bone marrow-derived M2 macrophages (M2-BMDMs), named as BMSCM2, on a rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)/2-acetaminofluorene (2-AAF). MethodsRat BMDMs were isolated and polarized into M2 phenotype, and rat BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with M2-BMDMs at the third generation to obtain BMSCM2. The rats were given subcutaneous injection of CCl4 for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis, and then they were randomly divided into model group (M group), BMSC group, and BMSCM2 group, with 6 rats in each group. A normal group (N group) with 6 rats was also established. Since week 7, the model rats were given 2-AAF by gavage in addition to the subcutaneous injection of CCl4. Samples were collected at the end of week 10 to observe liver function, liver histopathology, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver tissue, as well as changes in the markers for hepatic stellate cells, hepatic progenitor cells, cholangiocytes, and hepatocytes. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the N group, the M group had significant increases in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P<0.01); compared with the M group, the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in ALT and AST (P<0.01), and the BMSCM2 group had significantly better activities than the BMSC group (P<0.05). Compared with the N group, the M group had significant increases in Hyp content and the mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the liver (P<0.01); compared with the M group, the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in Hyp content and the expression of α-SMA (P<0.05), and the BMSCM2 group had a significantly lower level of α-SMA than the BMSC group (P<0.01). Compared with the N group, the M group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of the hepatic progenitor cell markers EpCam and Sox9 and the cholangiocyte markers CK7 and CK19 (P<0.01) and significant reductions in the expression levels of the hepatocyte markers HNF-4α and Alb (P<0.01); compared with the M group, the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam, Sox9, CK7, and CK19 (P<0.05) and significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and Alb (P<0.05), and compared with the BMSC group, the BMSCM2 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam and CK19 (P<0.05) and significant increase in the expression level of HNF-4α (P<0.05). ConclusionM2-BMDMs can enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on CCl4/2-AAF-induced liver cirrhosis in rats, which provides new ideas for further improving the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on liver cirrhosis.


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