1.Mechanism of puerarin in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and animal experimental verification
Yue Gao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Zong Jiang ; Zexu Jin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):22-31
Objective :
To investigate the mechanism of puerarin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Methods :
Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmcolog Database(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database were used to collect puerarin targets, and the targets of RA were obtained from GeneCards database and OMIM database. The PPI network was established by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyotoencyclopedia of genes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed through the Metascape database. RA rat-collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model was reproduced using type Ⅱ collagen emulsion, 49 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control group, CIA model group, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose puerarin group, methotrexate group, Tripterysium Glycosides Tablets group. Except for the control group, the other groups were given continuous gavage for 28 days after the CIA in rats model were prepared. The redness and swelling of the joints and ankle joint pathological changes were observed in each group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Glycogen synthase kinase3β(GSK-3β), beta-catenin(β-catenin) proteins in the synovium. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in the synovium.
Results :
Puerarin had 134 targets genes, RA had 5 821 target genes, and there were 102 overlapping target genes of puerarin and RA. It involved 184 signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, et al. The results of animal experiments showed that after the intervention of M-puerarin and MTX, the symptoms of redness and swelling of the hind foot were alleviated, the inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovium of the joint was significantly reduced, and the damage of cartilage and bone tissue was reduced. Compared with CIA group, the expressions of GSK-3β, β-catenin protein and GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in synovial tissue of rats after M-puerarin intervention decreased(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Puerarin has the characteristic of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathway intervention in RA. Puerarin may alleviate synovial hyperplasia, reduce articular cartilage erosion and bone destruction in CIA in rats by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Vitamin D and bone metabolism characteristics in knee osteoarthritis with osteoporosis patients.
Xue-Zong WANG ; Yu LU ; Dao-Fang DING ; Yu-Xin ZHENG ; Yue-Long CAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(4):352-357
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the characteristics of Vitamin D (VitD) and bone metabolism in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) concurrent with osteoporosis (OP).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 240 patients who were admitted to the orthopedics department between March 2019 and March 2024. Patients were stratified into four distinct groups according to their respective disease categories.There were 90 patients in the simple KOA group, comprising 13 males and 77 females, age ranged from 50 to 91 years old with an average of (68.48±8.96) years old. There were 90 patients in the simple OP group, comprising 7 males and 83 females, age ranged from 52 to 88 years old with an average of (69.60±8.94 )years old. There were 30 patients in the KOA with OP group, comprising 1 male and 29 females, age ranged from 51 to 91 years old with an average of(69.03±7.93) years old. There were 30 patients in the physical examination group, comprising 5 males and 25 females, age ranged from 53 to 79 years old with an average of(64.93±6.51) years old. The general data and the levels of osteocalcin (OC), β-CrossLaps, parathyroid hormone(PTH) and VitD in each group were observed.
RESULTS:
The level of VitD in KOA with OP group (19.62±10.38) ng·ml-1 and OP group (20.65±10.50) ng·ml-1 was lower than that in physical examination group (27.46±8.00) ng·ml-1 and KOA group (24.01±9.11) ng·ml-1 (P<0.05). There were significant differences in β- CrossLaps and PTH levels among the four groups (P<0.001, P=0.019, respectively), while there was no significant difference in OC levels (P=0.763). Compared with the two simple disease groups, the KOA with OP group had higher levels of β - CrossLaps(0.81±0.30) ng·ml-1 (P<0.001). There were significant differences in β-CrossLaps and PTH between the simple KOA group(0.54±0.22) ng·ml-1, (46.03±18.08) pg·ml-1 and the physical examination group (0.44±0.19) ng·ml-1, (36.65±9.63) pg·mL-1(P=0.038;P=0.006). There was a significant difference in PTH between the OP group(43.85±14.30) ng·ml-1, and the physical examination group, P=0.004. There was a significant difference in Kallgren-Lawrence grading between KOA with OP group and KOA group (P=0.006). Within KOA with OP group, the differences of β-CrossLaps and VitD levels among different K-L grades were statistically significant (P=0.016). The level of OC, β-CrossLaps and PTH within KOA with OP group was significantly different at different VitD levels (P=0.013, P=0.033, P=0.046).
CONCLUSION
Patients with KOA complicated by OP exhibit greater disturbances in bone metabolism and reduced VitD levels, particularly reflected by elevated β-CrossLaps. These findings underscore the importance of early monitoring of bone turnover and VitD supplementation in advanced-stage KOA with bone loss.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Vitamin D/blood*
;
Osteoporosis/complications*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/complications*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Bone and Bones/metabolism*
;
Parathyroid Hormone/metabolism*
;
Osteocalcin/metabolism*
3.Body fat distribution and semen quality in 4304 Chinese sperm donors.
Si-Han LIANG ; Qi-Ling WANG ; Dan LI ; Gui-Fang YE ; Ying-Xin LI ; Wei ZHOU ; Rui-Jun XU ; Xin-Yi DENG ; Lu LUO ; Si-Rong WANG ; Xin-Zong ZHANG ; Yue-Wei LIU
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):524-530
Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017-2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 10 6 (0.09 × 10 6 -0.27 × 10 6 ) ml and 12.21 × 10 6 (4.52 × 10 6 -19.91 × 10 6 ) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.
Humans
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Semen Analysis
;
China
;
Body Fat Distribution
;
Longitudinal Studies
;
Sperm Count
;
Sperm Motility
;
Body Mass Index
;
Tissue Donors
;
Obesity/complications*
;
Spermatozoa
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
East Asian People
4.Systematic review of biologic therapy safety in pregnant and breastfeeding psoriasis patients
Zong-Yang LI ; Zheng GU ; Hui-Jing WANG ; Yu-Shi FANG ; Zi LI ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):545-552
Objective To systematically review and quantitatively analyze the safety of biologic agents for the clinical treatment of psoriasis during pregnancy and lactation.Methods The literature from start of database to June 27,2023,was searched in MEDLINE(PubMed),Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science by two researcher.Quality of included studies was assessed by the quality evaluation tool of case series from Australian JBI Evidence Based Healthcare Centre.According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA),a systematic review and was conducted to assess pregnancy or breastfeeding outcomes in psoriasis patients exposed to biologics within 3 months prior to pregnancy,during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Data on pregnancy and exposure characteristics were pooled,and the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcome was summarized using a random effects model.Results A total of 54 studies involving 1206 pregnancies in 1177 female patients with psoriasis exposed to biologic agents were included in the analysis.Systematic review results demonstrated that the majority of the exposures were limited to early pregnancy,with pooled spontaneous abortion rates,elective abortion rates,overall mortality,preterm birth rates,incidence of low birth weights,and congenital anomalies similar to those of general population(P>0.05).Furthermore,no serious adverse reactions were reported during lactation.Conclusions The use of biologic agents in pregnant and breastfeeding women with psoriasis does not significantly increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and does not affect neonatal health or growth.However,the limited available safety data underscores the necessity of further studies to establish the relationship between psoriasis,biologic agents,and pregnancy/lactation outcomes,thereby providing comprehensive guidance for clinical practice.
5.Advances in the application and future directions of virtual reality technology in early mobilization of ICU patients
Xiao-Xiao SUN ; Yuan HUANG ; Zong-Ping FANG ; Wen-Jing HU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1353-1358
As early mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit(ICU)is increasingly recognized as a key measure for improving patient prognosis and reducing complications,related research is increasing.However,conventional early mobilization methods are often limited by factors such as patient condition,nursing resources,and environmental factors,making it difficult to achieve optimal results.In recent years,virtual reality(VR)technology,owing to its unique immersion and interactive features,has emerged as a focus of research in the field of ICU patient rehabilitation.This review summarizes the advances in the application of VR technology in the early mobilization of ICU patients,focusing on its advantages over traditional methods,specific implementation approaches,clinical outcomes,and challenges encountered during application.By synthesizing existing evidence,this review aims to provide valuable references for clinical practice and to explore future directions for VR technology in ICU rehabilitation,with the goal of promoting its widespread application in the early mobilization of critically ill patients.
6. Effects of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid on promoting transdifferentiation of pancreatic OL cells into pancreatic β cells
Chao-Feng XING ; Min-Yi TANG ; Qi-Hua XU ; Shuai WANG ; Zong-Meng ZHANG ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Yun-Pin MU ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):31-38
Aim To investigate the role of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in promoting the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells to β cells. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) for five consecutive days to establish a type 1 diabetes (T1DM) mouse model. After two weeks, they were randomly divided into model groups and 97% EPA diet intervention group, 75% fish oil (50% EPA +25% DHA) diet intervention group, and random blood glucose was detected every week; after the model expired, the regeneration of pancreatic β cells in mouse pancreas was observed by immunofluorescence staining. The islets of mice (obtained by crossing GCG
7.The current status and influencing factors of separate serving chopsticks and ladles provided by catering enterprises in Shanghai
Wei JIN ; Zong-Min JIANG ; Xiao-Min WEI ; Ting-Fang MAN ; Si-Kun CHEN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(4):522-527,542
Objective To understand the present situation of the standardization of separate serving chopsticks and ladles provided by catering service providers in Shanghai,and to analyze the influencing factors.Methods A total of 971 catering service providers from extra large,medium and small restaurant in 16 administrative districts of Shanghai were investigated with a self-designed questionnaire using stratified two-stage sampling method between Sep and Nov 2023,mainly concentrate on thesituation and reasons of providing separate serving chopsticks and ladles and their compliance with standards.Logistic regression was used to explore the influencing factors.Results Among the 971 units surveyed,there were 911 catering service(93.8%)providers that provided separate serving chopsticks and ladles.The main reason for providing separate serving chopsticks and ladles is for improving high quality of catering service.Binary Logistic analysis showed that catering service providers with large scale restaurant(large:OR=2.08,95%CI:2.03-2.12;medium:OR=1.99,95%CI:1.96-2.02),good quantitative level of food safety(OR=1.84,95%CI:1.83-1.85),named Shanghai Green Restaurant(OR=1.11,95%CI:1.09-1.12),known as time-honored brand(OR=1.20,95%CI:1.17-1.22),regularly acceptance of law enforcement inspections(OR=6.99,95%CI:6.91-7.07),knowledge of relevant regulation(OR=5.77,95%CI:5.70-5.85)and more channels for understanding standards(OR=1.23,95%CI:1.21-1.25)were more likely to provide separate serving chopsticks and ladles.The situation that strictly follow the fully standard requirements of separate serving chopsticks and ladles to provide 8 types of catering conducts was unsatisfactory(14.1%).Logistic analysis showed that catering service providers with large scale restaurant(extra large:OR=6.42,95%CI:2.52-16.33;large:OR=4.29,95%CI:2.24-8.21;medium:OR=3.21,95%CI:1.76-5.87)and the provision of separate serving chopsticks and ladles for more than 3 years(OR=3.1,95%CI:1.09-9.02)had a higher percentage of providing separate serving chopsticks and ladles in accordance with specification.Conclusion The overall provision of separate serving chopsticks and ladles by catering service providers in Shanghai is satisfactory.The scale of restaurant,quantitative level of food safety and named Shanghai Green Restaurant are possible main factors for providing separate serving chopsticks and ladles of catering service providers.However,the implementation is not good according to the standardization.The different scale of restaurant and the time of the provision of separate chopsticks and ladles are possible factors for providing separate serving chopsticks and ladles in accordance with specification.
8.Protective effect of sufentanil on rat model of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Yan LU ; Zong-Fang PIAO ; Ling LI ; Li-Wei WANG ; Rui SU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(4):579-583
Objective To investigate the effects of sufentanil on myocardial cells and renal function in rat models of non-stopping coronary artery bypass grafting.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into sham group(only thoracectomy without coronary artery ligation),model group(ischemia perfusion model was constructed),experimental-L group(ischemia perfusion model+0.5 μg·kg-1 sufentanil)and experimental-H group(ischemia perfusion model+1μg·kg-1 sufentanil).The mice were sacrificed 6 h after operation.The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in cardiomyocytes and renal cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins in cardiomyocytes and renal cells were detected by Western blot.Serum renal function was detected with serum renal function kit.Results The expression levels of TNF-α in myocardial cells were(50.41±6.03),(136.61±21.73),(102.36±12.84)and(74.21±16.32)pg·mg-1 in sham group,model group,experimental-L group and experimental-H group,respectively;the expression levels of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3)were 0.31±0.02,1.26±0.18,0.83±0.12 and 0.67±0.08,respectively;blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels were(5.94±1.12),(20.04±5.36),(16.84±4.19)and(10.96±3.64)μmol·L-1,respectively;the expression levels of TNF-α in renal cells were(146.49±16.13),(1 023.82±34.69),(841.65±49.66)and(324.84±48.93)pg·mg-1,respectively;the expression levels of Caspase-3 in renal cells were 0.48±0.06,1.15±0.17,0.96±0.06 and 0.74±0.07,respectively.The difference between experimental-H group and sham group,model group and experimental-L group were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion Sufentanil can significantly reduce the production of inflammatory factors and the expression of apoptotic proteins in rat cardiomyocytes,significantly improve the renal function of rats,and significantly reduce the production of inflammatory factors and the expression of apoptotic proteins in rat renal cells.
9.Effects of radiation on pharmacokinetics
Jie ZONG ; Hai-Hui ZHANG ; Gui-Fang DOU ; Zhi-Yun MENG ; Ruo-Lan GU ; Zhuo-Na WU ; Xiao-Xia ZHU ; Xuan HU ; Hui GAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1996-2000
Radiation mainly comes from medical radiation,industrial radiation,nuclear waste and atmospheric ultraviolet radiation,etc.,radiation is divided into ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation.Studying the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation on drug metabolism,understanding the absorption and distribution of drugs in the body after radiation and the speed of elimination under radiation conditions can provide reasonable guidance for clinical medication.This article reviews the effects of radiation on the pharmacokinetics of different drugs,elaborates the changes of different pharmacokinetics under radiation state,and discusses the reasons for the changes.
10.PI3K/AKT/mTOR in synovial fluid extends the proinflammatory response of macrophage polarization in knee osteoarthritis
Zong JIANG ; Tengxun GUO ; Xiaoling YAO ; Weiya LAN ; Fang TANG ; Wukai MA ; Jia LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(3):377-383
Objective Given that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis(KOA),this study aims to investigate whether the polarization induction of synovial macrophages mediated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis is the cause of KOA progression.Methods The synovial fluid of KOA KL-Ⅱ and KL-Ⅲ patients and normal individuals was collected,and the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)and M2 macrophages(CD163,CD206)in the synovial fluid(M1/M2 ratio)was measured to e-valuate the polarization of macrophage cytokines such as IL-1,IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β Expression in KOA synovial fluid,and detect and analyze of key molecules PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iONS)in KOA synovial fluid.Results Compared with the synovial fluid of normal individuals,the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)in KOA patients increased(P<0.01),and the M1/M2 ratio increased(P<0.001);The ex-pression of IL-1,IL-6,and TNF-α in the synovial fluid of the KOA group was also higher than that of the control group(P<0.01),while the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the KOA group was significantly reduced(P<0.01);The key proteins PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and downstream inflammatory factor iONS in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the synovial fluid of the KOA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion In KOA synovial fluid,M1 macrophage polarization plays a dominant role,and the inflam-matory response mediated by M1 macrophage polarization may be the cause of synovitis.At the same time,the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may mediate the polarization of M1 macrophages involved in KOA inflammato-ry response.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail