1.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
2.Immune microenvironment regulates bone regeneration
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):701-710
BACKGROUND:The local immune microenvironment plays an important regulatory role in the process of bone formation,and the immune system is intricately linked to the skeletal system.OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the promotion of bone regeneration from three aspects:immune cell regulation of microenvironment,regulation of immune response by small extracellular vesicles,and induction of immune response by bone biomaterials,and to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in bone regeneration.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed,CNKI,WanFang Database,and VIP Database,using the search terms of"osteoimmunology,immune microenvironment,small extracellular vesicles,bone regeneration,bone tissue repair,biomaterials,and tissue engineering"in English and Chinese.Repeat and irrelevant literature was screened and removed,and 92 articles that met the criteria were selected for intensive reading and review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Multiple immune cells and bone cells are in the same microenvironment,and immune cells can regulate the differentiation and activity of bone cells,collectively forming an immune microenvironment that affects bone regeneration.Neutrophils can significantly reduce local inflammatory responses in the early stages of bone injury,creating a favorable microenvironment for bone regeneration.M1 macrophages can clear foreign bodies and reduce early inflammatory responses,while M2 macrophages can promote the expression of osteogenic markers and factors,playing an important role in the repair process of bone injury.B cells and T cells can directly or indirectly affect the generation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,regulate bone metabolism,and promote bone regeneration.Extracellular vesicles of small cells regulate the local immune microenvironment through paracrine secretion,promoting bone formation and angiogenesis at the site of bone injury.The metal ions,surface hydrophilicity,porosity,pore size,surface morphology,and surface roughness on the surface of biomaterials can directly regulate local immune responses,and have anti-inflammatory,angiogenic,and osteogenic effects,thereby accelerating bone regeneration.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates Oxidative Stress to Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis: A Review
Hu YANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Tong WANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):277-285
Osteoporosis is a common bone metabolic disease, which is mainly characterized by the decrease in the number of bone trabeculae and the destruction of bone tissue microstructure, leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risks. This disease is common in postmenopausal women, elderly men, diabetes patients, and obese people. Due to the lack of awareness to prevent bone losses and the limitations of bone mass measurement methods, osteoporosis is only concerned when there are serious complications, which imposes a heavy burden on both patients and medical resources. Oxidative stress refers to the excessive production of highly active molecules such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen in the body subjected to harmful stimuli, leading to the imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant systems and causing oxidative damage. Studies have shown that oxidative stress can increase the generation and activity of osteoclasts and inhibit the differentiation of osteoblasts, thus playing a role in the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered an effective antioxidant that can alleviate oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis by regulating a variety of signaling pathways. Studies have shown that TCM can alleviate oxidative stress and promote bone angiogenesis and osteogenesis by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor-kappa B, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathways. TCM alleviates oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis by regulating the Nrf2, PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, and secreted glycoprotein Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In addition, TCM regulates NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway to alleviate excessive bone resorption induced by oxidative stress. This paper systematically summarizes the literature on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by TCM or its active ingredients via the above-mentioned signaling pathways to reduce oxidative stress in recent years. It briefs the possible molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress regulation-related signaling pathways to cause osteoporosis. In addition, this paper discusses the effects and mechanisms of TCM on bone angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone resorption by reducing oxidative stress through the regulation of related signaling pathways, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the research and clinical treatment of osteoporosis.
4.Assembly and network of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma surface microbiome shaped by processing methods and sampling locations.
Guangfei WEI ; Xiao CHEN ; Guozhuang ZHANG ; Conglian LIANG ; Zhaoyu ZHANG ; Bo ZHANG ; Shilin CHEN ; Linlin DONG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):189-199
OBJECTIVE:
Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has five types of products, namely, raw rhubarb (RR), wine rhubarb (WR), vinegar rhubarb (VR), cooked rhubarb (CR), and rhubarb charcoal (RC). However, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is easily contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins if not harvested or processed properly. Here, we intend to analyze how microbiome assemblies and co-occurrence patterns are influenced by sampling locations and processing methods.
METHODS:
High-throughput sequencing and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were carried out to study the diversities (α- and β-diversity), composition (dominant taxa and potential biomarkers), and network complexitity of surface fungi on RR, WR, VR, CR, and RC collected from Gansu and Sichuan provinces, China.
RESULTS:
The phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; the genera Kazachstania, Malassezia, and Asterotremella; and the species Kazachstania exigua, Asterotremella pseudolonga, and Malassezia restricta were the dominant fungi and exhibited differences in the two provinces and the five processed products. The α-diversity and network complexity were strongly dependent on processing methods. Chao 1, the Shannon index, and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the CR group. The α-diversity and network complexity were influenced by sampling locations. Chao 1 and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the Gansu Province.
CONCLUSION
The assembly and network of the surface microbiome on Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were shaped by processing methods and sampling locations. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms, which can provide early warning for potential mycotoxins and ensure the safety of drugs and consumers.
5.Ecological factors impacting genetic characteristics and metabolite accumulations of Gastrodia elata.
Zhaoyu ZHANG ; Xiaodong LI ; Yuchi ZHANG ; Niegui YIN ; Guoying WU ; Guangfei WEI ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Shilin CHEN ; Linlin DONG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):562-574
OBJECTIVE:
The investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, Gastrodia elata, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations.
METHODS:
A total of 23 G. elata populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of G. elata, Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted.
RESULTS:
Genetic variation among G. elata populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34%-189.67% higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57%, 136.47% and 12.50%-91.14%, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on G. elata genetic characteristics (r > 0.256 and P < 0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in G. elata were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|r| > 0.528 and P < 0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|r| > 0.503 and P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The genetic characteristics of G. elata manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological factors on the shaping of G. elata, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.
6.Action mechanism of Gegenmaqi prescription in treatment of periarthritis of shoulder combined with type 2 diabetes based on TCMSP database
Tong WANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Hu YANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(35):7669-7678
BACKGROUND:Gegenmaqi prescription has a good effect on periarthritis of shoulder combined with type 2 diabetes and has a good application prospect,but the specific mechanism is not clear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the action mechanism of Gegenmaqi prescription on periarthritis of shoulder and type 2 diabetes by network pharmacology,molecular docking,and molecular dynamics.METHODS:The active components and protein targets of Gegenmaqi prescription were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database and analysis platform,referred to as TCMSP jointly established by the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,and China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in 2013.Genecards created by Professor Doron Lancet's team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1997,Drugbank created by scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada in 2006,and the OMIM database established by Dr.Victor A.McKusick's team at Johns Hopkins University in the United States in 1966 were used to search the disease protein targets of periarthritis of shoulder and type 2 diabetes,and the intersection targets were obtained based on the WeChat online tool.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed based on the STRING database created in 2000 by Peer Bork's team at the European Bioinformatics Institute(EMBL),and the protein-protein interaction relationship was analyzed.The core targets were screened according to the degree value.The intersection targets were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Finally,molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to verify the binding of key components to key targets.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)One hundred and forty-two active ingredients of Gegenmaqi prescription were obtained,including 65 intersections between component targets and disease targets,5 key active ingredients(β-sitosterol,stigmasterol,kaempferol,quercetin,and formononetin),and 5 key targets(AKT1,tumor necrosis factor,interleukin-10,JUN,and TP53).(2)GO function enrichment included 508 items,390 biological process items,77 molecular function items and 41 cell component items.KEGG pathway analysis showed 146 pathways,mainly involving advanced glycation end products receptor signaling pathway,lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,and interleukin-17 signaling pathway.(3)Molecular docking showed that the key components and key targets had good binding activity.Molecular dynamics simulation showed that β-sitosterol had stable interactions with AKT1,tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 10.(4)Gegenmaqi prescription has been comprehensively studied,and the material basis of its pharmacological effect has been primarily clarified.It is predicted that Gegenmaqi prescription can treat periarthritis of shoulder combined with type 2 diabetes through multi-components,multi-targets,and multi-pathways to exert anti-inflammatory and regulate insulin secretion.
7.Action mechanism of Gegenmaqi prescription in treatment of periarthritis of shoulder combined with type 2 diabetes based on TCMSP database
Tong WANG ; Yu ZHENG ; Chengming JIA ; Hu YANG ; Guangfei ZHANG ; Yaoyao JI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(35):7669-7678
BACKGROUND:Gegenmaqi prescription has a good effect on periarthritis of shoulder combined with type 2 diabetes and has a good application prospect,but the specific mechanism is not clear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the action mechanism of Gegenmaqi prescription on periarthritis of shoulder and type 2 diabetes by network pharmacology,molecular docking,and molecular dynamics.METHODS:The active components and protein targets of Gegenmaqi prescription were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database and analysis platform,referred to as TCMSP jointly established by the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica,Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica,and China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in 2013.Genecards created by Professor Doron Lancet's team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1997,Drugbank created by scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada in 2006,and the OMIM database established by Dr.Victor A.McKusick's team at Johns Hopkins University in the United States in 1966 were used to search the disease protein targets of periarthritis of shoulder and type 2 diabetes,and the intersection targets were obtained based on the WeChat online tool.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed based on the STRING database created in 2000 by Peer Bork's team at the European Bioinformatics Institute(EMBL),and the protein-protein interaction relationship was analyzed.The core targets were screened according to the degree value.The intersection targets were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses.Finally,molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to verify the binding of key components to key targets.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)One hundred and forty-two active ingredients of Gegenmaqi prescription were obtained,including 65 intersections between component targets and disease targets,5 key active ingredients(β-sitosterol,stigmasterol,kaempferol,quercetin,and formononetin),and 5 key targets(AKT1,tumor necrosis factor,interleukin-10,JUN,and TP53).(2)GO function enrichment included 508 items,390 biological process items,77 molecular function items and 41 cell component items.KEGG pathway analysis showed 146 pathways,mainly involving advanced glycation end products receptor signaling pathway,lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,and interleukin-17 signaling pathway.(3)Molecular docking showed that the key components and key targets had good binding activity.Molecular dynamics simulation showed that β-sitosterol had stable interactions with AKT1,tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 10.(4)Gegenmaqi prescription has been comprehensively studied,and the material basis of its pharmacological effect has been primarily clarified.It is predicted that Gegenmaqi prescription can treat periarthritis of shoulder combined with type 2 diabetes through multi-components,multi-targets,and multi-pathways to exert anti-inflammatory and regulate insulin secretion.
8.Mining and analysis of busulfan adverse drug events signals based on FAERS database
Guangfei WANG ; Junqi ZHANG ; Yidie HUANG ; Yueyue WANG ; Xiaowen ZHAI ; Zhiping LI
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(3):259-268
Objective To study adverse drug events(ADEs)of busulfan the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS),and to mine the potential ADE signals,so as to provide reference for the safe drug use in clinical practice.Methods Data from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2023 were retrieved from the FAERS database,and ADE records for busulfan as a primary suspect drug were obtained through data cleaning and standardization of target drug names.Risk signals for busulfan ADEs were mined based on the reporting odds ratio method,the proportional reporting ratio method,and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency method.The information component method was used to assess the intense of the risk signals.The ADEs were systematically classified according to Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities(MedDRA),and two ranking sequence of busulfan ADEs were generated by signal occurrence frequency and signal intense,respectively.Results A total of 20 326 ADE records were collected,involving 5 615 patients with 556 related ADE signals,of which 117 were newly reported as compared to those in the drug instruction of busulfan.Male patients accounted for a higher proportion than female patients(40.71%vs.30.74%).The main population of patients were younger than 18 years old(31.56%).The reports were most reported by physicians(33.71%)and other health professionals(24.35%)as well as pharmacists(23.86%),mainly from the United States(29.69%),Japan(15.78%),and France(11.79%).The top five ADEs in terms of occurrence frequency were busulfan use in unapproved indications,hepatic veno-occlusive disease(HVOD),mucosal inflammation,cytomegalovirus infection,and graft versus host disease.The top five ADEs in terms of signal intense were HVOD,acute graft versus host disease,veno-occlusive disease,graft versus host disease,and chronic graft versus host disease.The ADE signals involves 23 system organ classes.The top three SOCs in terms of the number of ADE signals were infections/infestations,investigations and neoplasms benign/malignant/unspecified(include cysts and polyps).Conclusion When busulfan is used in clinic,attention should be paid to its adverse events in hepatic veno-occlusive disease,infections,graft versus host disease,neurotoxicity,and venous thromboembolism,which are likely to cause serious consequences.The clinical pharmacists can assist clinicians to make prevention plans in case of busulfan ADEs,so as to improve the safety of busulfan use in clinic.
9.Analysis of risk factors for death within 1 year after hip fracture surgery in the elderly
Xuefeng HU ; Zhiqin YU ; Shijun NI ; Guangfei LI ; Honghui SONG ; Jia JIN ; Liuhui CHANG ; Yancheng DAI ; Youjia XU ; Peng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2023;39(3):245-251
Objective:To explore the risk factors for death within 1 year after hip fracture surgery in the elderly.Methods:A case control study was made on the clinical data of 551 elderly patients with hip fracture treated in Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2019 to December 2020, including 182 males and 369 females; aged 65-100 years [80(73,86)years]. Joint replacement, cannulated screw fixation or proximal femoral nail fixation were performed. The patients were divided into survival group ( n=494) and death group ( n=57) based on the death within 1 year after surgery recorded at postoperative telephone follow-up. The gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, neurological diseases, chronic renal failure, anemia on admission, fracture types, American anesthesiologist Association (ASA) classification, operative methods, preoperative waiting time, duration of operation and perioperative blood transfusion were recorded in two groups. Univariate Cox regression was used to analyze the correlation between the above indexes and death within 1 year after surgery. All indexes with P<0.2 in the univariate analysis were included in multivariate Cox regression analysis to clarify the independent risk factors for death within 1 year after surgery. Results:Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that death within 1 year after surgery correlated with gender, age chronic respiratory diseases, chronic renal failure and anemia on admission (all P<0.01), but not with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, fracture types, ASA classification, operative methods, preoperative waiting time, duration of operation or perioperative blood transfusion (all P>0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that male ( HR=2.08, 95% CI 1.20, 3.61, P<0.01), age ≥ 80 years ( HR=2.22, 95% CI 1.15, 4.28, P<0.05), chronic respiratory diseases ( HR=2.54, 95% CI 1.19, 5.40, P<0.05), chronic renal failure ( HR=4.57, 95% CI 1.27, 16.44, P<0.05), anemia on admission ( HR=2.82, 95% CI 1.38, 5.76, P<0.01) were significantly associated with death within 1 year after surgery. Conclusion:Male age≥ 80 years, chronic respiratory disease, chronic renal failure and anemia on admission are independent risk factors for death within 1 year after hip fracture surgery in the elderly.
10.Apoptosis-promoting effect of temozolomide loaded nanoparticles combined with low intensity focused ultrasound on human glioma cells
Ruijiao CHANG ; Hongyu TAO ; Hongyuan SHEN ; Qian ZHANG ; Guangfei YANG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2023;32(1):86-91
Objective:To prepare liquid-gas phase modified nanoparticles (TMZ/PFP/PLGA NPs) of perfluoropentane (PFP) and temozolomide (TMZ) encapsulated by polylactic-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA), combined with low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) irradiation, and to investigate its ultrasound imaging ability and intervention effect on human glioma cells in vitro.Methods:TMZ/PFP/PLGA NPs were prepared by compound emulsion method. The basic physical and chemical properties and drug loading ability of TMZ/PFP/PLGA NPs were detected. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles in vitro and the effect of synergistic intervention with LIFU on the survival rate of glioma cells. The expression levels of apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 were detected by Western blot.Results:Under transmission electron microscope, TMZ/PFP/PLGA NPs showed a circular core-shell structure with regular morphology, particle size was (137.9±63.31)nm, encapsulation efficiency of TMZ was (83.01±5.57)%, drug loading was (3.19±0.22)%. The survival rate of U251 cells was still above 70% after 24 hours of co-incubation with nanoparticles. Under the synergistic effect of LIFU irradiation, the apoptosis of U251 cells was accelerated and the survival rate of U251 cells was significantly decreased. The results of Western blot showed that the synergic intervention could significantly down-regulate the expression of apoptosis related protein Bcl-2, and significantly up-regulate the expression of Bax protein and caspase-3 protein (all P<0.05). Conclusions:TMZ/PFP/PLGA NPs have good basic physical and chemical properties. TMZ/PFP/PLGA NPs have low cytotoxicity in vitro while efficiently loading chemotherapeutic drug timozolomide. Synergistic intervention under LIFU irradiation can significantly accelerate the apoptosis of U251 glioma cells, which has a good application prospect.

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