1.Isolation,culture and differentiation of human urine-derived stem cells into smooth muscle cells
Jiahui CHEN ; Xiaoqi DAI ; Yangang XU ; Yuanchao LI ; Mei HUANG ; Yifei ZHAN ; Yuxuan DU ; Liuqiang LI ; Yaochuan GUO ; Jun BIAN ; Dehui LAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4076-4082
BACKGROUND:Traditional methods of urinary tract reconstruction are limited by donor scarcity,high complication rates,and suboptimal functional recovery.Tissue engineering strategies offer new directions in this field.Since the urinary tract is mainly composed of muscle tissue,the key is to find suitable seed cells and efficiently induce them to differentiate into smooth muscle cells.Comparative studies on the efficacy of different smooth muscle cell induction regimens are still lacking. OBJECTIVE:To isolate,culture,and identify human urine-derived stem cells,and to compare the effects of two different induction protocols. METHODS:Human urine-derived stem cells were isolated from urine samples of 11 healthy adult volunteers by multiple centrifugations.Surface markers were identified by flow cytometry.The multi-directional differentiation potential of human urine-derived stem cells was verified through osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.Differentiation was induced by transforming growth factor-β1 or transforming growth factor-β1 combined with platelet derived growth factor for 14 days.Immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay were employed to compare the expression differences of smooth muscle-specific proteins(α-SMA and SM22). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Urine-derived stem cells were successfully isolated from the eight urine samples of healthy people.These cells exhibit a"rice grain"-like morphology and possess a robust proliferative capacity.(2)Urine-derived stem cells exhibited high expression of mesenchymal stem cell surface markers(CD73,CD90,and CD44)and extremely low expression of hematopoietic stem cell surface markers(CD34 and CD45).These cells did not express CD19,CD105,and HLA-DR.(3)After osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation,the formation of calcium nodules and lipid droplets was observed,with positive staining results from Alizarin Red S and Oil Red O staining.(4)After 14 days of smooth muscle induction culture,immunofluorescence staining revealed that the smooth muscle differentiation rate of urine-derived stem cells treated with a combination of transforming growth factor-β1 and platelet derived growth factor was significantly higher compared to those treated with transforming growth factor-β1 alone(P<0.005).(5)After 14 days of smooth muscle induction culture,western blot assay further demonstrated that the expression levels of α-SMA and SM22 in the transforming growth factor-β1/platelet derived growth factor group were significantly elevated compared to those in the transforming growth factor-β1 only group(P<0.005).These findings confirm that urine-derived stem cells can be non-invasively isolated using multiple rounds of centrifugation.Compared with transforming growth factor-β1 alone,the combination of transforming growth factor-β1 and platelet derived growth factor can improve the efficiency of inducing urine-derived stem cells to differentiate into smooth muscle cells.
2.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.
3.Association between medium to long term ambient PM 2.5 exposure and overweight/obesity among primary and secondary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):937-940
Objective:
To investigate the association between medium to long term PM 2.5 exposure around school areas and overweight/obesity among primary and secondary school students in Guangxi, providing data support and theoretical foundations for scientifically addressing overweight and obesity in primary and secondary school students.
Methods:
From September to November 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 251 183 students aged 7-18 years (grade 1 to grade 12) from 14 prefecture level cities (111 districts and counties) in Guangxi. PM 2.5 mass concentration data were obtained from the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) dataset. Preliminary comparative analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, while binary Logistic regression models were applied to quantify the relationship between PM 2.5 exposure and overweight/obesity. Restricted cubic spline analysis was further utilized to examine the nonlinear association between PM 2.5 concentration and overweight/obesity risk.
Results:
The detection rate of overweight/obesity among Guangxi students in 2023 was 19.5%. The median PM 2.5 concentration in the year prior to the study was higher in the overweight/obesity group (23.22 μg/m 3) compared to the non overweight/obesity group (22.63 μg/m 3) ( Z=-15.66, P <0.01), and consistent trends were observed across gender (male/female) and educational stage (primary/junior/senior high school) subgroups (all P <0.01). Binary Logistic regression revealed that for every 10 μg/m 3 increase in the annual average PM 2.5 concentration, the risk of overweight/obesity increased by 12% ( OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.09- 1.15 , P <0.01). Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between monthly PM 2.5 levels and overweight/obesity risk ( P trend <0.01). Below 22.68 μg/m 3, PM 2.5 exposure showed no significant association with obesity risk; above the threshold, the risk increased with rising PM 2.5 levels.
Conclusion
Medium to long term PM 2.5 exposure around school environments is significantly associated with overweight/obesity among primary and secondary school students.
4.Analysis of Quality Difference Factors of Perillae Caulis Based on Chemometrics Combined with TOPSIS Model
Maoqing WANG ; Sha CHEN ; Qian MA ; Jun ZHANG ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Rui SHEN ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):168-175
ObjectiveTo explore quality difference factors of Perillae Caulis based on the contents of multiple chemical components and comprehensively evaluate the quality. MethodsA total of 32 batches of Perillae Caulis samples were collected from 12 producing areas such as Hebei, Anhui and Guangdong, and their diameter range, epidermis color and producing areas were recorded. Total flavonoids, total phenols, volatile oils, 5 active components and 84 volatile components in 32 batches of samples were quantitatively or semi-quantitatively determined by colorimetry, ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector(UPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Then the differences between the contents of these components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and non-parametric test. According to the weights of the index components determined by PCA model, entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) model was constructed to evaluate the quality of Perillae Caulis with different characters and origins. ResultsThere were significant differences in the composition of Perillae Caulis with different diameters, epidermis colors and producing areas, and 9 differential components were screened out, including 6 index constituents(total flavonoids, total phenols, caffeic acid, scutellarin, rosmarinic acid and luteolin) and 3 volatile components(caryophyllene oxide, (-)-humulene epoxide Ⅱ, 14-hydroxycaryophyllene), of which 6 index constituents were higher in samples with small diameter, purple-brown epidermis and southern origin, while the contents of 3 volatile components were higher in samples with large diameter, dark-brown epidermis and northern origin. A significant difference was shown in the model scores of different diameters, epidermis colors and origins(P<0.05), and the scores of Perillae Caulis with small diameter and purple-brown epidermis from southern area, especially Guangdong, had a high score. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition and content of chemical constituents between different diameters, epidermal colors and production areas of Perillae Caulis, samples showing small diameter, owing purple-brown epidermis, and originating from Guangdong were of higher-quality due to their higher content of 8 key indices.
5.Analysis of Quality Difference Factors of Perillae Caulis Based on Chemometrics Combined with TOPSIS Model
Maoqing WANG ; Sha CHEN ; Qian MA ; Jun ZHANG ; Qingxia XU ; Cong GUO ; Rui SHEN ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):168-175
ObjectiveTo explore quality difference factors of Perillae Caulis based on the contents of multiple chemical components and comprehensively evaluate the quality. MethodsA total of 32 batches of Perillae Caulis samples were collected from 12 producing areas such as Hebei, Anhui and Guangdong, and their diameter range, epidermis color and producing areas were recorded. Total flavonoids, total phenols, volatile oils, 5 active components and 84 volatile components in 32 batches of samples were quantitatively or semi-quantitatively determined by colorimetry, ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector(UPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Then the differences between the contents of these components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and non-parametric test. According to the weights of the index components determined by PCA model, entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) model was constructed to evaluate the quality of Perillae Caulis with different characters and origins. ResultsThere were significant differences in the composition of Perillae Caulis with different diameters, epidermis colors and producing areas, and 9 differential components were screened out, including 6 index constituents(total flavonoids, total phenols, caffeic acid, scutellarin, rosmarinic acid and luteolin) and 3 volatile components(caryophyllene oxide, (-)-humulene epoxide Ⅱ, 14-hydroxycaryophyllene), of which 6 index constituents were higher in samples with small diameter, purple-brown epidermis and southern origin, while the contents of 3 volatile components were higher in samples with large diameter, dark-brown epidermis and northern origin. A significant difference was shown in the model scores of different diameters, epidermis colors and origins(P<0.05), and the scores of Perillae Caulis with small diameter and purple-brown epidermis from southern area, especially Guangdong, had a high score. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition and content of chemical constituents between different diameters, epidermal colors and production areas of Perillae Caulis, samples showing small diameter, owing purple-brown epidermis, and originating from Guangdong were of higher-quality due to their higher content of 8 key indices.
6.Clinical Practice of Coronary Microvascular Disease with the Integrated Approach of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Aolin LI ; Xinnong CHEN ; Lerong YU ; Jun GE ; Wei ZHOU ; Kangzheng GUO ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1662-1667
This paper analyzed the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medical understanding of coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) from the three dimensions of "disease-syndrome-symptom". In western medicine, by summarizing the suspected diagnosis and understanding of CMVD, it is believed that inflammatory responses and vascular endothelial damage are the key mechanisms of the pathogenesis. From the perspective of TCM, the disease location is at blood, vessels and heart, and the fundamental cause is spleen and kidney depletion, closely realted to phlegm, stasis, toxin, wind and qi. Integrating the understanding of both TCM and western medicine, clinical treatment advocates taking the CMVD pathology as the base, and the TCM understanding of pathogenesis as the main focus. The properties of Chinese herbal medicinals is used as the guidance for medication, and the pharmacological understanding as the assisstance of treatment, with the medical history and the severity of the condition are additionally considered. It is finally proposed that during the acute phase, the methods of nourishing yin and resolving toxins, softening hardness and dissipating masses, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals should be applied to alleviate the emergency. In the subacute phase, the focus should be on raising and lifting qi promote its movement, with flexible use of medicinals that can unblock yang. In the remission phase, the method of tonifying spleen and fortifying kidney should be used to maintain the stability of the condition.
7.Exploration and Practice of Artificial Intelligence Empowering Case-based Teaching in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Ying-Lu HU ; Yi-Chen LIN ; Jun-Ming GUO ; Xiao-Dan MENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2173-2184
In recent years, the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education has created new opportunities for teaching Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while also offering innovative solutions to the pedagogical challenges associated with protein structure and function. Focusing on the case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this study integrates AI into case-based learning (CBL) to develop an AI-CBL hybrid teaching model. This model features an intelligent case-generation system that dynamically constructs ALK mutation scenarios using real-world clinical data, closely linking molecular biology concepts with clinical applications. It incorporates AI-powered protein structure prediction tools to accurately visualize the three-dimensional structures of both wild-type and mutant ALK proteins, dynamically simulating functional abnormalities resulting from conformational changes. Additionally, a virtual simulation platform replicates the ALK gene detection workflow, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills. As a result, a multidimensional teaching system is established—driven by clinical cases and integrating molecular structural analysis with experimental validation. Teaching outcomes indicate that the three-dimensional visualization, dynamic interactivity, and intelligent analytical capabilities provided by AI significantly enhance students’ understanding of molecular mechanisms, classroom engagement, and capacity for innovative research. This model establishes a coherent training pathway linking “fundamental theory-scientific research thinking-clinical practice”, offering an effective approach to addressing teaching challenges and advancing the intelligent transformation of medical education.
8.Study on the effect of different administration regimens of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets on inhibiting gastric acid secretion
Ting-Yuan PANG ; Zhi WANG ; Zi-Shu HU ; Zi-Han SHEN ; Yue-Qi WANG ; Ya-Qian CHEN ; Xue-Bing QIAN ; Jin-Ying LIANG ; Liang-Ying YI ; Jun-Long LI ; Zhi-Hui HAN ; Guo-Ping ZHONG ; Guo-Hua CHENG ; Hai-Tang HU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(1):92-96
Objective To compare the effects of 20 mg qd and 10 mg bidadministration of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets on the control of gastric acid in healthy subjects.Methods A randomized,single-center,parallel controlled trial was designed to include 8 healthy subjects.Randomly divided into 2 groups,20 mg qd administration group:20 mg enteric-coated tablets of iprrazole in the morning;10 mg bid administration group:10 mg enteric-coated tablets of iprrazole in the morning and 10 mg in the evening.The pH values in the stomach of the subjects before and 24 h after administration were monitored by pH meter.The plasma concentration of iprazole after administration was determined by HPLC-MS/MS.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin(V8.0)software.Results The PK parameters of iprrazole enteric-coated tablets and reference preparations in fasting group were as follows:The Cmax of 20 mg qd group and 10 mg bid group were(595.75±131.15)and(283.50±96.98)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(5 531.94±784.35)and(4 686.67±898.23)h·ng·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were(6 003.19±538.59)and(7 361.48±1 816.77)h·ng·mL-1,respectively.The mean time percentage of gastric pH>3 after 20 mg qd and 10 mg bid were 82.64%and 61.92%,and the median gastric pH within 24 h were 6.25±1.49 and 3.53±2.05,respectively.The mean gastric pH values within 24 h were 5.71±1.36 and 4.23±1.45,respectively.The correlation analysis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics showed that there was no significant correlation between the peak concentration of drug in plasma and the inhibitory effect of acid.Conclusion Compared with the 20 mg qd group and the 10 mg bid group,the acid inhibition effect is better,the administration times are less,and the safety of the two administration regimes is good.
9.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
10.Efficacy on the Acute Lumen Gain Post Excimer Laser Combined With Drug-coated Balloon for Instent Restenosis and the Relationship With Different Neointimal Tissues Defined by Optical Coherence Tomography
Pan HE ; Junjie YANG ; Haiwei CHEN ; Anping DENG ; Zhigeng JIN ; Lei GAO ; Jun GUO ; Yundai CHEN ; Qi WANG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(2):133-139
Objectives:To compare the efficacy of the combination of excimer laser coronary angioplasty(ELCA)and drug-coated balloon(DCB)for in-stent restenosis(ISR)and to evaluate the impact of neointimal tissue characteristics on treatment outcomes. Methods:A total of 96 ISR lesions from 86 patients who underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT)evaluation and DCB with or without ELCA treatment at The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.ISR lesions were divided into ELCA+DCB group(n=30)and DCB group(n=66).Additionally,ISR lesions were classified as homogeneous and non-heterogeneous patterns based on the OCT characteristics of the neointimal tissue,and the impact on acute lumen gains was compared between different ISR patterns.Acute lumen gain(ΔMLA)was defined as the changes in minimum lumen area before and after the intervention. Results:The ELCA+DCB group had a significantly greater ΔMLA than the DCB group([3.2±0.8]mm2 vs.[2.6±1.4]mm2,P=0.015).Among the ISR with a homogeneous pattern,the ΔMLA of the ELCA+DCB group was significantly greater than that of the DCB group([3.0±0.9]mm2 vs.[2.2±1.1]mm2,P=0.030).There was no significant difference in ΔMLA between the two ISR groups with the non-homogeneous pattern([3.4±0.7]mm2 vs.[3.2±1.5]mm2,P=0.533).There was no death,the rate of target lesion revascularization was similar between the patients with lesions receiving DCB treatment and patients receiving ELCA +DCB treatment(7.4%vs.4.2%,P>0.05). Conclusions:The combination of ELCA and DCB is an effective strategy for treating ISR,which can achieve greater acute lumen gain compared to DCB treatment alone,especially for the treatment of homogenous ISR pattern characterized by OCT.


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