1.Effect and mechanism of beta-caryophyllene in mice with osteoarthritis
Ju CHEN ; Jinchang ZHENG ; Zhen LIANG ; Chengshuo HUANG ; Hao LIN ; Li ZENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1341-1347
BACKGROUND:β-Caryophyllene has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic,which may have a better therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-caryophyllene on mouse osteoarthritis.METHODS:Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group,low-dose β-caryophyllene group and high-dose β-caryophyllene group,with 10 mice in each group.Hulth method was used to construct an osteoarthritis model in the latter three groups.Four weeks after modeling,70 and 140 mg/kg/d β-caryophyllene was intragastrically given in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,respectively,and normal saline was given by gavage in the sham group and the model group,once a day,for 4 weeks.After administration,knee joint morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum levels of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10)were detected by ELISA,and oxidative stress indexes(glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde)were detected by chemiluminescence.The expression levels of key proteins in the Sonic hedgehog(Shh)/glioma associated oncogene homolog 1(Gli1)signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham group,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the knee joint of mice in the model group,cartilage tissue was seriously damaged,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,interleukin-10 and malondialdehyde were significantly increased(P<0.01),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the relative expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly increased(P<0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,inflammatory cell infiltration in the mouse knee joint was decreased,cartilage tissue injury was alleviated,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1 β,interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The above-mentioned improvements were more significant in the high-dose β-caryophyllene group than the low-dose β-caryophyllene group.To conclude,β-caryophyllene can improve osteoarthritis,and its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress damage by regulating the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway.
2.Exploration of a new model for the construction of medical institution formulation platforms from the perspective of industry-university-research collaborative innovation theory
Kana LIN ; Anle SHEN ; Yejian WANG ; Yanqiong WANG ; Hao LI ; Yanfang GUO ; Youjun WANG ; Xinyan SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):137-141
OBJECTIVE To explore a model for constructing a platform for medical institution formulation and provide insights for promoting their development. METHODS By systematically reviewing the development status and challenges of medical institution preparations in China, and based on the theory of industry-university-research collaborative innovation, the organizational structure, collaborative processes, and safeguard mechanisms of the platform were designed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Medical institution formulations in China mainly faced challenges such as weak research and development (R&D) capacity, uneven quality standards, and blocked transformation pathways. This study established a full-chain, whole- industry collaborative innovation network covering the government, medical institutions, universities/research institutes, pharmaceutical enterprises, and the market, forming a new “government-industry-university-research-application” five-in-one platform model for medical institution formulations. By establishing mechanisms such as multi-entity collaborative cooperation, full- chain intellectual property management, contribution-based benefit distribution, staged risk-sharing, and third-party evaluation, the model clarified the responsibilities and collaborative pathways of all parties. The new model highlights the whole-process transformation of clinical experience-based prescriptions, enabling precise alignment between clinical needs and technological R&D, as well as between preparation achievements and industrial transformation. While breaking down the barriers of traditional platform construction, it effectively achieves optimal resource allocation and complementary advantages, addresses problems emerging in the development of medical institution preparations, and provides reference value for the formulation of relevant systems.
3.Effect and mechanism of beta-caryophyllene in mice with osteoarthritis
Ju CHEN ; Jinchang ZHENG ; Zhen LIANG ; Chengshuo HUANG ; Hao LIN ; Li ZENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1341-1347
BACKGROUND:β-Caryophyllene has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic,which may have a better therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-caryophyllene on mouse osteoarthritis.METHODS:Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group,low-dose β-caryophyllene group and high-dose β-caryophyllene group,with 10 mice in each group.Hulth method was used to construct an osteoarthritis model in the latter three groups.Four weeks after modeling,70 and 140 mg/kg/d β-caryophyllene was intragastrically given in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,respectively,and normal saline was given by gavage in the sham group and the model group,once a day,for 4 weeks.After administration,knee joint morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum levels of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10)were detected by ELISA,and oxidative stress indexes(glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde)were detected by chemiluminescence.The expression levels of key proteins in the Sonic hedgehog(Shh)/glioma associated oncogene homolog 1(Gli1)signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham group,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the knee joint of mice in the model group,cartilage tissue was seriously damaged,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,interleukin-10 and malondialdehyde were significantly increased(P<0.01),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the relative expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly increased(P<0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,inflammatory cell infiltration in the mouse knee joint was decreased,cartilage tissue injury was alleviated,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1 β,interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The above-mentioned improvements were more significant in the high-dose β-caryophyllene group than the low-dose β-caryophyllene group.To conclude,β-caryophyllene can improve osteoarthritis,and its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress damage by regulating the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway.
4.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
5.Cage design-centric glider approach to full-endoscopic lumbar fusion: optimizing nerve root protection in facet-sparing and facet-resecting techniques
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):343-353
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.
6.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
7.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
8.risk factors of prolonged postoperative ileus after laparoscopic colorectal resection in elderly patients
Liangang MA ; Zhilei CHEN ; Danying LU ; Lin LI ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Huachong MA ; Zhenjun WANG ; Hao QU
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(8):808-812
Objective To explore the risk factors and possible preventive measures of delayed postoperative intestinal paralysis(PPOI)in elderly(aged ≥75 years)patients with colorectal cancer.Methods This retrospective study included 333 patients with CRC who underwent laporascopic resection in General Department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from June 2016 to August 2023.There were 126 patients were enrolled in PPOI group and 207 patients were enrolled in non-PPOI group.The perioperative clinical characteristics of the patients were compared between PPOI group and non-PPOI group,and the risk factors of PPOI and potential preventive measures for them were investigated usingLogisticregression.Results The incidence of PPOI after laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer was 37.84%.The ages of the PPOI group and the non-PPOI group were(82.60±3.587)years and(80.38±3.847)years respectively.The rates of primary enterostomy during the operation were 20.63%and 9.66%,respectively,and the preoperative combined nutritional risks were 53.97%and 20.77%,respectively.The preoperative serum albumin levels were lower,which were(35.32±3.77)g/L and(38.36±3.91)g/L,respectively,and the preoperative hemoglobin levels were(104.47±20.31)g/L and(110.33±20.27)g/L,respectively.The intraoperative blood loss was(140.48±130.65)mland(98.26±56.45)ml,respectively.The patients who received enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)measures during the perioperative period were 14.29%and 75.85%,respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The Logistic analysis showed that the risk factors for elderly patients with PPOI including increased age,preoperative nutritional risk,low preoperative albumin,increased intraoperative blood loss.Moreover,the implementation of ERAS protocols including preoperative nutritional support,multimodal low-opioid anesthesia,gastric tube removal and ground activity early after surgery may be the protective factors of PPOI.Conclusion The risk factors of PPOI for colorectal patients older than 75 years including increased age,preoperative nutritional risk,low preoperative albumin,increased intraoperative blood loss.The ERAS protocols including preoperative nutritional support,multimodal low-opioid anesthesia,gastric tube removal and ground activity early after surgery may be useful to prevent the occurrence of PPOI for elderly patients with colorectal cancer.
9.Research advances of CXCL12/CXCR4 in the rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis
Hong-mei YANG ; Hao-lin LI ; Juan-juan YANG ; Xiao-jun SU ; Hai-tao LEI ; Dong-sheng LU ; Li-li KAN ; Peng-fei TAO ; Hai-dong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):230-234
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that can cause joint destruction and deformity.As a small molecule cytokine,the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12)regulates the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by binding to the specific receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4).Therefore,based on the bio-logical characteristics of CXCL12 and CXCR4,this paper intro-duces the pathogenesis of CXCL12/CXCR4 in RA and summari-zes the progress in RA-related research,with the aim of providing clinical value for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and de-veloping novel therapeutic targets.
10.CT imaging features of urachal carcinoma
Lina LIN ; Shiyue CHEN ; Lixin YU ; Shuai LI ; Qiang HAO ; Chengwei SHAO ; Xia TIAN
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(7):869-873
Objective To analyze the computed tomography(CT)imaging features of urachal carcinoma and evaluate its diagnostic value.Methods The clinical data of 20 patients with urachal carcinoma confirmed by surgery and pathology,who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Dec.2012 to Dec.2022,were collected.Seventeen of the 20 patients underwent enhanced CT urography and 3 underwent pelvic CT plain scan+enhanced scan.After scanning,multiplanar reconstruction was performed on the post-processing workstation.The general data,clinical symptoms,CT imaging findings,pathological data,and prognosis of the patients were analyzed and summarized.Results The patients included 16 males and 4 females,aged 27 to 75 years old,with a median age of 61.50(41.50,71.25)years old.The tumors were all located in the anterior wall of the bladder,along the urachus,with a maximum diameter of 1.72-5.55 cm and a median maximum diameter of 3.34(2.48,3.71)cm.Fourteen cases had cystic-solid lesions and 6 had solid lesions.In the cystic-solid lesions,9 cases showed the"upper cystic and lower solid"sign on the sagittal plane.Calcification was noted in 17 cases.After enhanced scanning,18 cases showed progressive enhancement,and 2 cases showed"fast in and fast out"enhancement.Tumor invasion extended beyond the urachus and/or bladder muscle layer in 19 cases.At the end of follow-up,3 cases had recurrence,2 had metastasis,5 had no recurrence after surgery,3 died,and 7 were lost to follow-up.Conclusion Urachal carcinoma has certain characteristic manifestations on CT imaging.Reconstructing the sagittal plane with enhanced CT scanning and multiplanner reformation can help preoperative diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of urachal carcinoma.


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