1.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.
2.Effect of recombinant glycoprotein hormone beta5/alpha2 on promoting lipolysis via regulation of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and its mechanism
Ai-Jun QIAN ; Geng-Miao XIAO ; Zhuang LI ; Xue TIAN ; Xiao-Hong LIU ; Yu-Ping SONG ; Zheng-Gang ZHAO ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1272-1278
Aim To investigate the effect of recombi-nant glycoprotein hormone β5/α2(rCGH)on lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes,and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured and induced to differentiate into mature adipo-cytes,then treated with different concentrations of rCGH for 24 h in vitro.Cell viability of 3T3-L1 adipo-cytes was evaluated by CCK-8 assay,the levels of in-tracellular triglyceride(TG)and glycerol in the culture supernatant were measured by enzymatic method,and the changes of lipid droplets were observed by oil red O staining.The expression levels of HSL and ATGL lipo-lytic proteins in adipocytes were detected by Western blot.To carry out the intervention experiment with dif-ferent concentrations of rCGH with or without the PKA inhibitor,H89,on the mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes,the cultured cells were divided into the control group,H89 pre treatment group,1 μmol·L-1 rCGH group,and(1 μmol·L-1 rCGH+H89)combined intervention group.The contents of intracellular TG and free glycer-ol were measured by enzymatic method,and the ex-pression of CREB and lipolysis-related proteins was de-tected using Western blot.Results Different concen-trations of rCGH(0.25,0.5,1,and 2 μmol·L-1)had no significant effect on the cell viability of adipo-cytes(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the treatment with rCGH significantly decreased the size of lipid droplets and intracellular TG content,while significantly elevated glycerol concentration in cell supernatant.rCGH treatment also stimulated the protein expression of p-HSL,ATGL,and p-PKA.In addition,the addition of a PKA inhibitor,H89,atten-uated the effects of rCGH on free glycerol level,intra-cellular TG content,and the expression of p-HSL,p-PLIN1,and p-CREB.Conclusions rCGH enhances the lipolysis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by up-regulating the activities of HSL,ATGL and PKA,promoting glycerol release,inhibiting TG synthesis and lipid accumula-tion,and its mechanism of action is related to the acti-vation of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.
3.Exploration of the Mechanism of Toddalia asiatica in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke:Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Jian-Hong GAO ; Dan YANG ; Gang WANG ; Tian-Ying SONG ; Fang-Yu ZHAO ; Xian-Bing CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(7):1375-1383
Aim This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of Todda-lia asiatica in the treatment of ischemic stroke(IS),utilizing network pharmacology,molecular docking technology,and animal experiments.Methods To screen the chemical components of Toddalia asiatica and its targets related to IS,a database was utilized.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was con-structed,followed by KEGG pathway enrichment anal-ysis.Molecular docking was performed to investigate the interaction between the components and target pro-teins.Finally,the effects of the drug on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy were validated through animal experiments.We established a middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)rat model and di-vided the rats into the model group,Donepezil hydro-chloride group,Toddalia asiatica group,and sham op-eration group randomly.Observed the pathological changes in neurons of the rat hippocampal and cortical regions induced by the drug,performed immunohisto-chemical analysis to detect and localize mTOR expres-sion,and used Western blot to assess the expression levels of PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,p-AKT,mTOR,as well as autophagy markers(LC3-Ⅱ and p62).Re-sults A total of 22 active ingredients from Toddalia asiatica,including AKT1 and MAPK3,were identified through screening.Additionally,194 signaling path-ways,such as PI3K/AKT and MAPK,were analyzed.The active compounds in Toddalia asiatica demonstra-ted stable binding affinity with targets associated with ischemic stroke.The results of the animal experiment indicated that,compared to the sham-operated group,the neuronal distribution in the hippocampal and corti-cal regions of the model group rats became sparser and more disorganized.There was a decrease in the number of Nissl bodies and cytoplasmic vacuolization.The ex-pression of mTOR-positive cells in the hippocampal and cortical regions was reduced.Additionally,the ex-pression levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,mTOR,and p62 in the rat hippocampal tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of LC3-Ⅱ increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the rats in the Toddalia asiatica and the Donepezil hydrochloride groups effectively improved the aforementioned indica-tors in rats.Conclusions Network pharmacology a-nalysis has revealed the promising potential of Toddalia asiatica in treating ischemic stroke,attributed to its di-verse components,targets,and pathways.The animal experiment showed that Toddalia asiatica can protect the neuronal structure in the hippocampal and cortical regions,which may be related to the inhibition of ex-cessive autophagy mediated by the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
4.Effects of total glucosides of paeony on inflammatory injury in autoimmune thyroiditis rats based on TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway
Su-Yu WU ; Hai-Tao WANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Jian-Lin ZHAO ; Yu-Feng CHEN ; Jiang-Yan LI ; Hua SUI ; Yan-Hong ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1495-1500
Aim To investigate the effect of total glu-cosides of paeony on inflammatory injury and TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT)rats.Methods The experiment was divided into control group,model group,total glucosides of pae-ony(TGP),TLR4 inhibitor group and TGP+TLR4 ag-onist group,with 10 animals in each group.Except for the control group,the rats in other groups were subcu-taneously injected with thyroglobulin and Freund's ad-juvant to induce the AIT rat model.After six weeks of administration,thyroid histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;ser-um levels of TPOAb,TgAb,TSH,T3,T4,TNF-α,INF-γ,IL-1 β and IL-1 β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway mRNAs and proteins expression in thyroid tis-sues were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Re-sults Compared with the control group,the thyroid follicular epithelium of rats was significantly damaged,and the serum levels of TPOAb,TgAb,TSH,T3,T4,TNF-α,INF-γ,IL-1 β and IL-1 β increased(P<0.01).The expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 path-way mRNAs and proteins increased in the model group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the damage of thyroid follicular epithelium was alleviated,and the serum levels of TPOAb,TgAb,TSH,T3,T4,TNF-α,INF-γ,IL-1 β and IL-1 β were reduced(P<0.01),the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 path-way mRNAs and proteins were down-regulated in the TGP group and TLR4 inhibitor group(P<0.01).Compared with TGP group,the damage of thyroid follic-ular epithelium was aggravated,and the levels of serum TPOAb,TgAb,TSH,T3,T4,TNF-α,INF-γ,IL-1 β and IL-1 β were elevated(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the pro-tein expressions of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway mR-NAs and proteins were up-regulated in TGP+TLR4 ag-onist group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusions TGP may play a protective role in thyroid by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and improving the inflammatory injury of thyroid tissues.
5.Chaijin Jieyu Anshen tablets regulating CaMKII and Cofilin dual signal pathway alleviate synaptic remodeling of glutaminergic hippocampal neurons in depression
Jian LIU ; Lin TANG ; Hong-Qing ZHAO ; Lin LIU ; Hui YANG ; Wei LI ; Pan MENG ; Yu-Hong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1523-1532
Aim To reveal the mechanism of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen tablets(CJJYAS)regulating CaMKII and Cofilin dual signal pathway to improve synaptic remod-eling of glutaminergic hippocampal neurons in depres-sion.Methods The cell model of depression was es-tablished by corticosterone and lipopolysaccharide.The cells were randomly divided into the control group,model group,GR blocker group,GR agonist group,CX3CR1 blockergroup,CX3CR1 agonist group,CJJ-YAS group,CJJYAS combined with GR agonist group,and CJJYAS combined with CX3CR1 agonist group.Cell imaging analysis was used to observe the morpho-logical and structural changes of astrocytes,microglia,anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)and hippocampal(HPC)glutaminergic neurons.Immunofluorescence was used to test the activation of ACC and HPC glu-taminergic neurons and synaptic remodeling.Immuno-fluorescence and Western blot were respectively used to detect the expressions of synaptic remodeling-related proteins N-methyl-D-asprtate receptor 2A(GRIN2A),GRIN2B,CaMKII,MK2 and Cofilin in HPC glutamin-ergic neurons.Results CJJYAS could significantly improve the morphological and structural damage of as-trocytes,microglia,ACC and HPC neurons.Further-more,CJJYAS markedly restrained the excessive acti-vation of ACC and HPC glutaminergic neurons and the hippocampal synaptic plasticity damage and synaptic remodeling via down-regulating GRIN2A,GRIN2B and MK2 proteins,and up-regulating CaMKII and Cofilin protein.Conclusions CJJYAS effectively alleviate the synaptic remodeling of glutaminergic hippocampal neurons in depression,and its molecular mechanism might be associated with the regulation of synapse-re-lated NR/CaMKII and MK2/Cofilin signaling path-ways.
6.Total saponins from Trillium tschonoskii maxim alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathways
Jian-Hong GAO ; Tian-Ying SONG ; Chao-Xi TIAN ; Fang-Yu ZHAO ; Yi-Duo HE ; Xin LIU ; Xian-Bing CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(10):1850-1857
Aim To examine the neuroprotective im-pacts of total saponins from Trillium tschonoskii maxim(TST)on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)in rats and delve into the mechanisms of ferroptosis.Methods The CIRI model was prepared by dividing male SD rats into the model group,TST(0.1 g·kg-1)group,Donepezil hydrochloride(0.45 mg·kg-1)group,and sham group.The cognitive functions of rats in each group were assessed through the Morris water maze test,the changes in neurological function were evaluated using the Zea-Longa method,the infarct area was observed via TTC staining,and the pathologi-cal alterations in brain tissue were analysed using HE and Nissl staining.To further investigate the underly-ing mechanism,the mitochondrial structural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy,and the levels of GSH-PX,MDA,and SOD were ana-lyzed.Additionally,the expressions of GPX4 and Nrf2 proteins were evaluated through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.Furthermore,the protein lev-els of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathways in rats were examined using Western blot-ting.Results The rats in the model group displayed diminished learning and memory capabilities in com-parison to those in the sham group,as well as a signifi-cantly increased cerebral infarction area and higher neurological function scores(P<0.01),significantly increased cerebral infarct area,disordered and loosely arranged neurons,and reduced Nissl bodies.Addition-ally,mitochondria showed typical signs of ferroptosis.Changes related to ferroptosis included decreased activ-ities of SOD and GSH-PX(P<0.01)and increased MDA levels(P<0.01).The expression of GPX4 and Nrf2-positive cells was significantly reduced,along with decreased fluorescence intensity of GPX4.Further-more,the protein expression of Keap1,Nrf2,HO-1,GPX4,SLC7A11 in the hippocampus decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Following the administration of TST,these effects showed improvement.Conclusions TST has neuroprotective effects,enhancing learning and memory abilities while reducing oxidative stress levels.The mechanism may involve the inhibition of ferroptosis through the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Nrf2/SLC7 A11/GPX4 pathways.
7.Effects of Pre-Transplant CONUT and Post-Transplant MRD on Prognosis of Patients with Multiple Myeloma after Auto-HSCT
Yi-Ying XIONG ; Qin ZHOU ; Lin CHEN ; Wei YU ; Hong-Bin ZHANG ; Jian-Bin CHEN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):146-154
Objective:To explore the effects of pre-transplant controlling nutritional status(CONUT)and post-transplant minimal residual disease(MRD)on prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma(MM)after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(auto-HSCT).Methods:The clinical data of 79 patients who received auto-HSCT from 2011 to 2020 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into Low-CONUT group(n=62)and High-CONUT group(n=17)according to whether the CONUT score was less than 5.The differences in clinical features,hematopoietic reconstruction,adverse reactions,efficacy and survival between the two groups were compared.In addition,the prognostic risk factors were analyzed and verified by time-dependent ROC curve.Results:The proportions of male patients and bone marrow plasma cells>30%at initial diagnosis in High-CONUT group were both higher than those in Low-CONUT group(both P<0.05).While,there were no significant differences in hematopoietic reconstruction and adverse reactions(>grade 2)between the two groups.The complete response(CR)rate and CR+very good partial response(VGPR)rate before transplantation in Low-CONUT group were both significantly higher than those in High-CONUT group(both P<0.05).After 3 months of transplantation,the CR+VGPR rate still remained an advantage in Low-CONUT group compared with High-CONUT group(P<0.01),but CR rate did not(P>0.05).The overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)in Low-CONUT group were both superior to those in High-CONUT group(both P<0.05).Low CONUT score(0-4)before transplantation and negative MRD at 6 months after transplantation were favorable factors affecting OS and PFS(both P<0.05),while the International Myeloma Working Group(IMWG)high-risk at initial diagnosis and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)level>250 U/L before transplantation were only risk factors for PFS(both P<0.05).Time-dependent ROC curve analysis showed that pre-transplant CONUT score and MRD status at 6 months after transplantation could independently or jointly predict 1-and 2-year OS and PFS,and the combined prediction was more effective.Conclusion:The combination of pre-transplant CONUT and post-transplant MRD can better predict the prognosis of MM patients.
8.Analysis of RhC Antigen Weak Expression Combined with Mimicking Autoanti-Ce and Homologous Anti-Jkb Causing Mismatch
Hong-Mei YANG ; Xi YU ; Xin ZOU ; Si-Fei MA ; Jin CHEN ; Jian-Wei ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1539-1544
Objective:To investigate the reasons for the weak expression of RHCE gene in a patient whose mimicking anti-Ce combined with anti-Jkb caused cross-matching non-combination.Methods:ABO,Rh,and Kidd blood group antigens were identified by test tube method and capillary centrifugation.Antibody screening and antibody specificity identification were performed using saline,polybrene and antiglobulin in tri-media association with multispectral cells.RHCE gene sequencing and haploid analysis were performed by multiplex PCR technique and RHCE protein modeling was performed using Swiss-Model.Results:The serum of the patient contained anti-Ce mimicking autoantibodies along with anti-Jkb antibodies.c.48G>C,c.150C>T,c.178C>A,c.201A>G,c.203A>G,and c.307C>T mutations were detected in the RHCE triple-molecule sequencing.A 109 bp insertion sequence was found in intron 2,with fragment loss from intron 5-8.The Rh-group genotype was DCe/DCe,and phenotype was CCDee.Conclusion:Genotyping techniques can assist in deducing the molecular mechanisms of some weakly expressed RhC,c,E,and e in patients'sera to aid in the identification of difficult antibodies and thus ensure the safety of patients'blood transfusion.
9.Expression and mechanism of miR-98-5p and DNMT3A in patients and animal models of ulcerative colitis
Yu-Jian YANG ; Hua-Mei LAI ; Dan-Dan SHEN ; Dan-Dan FENG ; Hong WANG
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(5):348-352
Objective:To investigate the expression and mechanism of microRNA-98-5p(miR-98-5p)and DNA methyltransferase 3A(DNMT3A)in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC)and animal model of ulcerative colitis.Methods:One-hundred UC patients in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were collected as the observation group,another 100 healthy subjects were collected as the control group,serum miR-98-5p,DNMT3A mRNA and protein ex-pression were detected,the relationship between miR-98-5p,DNMT3A mRNA and clinical pathological characteristics of UC was analyzed;the UC rat model was established and randomly grouped into a blank group(CT group),a model group(UC group),a miR-98-5p control group(antagomiR-NC group),and a miR-98-5p inhibitor group(antagomiR-98-5p group),ELISA was applied to measure the levels of serum interleukin-1(IL-1),IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF),HE staining was applied to observe the histopathology changes of the colon,RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to detect miR-98-5p,DNMT3A mRNA and protein expression levels in colon tissue.Results:Compared with the control group,the serum miR-98-5p expression of UC patients was increased,DNMT3A mRNA and DNMT3A were decreased,the expression of miR-98-5p and DNMT3A mRNA were associated with disease grading,mucopurulent bloody stools,mucosal acute and chronic inflammation,and atypical hyperplasia(P<0.05);compared with the CT group,the colon mucosal layer of rats in the UC group showed defects,and obvious infil-tration of inflammatory cells,serum IL-1,IL-6,TNF and colon miR-98-5p expression were in-creased,the DNMT3A mRNA and protein expression were decreased(P<0.05);compared with the antagomiR-NC group,the mucosal layer defect and inflammatory cell infiltration in the an-tagomiR-98-5p group were reduced,and the structure was clearer,serum IL-1,IL-6,TNF,and colon miR-98-5p expression were decreased,DNMT3A mRNA and protein expression were in-creased(P<0.05);miR-98-5p had a targeted binding site with DNMT3A.Conclusion:Serum miR-98-5p expression of UC patients and the colon tissue of model rats was increased,while DNMT3A expression was decreased.Down-regulating miR-98-5p expression can promote the expression of DNMT3A and improve UC symptoms.
10.Testis-sparing microsurgery for benign testis tumor:A report of 16 cases
Lei YU ; Jing ZHAO ; Hong-Qiang WANG ; Pei-Hong ZHOU ; Jian-Hua MEN ; Gang WANG ; Qiang LI ; Yu PAN ; Wen-Xin LI ; Lin QIAN ; Shen-Qian LI ; Pei-Tao WANG ; Tao JING
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(3):209-216
Objective:To investigate the safety and clinical effect of testis-sparing microsurgery(TSMS)in the treatment of benign testis tumor(BTT).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 16 cases of BTT treated in the Department of Andrology of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from October 2020 to February 2023.The median age of the patients was 23 years.All the tumors were unilateral,7 in the left and 9 in the right side,with a median diameter of 1.85 cm(1.0-3.5 cm).The patients all underwent color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI),MRI,semen analysis and examination of serum T,alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),followed by TSMS.The boundaries between the tumors and normal testis tissue were accurately identified under the microscope,and the tumors and the adjacent normal testis tissue 2 mm from their margins were excised completely.Bipolar coagulation forceps were used for wound hemostasis to maximally preserve the normal testis tissue.The resected specimens were subjected to fast frozen pathology intraoperatively,and the patients were followed up for 14-40 months by regular scrotal CDFI,MRI and examinations of serum T and semen parameters.Results:The levels of serum T,AFP,HCG and LDH and semen parameters were all within the normal range preoperatively.TSMS were successfully completed in all the cases,and all were pathologically confirmed as BTT according to the latest edition of WHO Classification of Tumors:Urinary and Male Genital Tumors.CDFI showed normal blood supply within the testis tissue at 1 month after surgery.No signs of intra-testicu-lar tumor residue,recurrence or metastasis,nor significant changes in the levels of serum T,AFP,HCG or LDH or semen parameters were observed during the follow-up as compared with the baseline.Natural conception was achieved in 2 cases at 16 and 18 months re-spectively after surgery.Conclusion:BTT can be differentially diagnosed by CDFI and MRI before surgery and confirmed by histo-pathology.TSMS can achieve complete excision of the tumor,maximal sparing of the normal testis tissue and thereby effective preserva-tion of male fertility.

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