1.Applications of Vaterite in Drug Loading and Controlled Release
Xiao-Hui SONG ; Ming-Yu PAN ; Jian-Feng XU ; Zheng-Yu HUANG ; Qing PAN ; Qing-Ning LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):162-181
Currently, the drug delivery system (DDS) based on nanomaterials has become a hot interdisciplinary research topic. One of the core issues is drug loading and controlled release, in which the key lever is carriers. Vaterite, as an inorganic porous nano-material, is one metastable structure of calcium carbonate, full of micro or nano porous. Recently, vaterite has attracted more and more attention, due to its significant advantages, such as rich resources, easy preparations, low cost, simple loading procedures, good biocompatibility and many other good points. Vaterite, gained from suitable preparation strategies, can not only possess the good drug carrying performance, like high loading capacity and stable loading efficiency, but also improve the drug release ability, showing the better drug delivery effects, such as targeting release, pH sensitive release, photothermal controlled release, magnetic assistant release, optothermal controlled release. At the same time, the vaterite carriers, with good safety itself, can protect proteins, enzymes, or other drugs from degradation or inactivation, help imaging or visualization with loading fluorescent drugs in vitro and in vivo, and play synergistic effects with other therapy approaches, like photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and thermochemotherapy. Latterly, some renewed reports in drug loading and controlled release have led to their widespread applications in diverse fields, from cell level to clinical studies. This review introduces the basic characteristics of vaterite and briefly summarizes its research history, followed by synthesis strategies. We subsequently highlight recent developments in drug loading and controlled release, with an emphasis on the advantages, quantity capacity, and comparations. Furthermore, new opportunities for using vaterite in cell level and animal level are detailed. Finally, the possible problems and development trends are discussed.
2.Progress in Basic Research on Acupuncture and Moxibustion Based on Non-coding RNA
Ying WEI ; Jian XIONG ; Xiao LI ; Jinqun HU ; Yi ZHAO ; Yuxin SUN ; Fayang LING ; Yu LIU ; Liyuan YANG ; Fanrong LIANG ; Wenchuan QI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):174-179
Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is a kind of treatment and health care method with original advantages of China.With the rapid development of epigenetics and systems biology technology,non-coding RNA(ncRNA)related research has made continuous breakthroughs in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion.This article collected the basic research literature on acupuncture and moxibustion related to ncRNA,and reviewed the research subsystems related to microRNA(miRNA),long chain non coding RNA(lncRNA)and circular RNA(circRNA).NcRNAs are widely involved in the growth,development and reproduction of the organism,as well as in the occurrence and development of various diseases,which fits with the multi-layer,multi-pathway and multi-target action network of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.Taking ncRNAs as the breakthrough point to explore the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in depth is not only conducive to promoting the exploration of new targets of acupuncture and moxibustion effect,but also can reveal the epigenetic regulation axis of acupuncture and moxibustion effect molecules,and provide ideas and methods for clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases and evaluation of efficacy.
3.Exploring the correlation between motor function and cognitive function, emotion and sleep in the Chinese community older adults
Yueying LIU ; Xinxin MA ; Yu DU ; Jingjing DUAN ; Jianhong XIAO ; Jian LIN ; Xiongang HUANG ; Chao LIU ; Binbin WANG ; Wujun CHEN ; Ting DENG ; Tao CHEN ; Wen SU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(1):60-67
Objective:To apply the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)to investigate the correlation between motor function, emotional state, cognitive function, and sleep quality among elderly individuals in the Chinese community.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 739 subjects aged 60 to 90 years, who were randomly recruited from December 2021 to August 2023 across Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces in China.Basic demographic information was collected, and the TUGT was utilized to assess motor function.Based on the TUGT time(t), the subjects were divided into three groups: normal motor function group, mild motor abnormality group, and significant motor abnormality group.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Revised Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), while the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)was employed to measure the degree of depression.Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)was used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness.The correlation between subjects' motor function and their cognitive abilities, mood, and sleep was subsequently analyzed.Results:Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, PHQ-9, MMSE, and ESS scores were identified as significant factors influencing TUGT time.Specifically, TUGT time was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and ESS scores, while exhibiting negative correlations with systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and MMSE scores.Additionally, TUGT time was negatively correlated with the MMSE subcomponents of orientation, immediate memory, and verbal ability.All observed differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increase in the PHQ-9 score was associated with an odds ratio( OR)of 1.099(95% CI: 1.045-1.155, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.150(95% CI: 1.066-1.242, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Additionally, a reduction in the MMSE score was observed, with an OR of 0.939(95% CI: 0.886-0.995, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 0.793(95% CI: 0.729-0.862, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Furthermore, an increase in the ESS score was noted, with ORs of 1.139(95% CI: 1.094-1.186, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.203(95% CI: 1.132-1.279, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).These findings suggest that these variables are independently related to decreased motor function. Conclusions:Depression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness are independent risk factors for motor dysfunction among elderly individuals in community settings.The Timed Up and Go Test TUGT can be utilized for the early screening of motor function decline in this population.
4.Mechanism of Myocardial Protection by Electroacupuncture at PC6 Attenuates TRPV1 Pathway-Mediated Dorsal Root Ganglion Sympathetic Sprouting on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Liyuan YANG ; Jinqun HU ; Jian XIONG ; Xiao LI ; Yu LIU ; Ying WEI ; Qianhua ZHENG ; Wenchuan QI ; Fanrong LIANG ; Hong ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1616-1627
Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture improving myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI),electroacupuncture PC6 Attenuates TRPV1 pathway in spinal cord C5-T6 dorsal root ganglion(DRG)on MIRI rats was observed.Methods After one week of experimental feeding,30 SD rats with normal electrocardiogram were randomly divided into sham-operated group and model group,PC6 group,non-meridian and non-acupuncture group,and PC6+capsaicin(TRPV1 receptor agonist)group,with 6 rats in each group.The MIRI model was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending(LAD)coronary artery in the other groups.The next day after modeling,electroacupuncture of the"PC6"point in the EA group,electroacupuncture of the caudal"non-meridian non-points"in the the non-meridian non-acupuncture point group,and electroacupuncture of the"PC6"point after intraperitoneal injection of capsaicin in the PC6+capsaicin group,20 min/d for 7 days.ECG was used to record the changes of ST level and LF/HF ratio in rats.Evans blue-TTC double staining and HE staining was used to observe the myocardial infarction area and the changes of myocardial tissue morphology.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum CK-MB and cTnI.Immunofluorescence staining was used to the phenomenon of sympathetic-sensory coupling with TH-CGRP positive labeling in the DRG of rats.qPCR was to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV1,TH,CGRP,SP,ERK and AKT in rat DRG.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,rats in the model group showed significant higher ST level and LF/HF ratio(both P<0.001),and IA/AAR ratio increased significantly(P<0.0001).Massive inflammatory cell infiltration,serum CK-MB,cTnI levels up-regulated significantly(both P<0.0001).The formation of TH-CGRP-labeled sympathetic budding phenomenon in the DRG and the TRPV1,TH,CGRP in the DRG,SP,ERK,and AKT mRNA expression levels increased significantly(both P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ECG of the endograft group was significantly improved(both P<0.001).The IA/AAR ratio decreased significantly in PC6 group(P<0.001).The myocardial infarction area reduced significantly(P<0.0001).The levels of serum CK-MB and cTnI down-regulated significantly(both P<0.0001),and the phenomenon of sympathetic sprouting within DRG was not evident,and the DRG of the 6 corresponding mRNA expression decreased significantly(both P<0.01).Compared with the PC6 group,the effect of treatment was not obvious in the non-meridian and non-acupuncture group and PC6+capsaicin group,and the electrocardiogram,IA/AAR ratio,myocardial infarcted area,and serum CK-MB,and cTnI levels did not improve(both P<0.01),and a large number of sympathetic budding phenomena were seen in the DRG.The expression of the mRNA corresponding to the phase of 6 increased significantly(both P<0.01).Conculsion Electroacupuncture PC6 may reduce myocardial injury by inhibiting TRPV1 pathway-mediated sympatheticsprouting in dorsal root ganglia.
5.Regulation of white adipose tissue in mice by immunization with recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin with c-di-AMP adjuvant
Meng-juan DONG ; Yu-xiao CHANG ; Huan-huan NING ; Yan-zhi LU ; Jian KANG ; Ming-ze XU ; Ting DAI ; Jia-ling LI ; Le-ran HAO ; Lin-na ZHANG ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):370-375
This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.
6.A study on community healthcare workers preferences for providing Traditional Chinese Medicine health management services based on Discrete Choice Experiment
Xiao-jing MA ; Hang XU ; Yu-na PAN ; Jian-ping REN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(3):48-56
Objective:To investigate the preferences and influencing factors of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)health management services among community healthcare workers,providing a reference for promoting and spreading TCM health management services in communities.Methods:Based on a discrete choice experiment,a questionnaire survey was conducted among 596 community healthcare workers across 9 administrative districts in Beijing.A mixed logit model was used to analyze their preferences.Results:Changes in post-tax monthly income,expected efficacy,single-service duration,technical difficulty,patient compliance,and insurance coverage significantly influenced community doctors'service preferences.Changes in post-tax monthly income had the highest relative importance(35.11%),followed by insurance coverage(34.87%).Preferences varied among healthcare workers with different professional titles,backgrounds,weekly working hours,and whether the service was included in performance evaluations.Conclusion:Both economic and non-economic factors influence community healthcare workers'service preferences to varying degrees.Optimizing the combination of TCM health management service attributes can enhance community healthcare workers'willingness to provide such services.It is recommended to use a combination of economic and non-economic incentive measures and develop differentiated strategies for healthcare workers with different characteristics to meet their service preferences and promote the development of TCM health management services in communities.
7.Optimization Study of Rat Models for Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Zhen LIU ; Wei-ling WANG ; Yun-cheng MA ; Yu-xi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiao-zhu WANG ; Xiao-yao LIU ; Mei JIANG ; Wen-hui XU ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1921-1930
Objective:To establish a stable rat model of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)with clinical characteristics,and to provide a reliable experimental model for the study of the pharmcological effect and mechanism of SPID.Methods:Twenty-four 7-week-old SD rats were divided into sham operation group,model-A(108 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution,0.2 mL),model-B(109 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution 0.2 mL),and model-C(108 cfu/mL E.coli 0.2 mL).The weight of the rat's uterine was weighed and the uterine index was calculated.The automatic hematology analyzer was used to detect the blood routine;hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE)and masson staining were used to detect uterine pathlogical changes in rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rat uterine tissue homogenates.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the uterine index of model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The levels of WBC and NE in the model-A increased significantly(P<0.01).The level of LY in model-B decreased significantly(P<0.01).The levels of IL-1β,TNF-α in model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.01).The levels of IL-6 in model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The collagen volume fraction of model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.01).Mechanism study indicates that the expression levels of p-IKKβ/IKKβ,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65 in model-A were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of IκBα/β-actin were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The expression level of p-IKKβ/IKKβ in model-B was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusions:A stable rat model of SPID that conforms to clinical characteristics can be successfully constructed by combining 0.2 mL of mixed bacterial solution with a concentration of 108 cfu/mL and mechanical injury.This modeling method intervened in the expression of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.
8.Preparation and In Vitro Degradation Characteristics Analysis of Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)Microspheres Based on Microfluidic Process
Bao-Cheng WANG ; Cong-Yu MA ; Ke WANG ; Si-Tong ZHENG ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Yue-Mei ZHAO ; Xun ZHAO ; Jian-Bin PAN ; Zheng-Song GAO ; Hai-Wei SHI ; Yao-Zuo YUAN ; Hong-Yuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):621-630
Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.
9.Synthesis and Applications of Indole-3-formylhydrazine Modified Pyrene Schiff Base Compound as Copper Ion Fluorescence Probe
Mu-Xi WANG ; Zhen-Yu HUANG ; Xiao-Feng LIN ; Xiao-Lan LEI ; Jian SUN ; Li-Jun MA
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(7):1108-1117
In this work,a fluorescent probe PIN was synthesized using indole-3-carbohydrazide and pyrenecarboxaldehyde as raw materials.PIN showed weak fluorescence emission in aqueous solution with acetonitrile volume fraction of 70%.However,when Cu2+was added to this aqueous solution of PIN,a new fluorescence emission peak appeared at 495 nm,and the intensity of this peak gradually increased with the increase of concentration of Cu2+,and also caused a significant change in the fluorescence color of the solution.In contrast,the addition of 15 kinds of other common metal ions did not cause such change.The detection limit of PIN for Cu2+was 78.7 nmol/L,which was much lower than the maximum permitting level of Cu2+in drinking water in hygienic standard for drinking water in China.Therefore,PIN was a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence-enhanced probe for Cu2+.Meanwhile,the addition of Cu2+could also cause a new absorption peak at 440 nm in the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum of the aqueous solution of PIN,and meanwhile the colorless PIN solution changed into yellow,exhibiting the performance of PIN as a colorimetric probe for Cu2+.By fitting with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm equation,the binding ratio of PIN to Cu2+was 2:1,and the binding constant was 3.42×1012 L2/mol2.In addition,the binding mode of PIN with Cu2+was explored by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR)titration experiments and density functional theory simulations.The results showed that the addition of Cu2+could cause the aggregation of PIN molecules to form excimers,thus showing highly selective recognition.Finally,PIN was made into a simple test strip,which could achieve rapid and convenient fluorescence detection of Cu2+in actual water samples.
10.Ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice
Li-na LIU ; Yu-fang SHEN ; Qin-qin WANG ; Lin-yu XIAO ; Jing-yu LIU ; Jun-ni MO ; Ren-yi-kun YUAN ; Hong-wei GAO ; Jian XIAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3249-3256
AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture(CFM)on cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice.METHODS Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the blank control group,the model group,the levamisole hydrochloride group(40 mg/kg)and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose CFM groups(3.75,7.5,10 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,and given respective intervention orally once daily for 14 days.On the 5th to 7th day of administration,with the blank control group given normal saline intraperitoneally,the other groups underwent intraperitoneal CTX injections(80 mg/kg).24 hours after the last administration,organ indices of thymus and spleen were calculated;splenic histopathological alterations were assessed by HE staining;serum levels of IL-2,IL-6 and IgG were quantified using ELISA;splenic CD4+,CD8+T lymphocytes,alongside CD86+and CD206+macrophages populations were analyzed by flow cytometry;and splenic expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS In CTX-treated mice,CFM administration mitigated body weight loss;enhanced thymus weight and thymic index;ameliorated splenic immune cell populations,elevated serum levels of cytokines IL-2,IL-6 and IgG in serum;and upregulated splenic levels of CD45+CD3+T lymphocytes and F4/80+CD11b+macrophages,alongside increasing the expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 surface markers.CONCLUSION CFM alleviates CTX-induced immunosuppression state in mice by modulating immune cells,restoring immune function and enhancing anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capabilities.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail