1.Study on the role of oleuropein in enhancing muscle endurance
Huan LI ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiayi FENG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xia LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):126-131
Objective Orosomucoid1 (ORM1) is a novel target in the quest for anti-fatigue pharmacotherapy. Preliminary investigations have illuminated oleuropein (OLE) as a promising candidate molecule, poised to enhance ORM1 expression. To elucidate the influence of OLE on ORM1 protein expression and assess its ramifications on muscle endurance. Methods The impact of OLE on ORM1 protein expressions within hepatocytes and liver tissue was meticulously quantified through Western blotting; the effects of OLE on muscle endurance were evaluated via the rotarod and forced swimming tests; glycogen content within liver and muscle tissues was determined utilizing a specialized kit; and PAS staining was employed to visualize glycogen deposition in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results OLE demonstrated a capacity to elevate ORM1 protein expression in hepatocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, concurrently prolonging the duration of swimming and rotarod performance in mice, also in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, OLE augmented ORM1 expression in liver tissue, elevated serum ORM1 levels, and enhanced glycogen reserves within the liver and muscle. Conclusion OLE may serve to amplify muscle endurance by elevating ORM1 levels in vivo and augmenting glycogen stores within skeletal muscle.
2.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in osteoarthritis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment
Zuo WANG ; Yuxin LIU ; Yuxin QIAO ; Zhengyu YANG ; Ru WANG ; Wenbin LIAO ; Yan GAO ; Jiayi FENG ; Guohua LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):823-828
The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), specifically manifesting as macrophage activation, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment, this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients (such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica , quercetin, triptolide, etc.), herb pairs (e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla , Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba), and TCM formulas (such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula, Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula, etc.) can inhibit macrophage activation, reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB, Wnt/ β -catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment, restoring local joint homeostasis, and slowing the progression of OA.
3.The mechanism of magnoflorine in inhibiting colon cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiment
Lulu TAN ; Lina ZHU ; Shujin ZHANG ; Yuxuan WANG ; Huimei LI ; Yuke WANG ; Jiayi HOU ; Qilong FENG ; Jianyun SHI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1021-1031
ObjectiveTo explore the function and related molecular mechanisms of magnoflorine against colon cancer via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro cell experiments. MethodsIn this study, the canonical SMILES of magnoflorine was obtained from the PubChem database, and the potential targets of magnoflorine were predicted by the Swiss Target Prediction database, while the disease targets of colon cancer were obtained from the DisGeNET, GeneCards and OMIM databases. The intersecting targets between magnoflorine's predicted targets and colon cancer disease targets were taken, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed. The DAVID online database was employed to conduct Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses on core targets. The top five key targets screened were docked with magnoflorine using AutoDock software. Finally, cellular experiments including CCK-8 assays, EdU experiments, cell scratch assays, and Transwell assays were conducted to validate the results from network pharmacology and molecular docking. Results44 key targets of magnoflorine in resisting colon cancer were acquired. The molecular docking results showed that magnoflorine had a strong binding activity with the core target signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the top five of the PPI network. Cellular experiments confirmed that magnoflorine could inhibit the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells by suppressing the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. ConclusionMagnoflorine may inhibit the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells by regulating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
4.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis from Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Ruoying SONG ; Jianqiang LI ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):230-241
Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, degenerated bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, aging, endocrine, and environment, which remain incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and promoting osteoclast activation, exacerbating the negative bone metabolism balance in POP. Mitochondrial autophagy, as the core mechanism of mitochondrial quality control, selectively identifies and clears damaged mitochondria to effectively reduce ROS accumulation and energy metabolism disorders, thus maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. It plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and the prevention and treatment of POP. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi transformation shares similarities with the functions of mitochondria in energy generation and substance conversion. The pathological state of Qi deficiency and stagnation may be associated with mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction, and the pathogenic characteristics of combined phlegm and stasis align with the metabolic waste accumulation induced by obstructed autophagy flow. This article explores the correlation of the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation with mitochondrial autophagy and elucidates its potential role in the pathogenesis of POP. Additionally, considering the pathogenesis features of POP, which involve deficiency causing stagnation and a mixture of deficiency and excess, this article proposes a novel therapeutic approach: tonifying Qi to support the body and unblocking collaterals to resolve stagnation from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy. This article aims to provide theoretical support and research insights for further exploration of TCM in the prevention and treatment of POP.
5.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Primary Osteoporosis from Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Ruoying SONG ; Jianqiang LI ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):230-241
Primary osteoporosis (POP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass, degenerated bone microstructure, and increased bone fragility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors such as genetics, aging, endocrine, and environment, which remain incompletely elucidated. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activating oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, thereby inhibiting osteoblast differentiation and promoting osteoclast activation, exacerbating the negative bone metabolism balance in POP. Mitochondrial autophagy, as the core mechanism of mitochondrial quality control, selectively identifies and clears damaged mitochondria to effectively reduce ROS accumulation and energy metabolism disorders, thus maintaining the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. It plays a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and the prevention and treatment of POP. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of Qi transformation shares similarities with the functions of mitochondria in energy generation and substance conversion. The pathological state of Qi deficiency and stagnation may be associated with mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction, and the pathogenic characteristics of combined phlegm and stasis align with the metabolic waste accumulation induced by obstructed autophagy flow. This article explores the correlation of the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation with mitochondrial autophagy and elucidates its potential role in the pathogenesis of POP. Additionally, considering the pathogenesis features of POP, which involve deficiency causing stagnation and a mixture of deficiency and excess, this article proposes a novel therapeutic approach: tonifying Qi to support the body and unblocking collaterals to resolve stagnation from the perspective of mitochondrial autophagy. This article aims to provide theoretical support and research insights for further exploration of TCM in the prevention and treatment of POP.
6.The Predictive Value of Dual-layer Spectral Detector CT Parameters on Lymph Node Metastasis of Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor
Mingjie CHEN ; Ke LI ; Jiadan LUO ; Jiayi YANG ; Huasong CAI ; Shiting FENG ; Yanji LUO ; Siya SHI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):868-879
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of preoperative dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) parameters in predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NF-pNENs). MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with pathologically confirmed NF-pNENs who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced DLCT examination between September 2019 and July 2024. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually delineated on three representative slices of the solid component of the lesion, and the mean values were recorded. Conventional CT parameters, monochromatic energy images (40 keV, 70 keV, 100 keV), iodine concentration maps, and effective atomic number (Zeff) maps in the pancreatic parenchymal phase and portal venous phase were acquired. A total of 34 parameters, including clinical characteristics, imaging features, conventional CT and DLCT quantitative parameters, were analyzed. Intergroup differences were compared between the LNM and non-LNM groups. Independent predictive factors were screened using logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for each predictive model, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy. ResultsA total of 82 patients with NF-pNENs were enrolled, including 37 males and 45 females, with a mean age of 49.7±14.7 years. Thirty patients were performed with LNM and 52 were with non-LNM. After univariate logistic regression, LASSO regression and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses, body mass index (BMI), organ invasion, normalized CT value in the portal venous phase (nCTv) and normalized iodine concentration in the portal venous phase (nICv) were identified as independent predictive factors. The AUCs of the clinical-radiological qualitative model (BMI+organ invasion), conventional CT model (nCTv), DLCT model (nICv) and comprehensive model (organ invasion+nICv) were 0.815 (0.719, 0.910), 0.750 (0.642, 0.858), 0.829 (0.733, 0.925) and 0.865 (0.879, 0.953), respectively. The comprehensive model combining clinical-radiological and DLCT characteristics exhibited superior predictive performance. ConclusionDLCT parameters are more effective than conventional CT parameters in predicting LNM in NF-pNENs, enabling non-invasive preoperative prediction and assisting clinical decision-making.
7.The Predictive Value of Dual-layer Spectral Detector CT Parameters on Lymph Node Metastasis of Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor
Mingjie CHEN ; Ke LI ; Jiadan LUO ; Jiayi YANG ; Huasong CAI ; Shiting FENG ; Yanji LUO ; Siya SHI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):868-879
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of preoperative dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) parameters in predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NF-pNENs). MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with pathologically confirmed NF-pNENs who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced DLCT examination between September 2019 and July 2024. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually delineated on three representative slices of the solid component of the lesion, and the mean values were recorded. Conventional CT parameters, monochromatic energy images (40 keV, 70 keV, 100 keV), iodine concentration maps, and effective atomic number (Zeff) maps in the pancreatic parenchymal phase and portal venous phase were acquired. A total of 34 parameters, including clinical characteristics, imaging features, conventional CT and DLCT quantitative parameters, were analyzed. Intergroup differences were compared between the LNM and non-LNM groups. Independent predictive factors were screened using logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for each predictive model, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy. ResultsA total of 82 patients with NF-pNENs were enrolled, including 37 males and 45 females, with a mean age of 49.7±14.7 years. Thirty patients were performed with LNM and 52 were with non-LNM. After univariate logistic regression, LASSO regression and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses, body mass index (BMI), organ invasion, normalized CT value in the portal venous phase (nCTv) and normalized iodine concentration in the portal venous phase (nICv) were identified as independent predictive factors. The AUCs of the clinical-radiological qualitative model (BMI+organ invasion), conventional CT model (nCTv), DLCT model (nICv) and comprehensive model (organ invasion+nICv) were 0.815 (0.719, 0.910), 0.750 (0.642, 0.858), 0.829 (0.733, 0.925) and 0.865 (0.879, 0.953), respectively. The comprehensive model combining clinical-radiological and DLCT characteristics exhibited superior predictive performance. ConclusionDLCT parameters are more effective than conventional CT parameters in predicting LNM in NF-pNENs, enabling non-invasive preoperative prediction and assisting clinical decision-making.
8.Exploring Clinical Application and Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang Based on Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Method
Jiali ZHANG ; Yubin ZHANG ; Chuang GUO ; Ruoying SONG ; Zhipeng LI ; Yongbing WEN ; Feng LI ; Jiayi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):224-235
Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang was first documented in ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han Dynasty as the principal formula for treating blood obstruction syndrome. It is composed of Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Jujubae Fructus. This formula exhibits the effects of replenishing Qi, warming meridians, harmonizing blood, and relieving obstruction, being primarily indicated for blood obstruction syndrome characterized by diminished Yin and Yang functions with external manifestations of bodily numbness. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes strict adherence to pathogenesis while applying tailored therapies, employing consistent treatment approaches for conditions with diverse clinical presentations but shared pathogenesis, which embodies the principle of treating different diseases with the same method. In modern clinical practice, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang is widely applied in multisystem disorders presenting with symptoms such as cutaneous numbness, cold-induced pain and stiffness, and soreness and weakness, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary heart disease, pediatric spastic cerebral palsy, and recovery phases of cerebral infarction, demonstrating proven efficacy. Modern pharmacological studies confirm its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-stress, hemorheological-improving, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE), thereby addressing common pathological processes including inflammation, hypercoagulability, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and neural injury, highlighting the integrated regulatory advantages of TCM formulas with multi-target, multi-level, multi-component, and multi-pathway mechanisms. According to the theory of treating different diseases with the same method and focusing on three core syndromes of blood obstruction, this article systematically reviews and elucidates the clinical extensions and shared mechanisms of this formula, aiming to provide evidence-based insights for the modern adaptation and precise application of this classical formula in orthopedic and related disciplines for chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
9.Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker Gawl. extract treats dry eye disease via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and goblet cell-stimulating effects
Guoliang Li ; Rui Feng ; Jiayi Yu ; Boliang Li ; Yanni Luo ; Hongyi Luo ; Cheng Zhang ; Guanghong Zhang ; Jianglong Li ; Chao Qu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(3):422-433
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and goblet cell-stimulating effects of a suspension of Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker Gawl. (O. japonicus, Mai Dong) extract combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) in the mouse model with dry eye disease (DED).MethodsA DED mouse model was induced using benzalkonium chloride (BAK), followed by treatment with O. japonicus extract-containing eye drops at varying concentrations. Experimental groups included a normal control, a DED model control, a positive control, and an O. japonicus extract-treated group. Corneal fluorescein staining and tear break-up time (TBUT) were used to assess tear film stability and ocular surface integrity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured inflammatory factor levels in corneal and conjunctival tissues, whereas Western blot (WB) analyzed key antioxidant and inflammatory markers, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (2Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate goblet cell density and mucin secretion.ResultsO. japonicus extract significantly improved corneal damage, reduced fluorescein staining scores, prolonged TBUT, and increased tear secretion. It downregulated inflammatory markers, including interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) while upregulating Nrf2, HO-1, and the interleukin-13 (IL-13)/IFN-γ ratio, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. PAS staining showed increased conjunctival goblet cell density and restored mucin secretion, enhancing tear film stability.ConclusionO. japonicus extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and goblet cell-stimulating effects in a DED model, with good biocompatibility and promising therapeutic potential. Future research should optimize extraction processes and validate their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.
10.Seeing the macro in the micro: a diffusion model-based approach for style transfer in cellular images.
Jiayi CAI ; Yong HE ; Feng LIU ; Byung-Ho KANG ; Xuping FENG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(6):609-612
The internal structures of cells as the basic units of life are a major wonder of the microscopic world. Cellular images provide an intriguing window to help explore and understand the composition and function of these structures. Scientific imagery combined with artistic expression can further expand the potential of imaging in educational dissemination and interdisciplinary applications. This study presents an innovative diffusion model-based approach for style transfer in cellular images, combining scientific rigor with artistic expression. By leveraging training-free large-scale pre-trained diffusion models, the proposed method integrates the intricate morphological and textural features of cellular images with diverse artistic styles. Key techniques such as the inversion of denoising diffusion implicit models (DDIMs), adaptive instance normalization (AdaIN), self-attention style injection, and attention temperature scaling ensure the preservation of cellular structures while enhancing visual expressiveness. The results showcase the potential of this strategy for interdisciplinary applications, enriching both the visualization and educational dissemination of cellular imagery through compelling storytelling and aesthetic appeal.
Humans
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Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*
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Cells
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Diffusion


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