1.Role and mechanism of probiotics in peri-implantitis
Jie WANG ; Rui HUANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhaoxi SHOU ; Jie YAO ; Chenxi LIU ; Jian LIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):901-907
BACKGROUND:Studies have found that probiotics have a certain preventive and therapeutic effect on peri-implantitis,and there are further explorations in the mechanism against peri-implantitis.OBJECTIVE:To review the mechanism and clinical application of probiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis.METHODS:Relevant literature was searched on PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang Data,using the search terms of"probiotics,peri-implantitis,flora imbalance,immunoregulation,inflammatory reaction,mechanism of action"in Chinese and English.A total of 90 articles were finally included.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Probiotics have the following mechanisms.They can activate the anti-inflammatory mechanism by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory factors.They can destroy the cell wall of pathogenic bacteria by secreting microbial complexes and bacteriocins,reduce the pH value of biofilms,improve the composition of microorganisms in microecology,induce the change of bacterial community structure,and restore the balance of microbial population around implants.They have immunomodulatory effects and can enhance the resistance of the host oral mucosa to pathogenic bacteria in the surrounding area of the implant.In addition,probiotics can produce antibacterial compounds,offset the adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms,and regulate immune function.Through the above mechanisms,probiotics have certain potential in the adjuvant treatment of peri-implantitis,which can improve the clinical parameters of peri-implantitis and affect the microbiota.Probiotic therapy provides a new treatment option,but more long-term prospective studies are needed to further verify its effect.
2.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
3.Role and mechanism of probiotics in peri-implantitis
Jie WANG ; Rui HUANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhaoxi SHOU ; Jie YAO ; Chenxi LIU ; Jian LIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):901-907
BACKGROUND:Studies have found that probiotics have a certain preventive and therapeutic effect on peri-implantitis,and there are further explorations in the mechanism against peri-implantitis.OBJECTIVE:To review the mechanism and clinical application of probiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis.METHODS:Relevant literature was searched on PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang Data,using the search terms of"probiotics,peri-implantitis,flora imbalance,immunoregulation,inflammatory reaction,mechanism of action"in Chinese and English.A total of 90 articles were finally included.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Probiotics have the following mechanisms.They can activate the anti-inflammatory mechanism by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory factors.They can destroy the cell wall of pathogenic bacteria by secreting microbial complexes and bacteriocins,reduce the pH value of biofilms,improve the composition of microorganisms in microecology,induce the change of bacterial community structure,and restore the balance of microbial population around implants.They have immunomodulatory effects and can enhance the resistance of the host oral mucosa to pathogenic bacteria in the surrounding area of the implant.In addition,probiotics can produce antibacterial compounds,offset the adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms,and regulate immune function.Through the above mechanisms,probiotics have certain potential in the adjuvant treatment of peri-implantitis,which can improve the clinical parameters of peri-implantitis and affect the microbiota.Probiotic therapy provides a new treatment option,but more long-term prospective studies are needed to further verify its effect.
4.Study on the effect and mechanism of magnolol derivative on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury
Rui SHI ; Haochen XU ; Jie PENG ; Wanghui LIN ; Xulei WANG ; Wei WEI ; Chun WANG ; Bingfa XU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1103-1110
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of magnolol ester derivative YW against cisplatin (Cis)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and to explore its effect and preliminary mechanisms on Cis-induced AKI. MethodsThe research group designed and synthesized the magnolol ester derivative YW using magnolol as the parent core. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding interaction between YW and lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7). A Cis-induced AKI model was established in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were divided into the normal control group, model group, YW low/medium/high dose groups (17.5, 35, 70 mg/kg), and the positive control amifostine group. Renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Pathological changes were evaluated via HE staining and scoring of kidney tissues. Protein expression levels of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) in kidney tissues were detected by Western blot (WB). HK-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of YW; cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. WB was used to detect the expression levels of the renal injury marker KIM-1, KAT7, and its downstream protein p21. Cellular senescence was assessed by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining. ResultsYW could stably bind to KAT7. In vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, all YW dose groups, especially the medium and high doses, significantly reduced the elevated levels of Scr and BUN in AKI mice (P<0.001) and effectively ameliorated renal histopathological damage. YW significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of KIM-1, KAT7, and p21 in kidney tissues (P<0.05). Concentrations of YW≤10 μmol/L had no significant effect on HK-2 cell viability. YW inhibited the Cis-induced decline in HK-2 cell viability (P<0.05), suppressed the Cis-induced upregulation of KIM-1, KAT7, and p21 proteins (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the percentage of SA-β-Gal-positive cells (P<0.01). ConclusionYW suppresses the expression of KAT7 and p21 proteins and inhibits the decline in HK-2 cell viability in cisplatin-induced AKI, significantly mitigates HK-2 cell senescence, and improves renal function, providing preliminary experimental evidence for developing AKI treatment strategies based on structural optimization of natural products.
5.Association between insulin resistance and cardiovascular metabolic indicators in middle-aged adults
Rui TIAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Ting ZHENG ; Aixia ZHANG ; Xing LIU ; Hao KANG ; Qingfang DENG ; Sufang WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1305-1310
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, blood lipids, and serum uric acid, in a middle-aged population. MethodsBased on the baseline survey of the Hong Sifang cohort of China National Salt Industry Group, a total of 575 participants were included. According to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, the participants were divided into an IR group (n=116) and a non-IR group (n=459). Differences between the two groups were compared using the t-test and chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between IR and abnormalities in metabolic indicators. ResultsA total of 575 participants were included, including 390 men and 185 women, with a mean age of (48.58 ± 5.14) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of (24.16 ± 2.97) kg/m². Blood pressure, serum uric acid, and blood lipid levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the non-IR group (P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, and BMI, IR was independently associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 2.57 (1.61-4.09), 3.81 (2.36-6.17), and 2.68 (1.53-4.71), respectively (all P<0.001). ConclusionInsulin resistance is significantly associated with multiple cardiovascular metabolic risk factors in the middle-aged population. Monitoring IR may contribute to the early prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.
6.Promotion of Angiogenesis by Colorectal Cancer Cell LoVo Derived-exosomes Through Transferring pEGFR
Ya-Jie CHENG ; Xue-Tong ZHOU ; Rui WANG ; Jin FANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1229-1240
ObjectiveThis study sought to investigate the impact of exosomes derived from LoVo cells (LoVo-Exos) in colorectal cancer (CRC) on tumor angiogenesis, as well as to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their pro-angiogenic effects. MethodsLoVo-Exos were isolated via ultracentrifugation, and their internalization into recipient human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was visualized using confocal microscopy. The influence of LoVo-Exos on angiogenesis was assessed through an in vitro tube formation assay. Additionally, the pro-angiogenic effects of LoVo-Exos were evaluated in vivo using a matrix gluing assay in mice. To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which LoVo-Exos facilitate angiogenesis, Western blot analysis was employed to examine the transfer of pEGFR by LoVo-Exos into recipient cells. Both Western blot and ELISA were utilized to assess the expression levels of key signaling proteins within the EGFR-ERK pathway, as well as the expression of downstream angiogenic core molecules. Furthermore, the impact of EGFR knockdown and ERK inhibitor treatment on angiogenesis was evaluated, with subsequent analysis of the expression of downstream angiogenic core molecules following these interventions. ResultsConfocal microscopy demonstrated the internalization of LoVo-Exos into HUVECs. In vitro angiogenesis assays further indicated that LoVo-Exos significantly enhanced the formation of tubular structures in HUVECs. Additionally, macroscopic examination of subcutaneous matrix plug formation in mice revealed a substantial increase in vascular-like structures within the matrix plugs following the administration of LoVo-Exos, compared to the PBS control group. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed the presence of erythrocyte-filled microvessels within the matrix plugs combined with LoVo-Exos. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the expression of the endothelial cell marker CD31 in these matrix plugs. The presence of CD31-positive cells in the LoVo-Exos-treated matrix plugs was associated with a significant enhancement in the formation of luminal structures. These findings suggest that LoVo-Exos facilitate the in vivo development of vascular-like structures. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that LoVo-Exos facilitated the delivery of pEGFR to HUVEC, thereby enhancing angiogenesis. Conversely, LoVo-Exos with EGFR knockdown exhibited a diminished capacity to promote angiogenesis, an effect that was further attenuated by the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126. Western blot analysis assessing the activation of the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway in HUVEC indicated that LoVo-Exos augmented angiogenesis through the activation of this pathway. Furthermore, analysis of the impact of LoVo-Exos on the expression of downstream angiogenic core molecules revealed an increase in interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion in HUVEC. The enhancement observed was diminished in LoVo-Exos following EGFR knockdown, and this reduction was counteracted by the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126. ConclusionThe underlying mechanism may involve the delivery of pEGFR in LoVo-Exos to HUVECs, leading to increased IL-8 secretion via the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway, thereby enhancing the angiogenic potential of HUVECs. This finding may offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis.
7.Correlation between serum zinc level and prognosis of patients with sepsis
Xiao-Gang WANG ; Jia-Jun MA ; Rui-Xin ZHU ; Li-Bing ZHOU ; Sai-Hu HUANG ; Shui-Yan WU ; Wen-Si NIU ; Jie HUANG ; Zhen-Jiang BAI
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(5):278-282
Objective:To investigate the differences in clinical outcomes of septic children with varying serum zinc levels,and to analyze the relationship between reduced serum zinc levels and organ dysfunction as well as 28-day mortality in septic children.Methods:This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock in the Department of critical care medicine of the children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2017 and December 2022.Clinical characteristics,organ dysfunction,and prognosis were compared between two groups:children with low serum zinc levels and those with normal zinc levels.Results:The serum zinc level of septic children within 24 hours of admission was 9.60(5.52,13.80)μmol/L,with 50.54%(94/186)of the children exhibiting low serum zinc levels(<10.07 μmol/L).Compared to the normal serum zinc group,the low serum zinc group had a significantly lower Pediatric Critical Illness Score(PCIS)[(78.71±9.35)vs.(85.12±8.51),P=0.005]and higher 28-day mortality(46.80%vs.14.13%,P<0.001).The low serum zinc group also had a higher proportion of invasive mechanical ventilation(64.89%vs.47.82%,P=0.019),renal replacement therapy(15.59%vs.3.26%,P=0.003),and use of vasoactive drugs(56.38%vs.30.43%,P<0.001).The rate of underlying conditions in the low serum zinc group was significantly higher than that in the normal serum zinc group(57.44%vs.36.95%,P=0.005).Additionally,the low serum zinc group had a higher incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,shock,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS)compared to the normal serum zinc group(P<0.05).Serum zinc levels had predictive value for 28-day mortality in septic children(AUC=0.813;95%CI:0.725~0.902;P<0.001).A serum zinc level of less than 6.950 μmol/L predicted the death of septic children with a sensitivity of 0.618 and a specificity of 0.902.Conclusion:Sepsis in children is commonly associated with low serum zinc levels,especially in those with underlying conditions such as hematologic and oncologic disorders.Sepsis patients hypozincemia with a higher incidence of DIC,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,shock,and MODS.A serum zinc level below 6.95 μmol/L serves as a significant predictor of 28-day mortality in children with severe sepsis.
8.Analysis of Nitrofuran Metabolites in Meat by Solid-Phase Extraction of Porous Organic Polymer Combined with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Yao CHEN ; Ying-Jiao DONG ; Jia-Yi LI ; Rui-Jie WANG ; Zhi-Kai HONG ; Guan-Hua WANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):804-813
In this work,with tris(4-aminophenyl)amine(TAPA)and 1,3,5-tris(4-formylphenyl)benzene(TFPB)as monomers,an imine-type porous organic polymer,TAPA-TFPB,was synthesized using a simple method under the catalysis of acetic acid.The material TAPA-TFPB was used as solid-phase extraction adsorbent and combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QTOF-MS)to establish a detection method for four kinds of nitrofuran metabolites(NFMs)residues in meat samples.The parameters of the adsorbent dosage,the pH value and volume of sample,and the type and volume of washing and eluent solvents were optimized,respectively.Under the optimal extraction conditions,low detection limits(0.11-1.60 μg/kg)were achieved for four kinds of NFMs.At three different spiked levels,the intra-day and inter-day precisions(Relative standard deviations)were 2.8% -10.9% and 4.3% -16.2%,respectively,and the spiked recoveries were 72.0% -107.2%.The results showed that the method chould be used for efficient extraction and analysis of trace NFMs residues in meat samples,indicating that TAPA-TFPB was a kind of promising SPE adsorbent.
9.Ultrasonic Extraction-Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Metal Nanoparticles in Seawater Sediments
Jie CHUN ; Yu-Mei SONG ; Chang WANG ; Rui-Ling ZHANG ; Peng-Ran GUO ; Wei-Xin LIANG ; Ting ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):987-997
Accurate analysis of metal nanoparticles(MNPs)in sediments is a prerequisite for assessing the ecological risks of MNPs in aquatic environmental sediments.In this study,an analytical method for quantitative detection of concentration and particle size distribution of silver-containing nanoparticles(Ag-NPs),zinc-containing nanoparticles(Zn-NPs),cerium-containing nanoparticles(Ce-NPs),and titanium-containing nanoparticles(Ti-NPs)in sediments was established based on ultrasonic extraction-single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(SP-ICP-MS).The effects of sample preparation conditions such as extraction solvent type,solid-liquid ratio,ultrasonic time,and settling time on the recovery of MNPs were investigated.The results showed that the extraction of MNPs from sediment by distilled water could effectively eliminate the high background signal interference introduced by the extractant under the conditions of solid-liquid ratio of 1∶400(g∶mL),ultrasonic extraction time of 1 h and settling time of 3 h.The detection limits for particle size of Ag-NPs,Zn-NPs,Ce-NPs and Ti-NPs in sediments were 31,35,26 and 85 nm,respectively,while the detection limits of particle concentrations were 1.21×104,1.90×104,5.26×107 and 1.48×107 particles/g,respectively.The spiking recoveries of Ag-NPs,Zn-NPs,Ce-NPs and Ti-NPs in sediments were 62.1%-108.7%,with relative standard deviations below 10%.This method could rapidly,accurately and simultaneously determine the concentration and particle size distribution of various MNPs in sediments,and was successfully applied to analysis of Ag-NPs,Zn-NPs,Ce-NPs,and Ti-NPs in authentic marine sediments.
10.Clinical study on Chinese materia medica soaking therapy combined with cervical rotation-traction manipulation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy
Di WANG ; Rui XIE ; Lei SHI ; Long GONG ; Jie LUO ; Peiyu SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(12):1682-1686
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese materia medica soaking therapy combined with cervical rotation-traction manipulation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Totally 84 CSR patients from the Orthopedics Department of Shunyi Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 42 patients in each group. The treatment for both groups lasted for 14 d. VAS scale was used to assess pain levels before and after treatment, OASTCSR was used to evaluate cervical function, and NDI was used to assess cervical functional status; adverse reactions during treatment were observed and recorded, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 95.24% (40/42) in the treatment group and 80.95% (34/42) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.36, P=0.029). After treatment, the VAS score (1.60±1.21 vs. 2.91±1.12, t=-1.89), the OASTCSR score (5.17±2.14 vs. 9.31±3.82, t=-11.57), and the NDI score (9.17±2.13 vs. 13.36±3.45, t=-10.82) in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001 or P<0.05). During the treatment period, neither group experienced any adverse reactions. Conclusion:The combination of Chinese materia medica soaking therapy and cervical rotation-traction manipulation can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients with CSR, and its efficacy is superior to the use of cervical rotation-traction manipulation alone.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail