1.Effective Components of Epimedii Folium in Regulating Related Signaling Pathways for Treatment of Steroid-induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Review
Jingxuan CHANG ; Jinyao WU ; Meiying JIN ; Fanqi MENG ; Wenhai ZHAO ; Zhenhai CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):277-288
Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head(SANFH) is a bone and joint disease caused by prolonged and excessive steroid use. Its typical pathological features involve progressive circulatory disorders in the blood supply system of femoral head, leading to osteocyte apoptosis and bone tissue necrosis. As the disease progresses, it ultimately results in structural collapse and necrotic lesions of the femoral head, severely affecting patients' limb function and quality of life. Glucocorticoids mediate pathological damage through dual mechanisms, on the one hand, they disrupt the dynamic equilibrium between bone formation and resorption by suppressing osteoblast differentiation activity and activating osteoclastogenesis, on the other hand, they induce lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit angiogenesis, and impair endothelial cell function, thereby triggering microcirculatory disorders. Epimedii Folium and its active components exhibit multidimensional regulatory effects in SANFH prevention and treatment. Literature review reveals that it is rich in multiple active ingredients, primarily including total flavonoids of Epimedii Folium, icaritin, icariin, kaempferol, icariside Ⅱ, etc. These compounds exert multiple pharmacological effects(regulating bone metabolic homeostasis, modulating angiogenesis, correcting lipid metabolism disorders, and controlling cellular autophagy processes) through multiple signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(OPG/RANKL/RANK), etc. Based on existing research findings, this paper systematically elucidates the intervention mechanisms of active components in Epimedii Folium on key pathological processes of SANFH through the above pathways. It also deeply analyzes their regulatory roles in key nodes of different signaling pathways, aiming to provide valuable references for future clinical treatment and experimental research.
2.Metabolite identification and metabolic pathway analysis of pirtobrutinib in rats
Meijuan ZHANG ; Jie LI ; Hang YIN ; Mengyu HOU ; Jiangshuo LI ; Jingxuan WU ; Ruihua DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1076-1081
OBJECTIVE To analyze and identify the metabolites of pirtobrutinib (PTN) in rats, and clarify the possible metabolic pathways of PTN in rats. METHODS Six rats were intragastrically administered with 10 mg/kg PTN suspension. Blood samples were collected from the rats 30 minutes before administration and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours after administration. Urine and feces samples were collected 12 hours before administration and 24 hours after administration. UHPLC- Orbitrap Exploris 240 system combined with Compound Discoverer 3.0 and Xcalibur 2.0 software were adopted for structural identification and metabolic pathway analysis of PTN metabolites in rat plasma, urine, and feces. RESULTS A total of 29 PTN metabolites were identified, including 17, 19 and 22 metabolites in plasma, urine and feces, respectively. The metabolic pathways of PTN mainly included oxidation, sulfation, glucuronidation, etc., and its metabolites were mostly combination products of two or more different metabolic forms. In detail, a total of 26 metabolites were associated with phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions (14 oxidation metabolites, 9 reduction/dehydrogenation metabolites, 8 demethylation metabolites, and 5 hydrolysis metabolites). Meanwhile, a total of 20 products were involved in phase Ⅱ metabolites (14 sulfation metabolites and 8 glucuronic acid binding metabolites). CONCLUSIONS PTN exhibits a diverse range of metabolites in rat fecal samples, with the primary metabolic pathways being oxidation, sulfation, glucuronidation, and others.
3.Residual cell types,molecular expression profiles and quality assessment of in vitro cultured human thymic slices
Wanqing GUAN ; Guihua LUO ; Jingxuan HAN ; Qun XIANG ; Yunfei AN ; Lu ZHAO ; Jianhong MI ; Zeqing FENG ; Yuzhang WU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):893-903
Objective To analyze the composition and function of residual cells in pre-transplantation human thymic slices by single-cell transcriptomics sequencing(scRNA-seq),and established a quality assessment method for thymic slices based on the expression levels of molecular markers in the culture supernatant.Methods The discarded thymus from 18 patients with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical treatment in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University from May 2023 to January 2024 were collected and prepared into thymic slices.After the slices were cultured in vitro for 14 d,scRNA-seq was employed to identify the residual cell types,and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the biological function of the residual cells.Then based on the literature concerning thymic slice culture,the molecular markers indicating thymocyte function were screened out.ELISA was applied to detect the changes in protein levels of molecular markers in the supernatant.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted and assess the value of the molecular markers in the supernatant in evaluating the quality of thymic slices with area under the curve(AUC).Then,the qualified and unqualified thymic slices determined by our obtained molecular markers were transplanted subcutaneously into male nude mice(6~8 weeks old,weighing 14~17 g),respectively,and the male nude mice without transplantation of the thymic slices served as control group.Flow cytometry and histologic analysis were utilized to observe the immune reconstitution after transplantation.Results ① scRNA-seq identified 11 cell types in thymic slices,dominated with epithelial cells,fibroblasts,and T cells.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that epithelial cells were involved in enrichment entries related to chemotaxis,epithelial cell development,cell matrix adhesion and tight junction;fibroblasts were involved in enrichment entries related to extracellular matrix,epithelial cell proliferation,negative regulation of cell migration,and regulation of actin cytoskeleton;T cells were mainly related to T cell differentiation,regulation of T cell activation,T cell apoptosis,and T cell receptor signaling.② Molecular markers,CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12,CXCL16,IL16 and SELL were identified to indicate thymocyte function.Compared with the levels of the first day,the protein secretions of CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12 and CXCL16 were significantly increased during in vitro culture(P<0.05),while the protein secretions of IL16 and L-selectin(protein form of SELL)were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The combined predictor Pre1 from subset of cytokines(IL16 and L-selectin)had the highest value in the quality assessment of thymic slices after 1 d of culture(AUC=0.883),and the combined predictor Pre2 from subset of cytokines(CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12 and CXCL16)had the highest value in the quality assessment after 14 d of culture(AUC=0.948).③ Transplantation in nude mice indicated that the qualified thymic slices could develop to thymus structure in vivo,and effectively increase the proportion of T cells in peripheral blood(P<0.01),while the unqualified thymic slices could not obtain the reconstitution of T cell development.Conclusion The main residual component cells in thymic slices are epithelial cells,fibroblasts and T cells.IL16 and L-selectin can be used as potential indicators to determine the quality of donor thymic samples.CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12 and CXCL16 can effectively evaluate the quality of thymic slices before transplantation.
4.Acupuncture with Manipulation for Lumbar Disc Herniation in Remission of 50 Cases:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chun CHEN ; Jiao JIN ; Jingxuan MO ; Hai LIN ; Fudong SHI ; Guojun WANG ; Guannan WU ; Shimin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):1026-1032
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture with manipulation for lumbar disc herniation in remission period. MethodsOne hundred and four patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 52 cases in each group. Treatment group applied acupuncture with manipulation of pointing, pulling, and shaking. Acupoints were selected as lumbar Jiaji (EX-B2, bilateral), Ashi point, Shenshu (BL 23, bilateral), Huantiao (GB 30, bilateral), Weizhong (BL 40, opposite side of the affected area), Chengshan (BL 57, opposite side of the affected area). The control group applied lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy (acupoints selection same as the treatment group); 20 minutes each time, 3 times a week, a total of 3 weeks for both groups. The primary outcome was the improvement rate of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs, which was calculated at 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up, and 3 months follow-up, respectively; the secondary outcome were the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (including ODI total scores, sitting scores and standing scores), which were evaluated before treatment, 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up, and 3 months follow-up; clinical effectiveness was assessed at 3 months follow-up; and the occurrence of adverse events in the participants, as well as blood routine, urine routine, stool routine, and electrocardiograms before and after the treatment were recorded to evaluate safety. ResultsTwo patients from each group fell out, and 50 patients of each group were included in the outcome analysis ultimately. The scores of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs improved more in the treatment group than in the control group at 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up (P<0.01). The JOA scores of participants in both groups at 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up were higher than those before treatment in the same group, and the VAS scores, ODI total scores, ODI sitting scores and standing scores were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group (P<0.05), and the JOA scores of patients in the treatment group were higher than those of the control group at all time points, and the VAS scores, ODI total scores, ODI sitting scores and standing score were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). At the 3 months follow-up, the excellent rate of the treatment group was 70.00% (35/50) better than that of the control group, which was 50.00% (25/50) (P<0.05). There were no abnormalities in blood, urine, stool routines and electrocardiograms before and after treatment in both groups, and no adverse events occurred. ConclusionAcupuncture with manipulation of pointing, pulling, and shaking for treating patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission has a better safety on pain relief and improving quality of life, and the effectiveness is better than lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy.
5.Immune reconstitution efficacy of human thymic slices transplanted to different parts of nude mice
Wanqing GUAN ; Guihua LUO ; Jingxuan HAN ; Jianhong MI ; Zeqing FENG ; Yuzhang WU
Immunological Journal 2024;40(2):113-121
This study was designed to explore the immune reconstitution efficacy of human thymic slices transplanted into renal capsule,subcutaneous or muscle of nude mice,and further explore the optimal location of heterotopic transplantation.The thymus tissue discarded from congenital heart disease patients was made into 0.5-1 mm thick tissue sections and cultured in vitro to remove immune cells.H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to assess the residual tissue structure and cell types in thymic slices,while quantitative PCR methods were used to assess the function of residual cells in thymic slices.Then thymic slices were transplanted into the renal capsule,subcutaneous or muscle of nude mice,and the immune reconstitution efficacy was compared by flow cytometry and histology.Data showed that after 14 days of culture in vitro,the clearance rate of T lymphocytes in the thymic slices was more than 90%,and the epithelial cell network structure of the tissue was intact,while a large number of macrophages,dendritic cells and endothelial cells remained.Quantitative PCR results showed that the gene expression levels of epithelial cell markers and secreted cytokines in cultured thymic slices could be effectively maintained.Flow cytometry showed that at 16 weeks after transplantation,the proportion of T cells in peripheral blood of mice in different transplantation groups were significantly increased,whereas the proportion of T cells in muscle group was the highest.In situ histological examination showed that the regeneration of thymus tissue was detected at all three transplant sites.In addition,the graft detection rate was 40%in the renal capsule group,60%in the subcutaneous group and 100%in the musclegroup.In conclusion,the human thymic slices cultured in vitro for 14 days retain a complete thymic matrix microenvironment.Transplantation of human thymic slices can effectively reconstruct the ratio of T cells in nude mice,and the muscle is the most effective transplantation site.
6.Progress of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein in the pathogenesis of drug-resistant epilepsy
Jingxuan LI ; Dai SHI ; Guofeng WU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2023;56(1):111-117
Recent studies have found that in the development of epilepsy, cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) may cause recurrent epilepsy by inhibiting the expression of γ-aminobutyric acid, resulting in neuron damage and weakened effect of antiepileptic drug targets. Antiepileptic drugs can not control the extent or frequency of seizures, and then the patients are in a persistent state, hence the development of drug-resistant epilepsy. Therefore, the mechanism of CREB leading to drug-resistant epilepsy was reviewed in this paper, hoping to provide ideas for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy patients.
7.Exploration of accelerating the high-quality development of research wards
Jingcheng CHEN ; Jianxiong ZHANG ; Lijun LI ; Jingxuan WU ; Xiaofang WU ; Yuqin SONG ; Ruihua DONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2023;36(1):71-76
Objective:As a newly emerging thing, the construction and operation management of research wards are still being explored. According to the previous practice, this study summarized and shared the key points of a demonstration research ward in Beijing, and provided a reference for the development of domestic research wards.Methods:Focusing on improving the efficiency and quality of clinical research, this article summarizes and shares the experience of research ward construction. In addition, this study explores how to maintain the high-quality sustainable development of research wards from the aspects of improving core competence, system construction, and talent training.Results:Professional teams, innovative operation modes, as well as intelligence and informatization could improve the quality of clinical research. Besides, the improvement of core competence, talent training, and policy support ensure sustainable development of research wards.Conclusions:As clinical research platforms, the development paths of research wards need to be clarified further. The standardized construction and sustainable development of research wards can effectively improve clinical research capability and promote the transformation of scientific achievements.
8.Classifications of acute distal occlusion of internal carotid artery and variation of Willis' circle in predicting prognoses of acute ischemic stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy
Wenjuan WU ; Yue CHENG ; Jingxuan JIANG ; Dongmei CAI ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2022;21(5):450-455
Objective:To evaluate the application values of classifications of acute distal occlusion of internal carotid artery and variation of Willis' circle in predicting prognoses of acute ischemic stroke patients after mechanical thrombectomy (MT).Methods:One hundred and fifty-eight patients with acute ischemic stroke, admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to November 2020, were chosen in our study; these patients had conformed imaging diagnosis of acute distal occlusion of internal carotid artery and accepted endovascular MT; the clinical and imaging data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. The distal occlusion of internal carotid artery was divided into Ia, Ib, L, and T types according to the occlusion positions. Prognoses were evaluated by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 d after treatment. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to determine the independent factors for prognoses.Results:Among these 158 patients, 58 patients achieved good prognosis and 100 had poor prognosis. As compared with patients in the poor prognosis group, patients in the good prognosis group had significantly younger age, significantly lower NIHSS scores at admission, and statistically lower atrial fibrillation ratio ( P<0.05). There were statistical differences in the classifications of acute distal occlusion of internal carotid artery between the two groups ( P<0.05): the proportion of Ia type in patients of good prognosis group was the highest (75.9%), while that of T type was the lowest (3.4%). There was no significant difference in variation of Willis' circle between the two groups ( P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that T type of acute distal occlusion of internal carotid artery and atrial fibrillation were independent factors for prognoses of these patients ( OR=0.342, 95%CI: 0.127-0.919, P=0.033; OR=0.066, 95%CI: 0.005-0.803, P=0.033). Conclusion:Patients with T type of acute distal occlusion of internal carotid artery and atrial fibrillation are trend to have poor prognosis.
9.Application of semantic segmentation based on convolutional neural network in medical images.
Yuchao WU ; Lan LIN ; Jingxuan WANG ; Shuicai WU
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2020;37(3):533-540
With the rapid development of network structure, convolutional neural networks (CNN) consolidated its position as a leading machine learning tool in the field of image analysis. Therefore, semantic segmentation based on CNN has also become a key high-level task in medical image understanding. This paper reviews the research progress on CNN-based semantic segmentation in the field of medical image. A variety of classical semantic segmentation methods are reviewed, whose contributions and significance are highlighted. On this basis, their applications in the segmentation of some major physiological and pathological anatomical structures are further summarized and discussed. Finally, the open challenges and potential development direction of semantic segmentation based on CNN in the area of medical image are discussed.
10.Effect evaluation of micro-video assisted physiological theory teaching based on functional experiments
Haixia LI ; Zhifeng ZHANG ; Yan WU ; Bin LUO ; Yanxia LÜ ; Jingxuan ZHANG ; Junming TANG ; Shunhua XIONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2020;19(10):1168-1171
Objective:To investigate the implementation effect of micro-video assisted physiological theory teaching based on functional experiments.Methods:There were 140 clinical undergraduates (control group) from Class 1 and Class 2, and 123 clinical undergraduates (experimental group) from Class3 and Class 4 of Batch 2017 in our university who were involved in this study. The control group adopted traditional teaching method, the experimental group adopted micro-videos to assist traditional teaching in the teaching of selected chapters, and these micro-videos were collected from the recording and editing of functional experiments. After the course, questionnaire survey in terms of course design, implementation and effect, as well as final exanimation performance analysis were conducted to evaluate the teaching effect. SPSS 17.0 was used for t test. Results:The final examination scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group [(81.02±9.64) vs. (73.41±11.39)], with significant differences ( t=-5.805, P<0.001). Among them, the scores of Chapter 2 of the two groups were [(8.07±0.94) vs. (6.14±1.05), t=-15.616, P<0.001)], the scores of Chapter 4 were [(16.16±1.79) vs. (10.90±2.23), t=-20.903, P<0.001)], and the scores of Chapter 6 were [(6.04±0.53) vs. (5.82±0.78), t=-2.638, P=0.009)], all with significant differences. 100% of questionnaires were recovered, and more than 90% of students were interested in this teaching method which could strengthen their understanding of the key and difficulties in physiology and was also helpful to cultivate their ability of induction and summarization. Conclusion:Micro-videos based on functional experiments assisted teaching can improve the teaching effect of physiology, and it's worth popularizing.

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