1.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.
2.Body image disturbance status in AS patients and analysis of its influencing factors
Min NIU ; Jingman YUAN ; Liya MA ; Hao XU ; Jun LI ; Meixi YAN ; Xinru DU ; Hanhui MA ; Xichao YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):158-162
Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.
3.Chufeng Yisuntang Ameliorates PM2.5-induced Dry Eye via ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Yuan ZHONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Shi TAN ; Yu TANG ; Dongdong LI ; Lihao CHEN ; Jun PENG ; Qinghua PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):191-200
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5)-induced dry eye and investigate whether Chufeng Yisuntang can ameliorate the PM2.5-induced ocular surface damage by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used. Ten were randomly selected as the control group. The remaining 50 mice received topical instillation of 1 drop (0.1 mL) of 5 g·L-1 PM2.5 suspension in both eyes, four times daily. Successfully modeled mice were randomized into four groups (n=10): Model, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Chufeng Yisuntang, and combination (Chufeng Yisuntang at 7.3 g·kg-1 + p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 5 mg·kg-1). Chufeng Yisuntang was administered via gavage, and the inhibitor group via intraperitoneal injection. The control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. All treatments lasted for 4 weeks. General conditions were dynamically observed. Tear secretion, tear film break-up time, and corneal fluorescein staining were assessed. After intervention for 4 weeks, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the histopathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure serum levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1, and SOD2. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and gene levels, respectively, of p38 MAPK, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) in the corneal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited reduced tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with increased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group demonstrated increased tear secretion volume and tear film breakup time, along with decreased corneal fluorescein staining scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited marked increases in corneal epithelial cell layers and epithelial thickness, along with reduced meibomian gland acini and intensely stained, densely packed nuclei around the acini. Compared with the model group, the Chufeng Yisuntang group, p38 MAPK inhibitor group, and combination group showed intact corneal structure, improved cell morphology, and reduced damage severity. ELISA revealed elevated ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01) and decreased SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.01) in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination lowered ROS and MDA levels (P<0.01), while raising SOD1 and SOD2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and reduced protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased protein levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and increased protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Real-time PCR revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Chufeng Yisuntang, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and the combination down-regulated the mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 (P<0.01), while up-regulating the mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Chufeng Yisuntang group, the combination group exhibited decreased mRNA levels of p38 MAPK, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased mRNA level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). ConclusionChufeng Yisuntang may partially protect against PM2.5-induced corneal injury by inhibiting the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, enhancing antioxidant defense, and reducing epithelial apoptosis.
4.Mechanism of MEK/Ras/Raf/ERK Signaling Pathway Modulated by Mimenghua Prescription on Inflammatory Response in Dry Eye Animal Model
Shi TAN ; Pei LIU ; Yuan ZHONG ; Sainan TIAN ; Pengfei JIANG ; Genyan QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):211-221
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanism of Mimenghua prescription in modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (Raf)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway to inhibit inflammatory responses in a dry eye animal model. MethodsA total of 60 C57BL/6J mice (eight weeks old, half male and half female) were used in the experiment. Ten mice were randomly selected as the blank control group, while the remaining 50 were exposed to a controlled dry system and received instillation of 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the eyes for four weeks to establish a dry eye mouse model. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly divided into five groups: Model group, sodium hyaluronate group, and Mimenghua prescription groups with low dose (4.83 g·kg-1), medium dose (9.67 g·kg-1), and high dose (19.34 g·kg-1). The mice in the model group received an equal volume of normal saline via gavage for four weeks. The mice in the sodium hyaluronate group received instillation of sodium hyaluronate eye drops twice daily for 14 consecutive days. The tear secretion volume, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were evaluated once every two weeks. After four weeks of administration, mice were euthanized, and their lacrimal gland tissues and corneas were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess histopathological morphology. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the contents and expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, ERK, and interleukin (IL)-1β in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues of the mice in each group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK. ResultsThe Mimenghua prescription groups and the sodium hyaluronate group exhibited significantly increased tear secretion volume (P<0.05) and prolonged TBUT (P<0.05) after treatment. Ocular surface damage of mice was visibly recovered. Western blot results indicated that protein expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal gland and corneal tissues were significantly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription group with high dose (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that IL-1β levels were highest in the model group but significantly reduced in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05). Both ELISA and Real-time PCR results demonstrated that the expression levels of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05), but markedly downregulated in the sodium hyaluronate group and Mimenghua prescription groups (P<0.05), suggesting that Mimenghua prescription can decrease the expressions of MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK in the lacrimal glands and corneal tissues. ConclusionMimenghua prescription can reduce inflammatory responses, increase tear secretion, prolong TBUT, and promote corneal recovery by inhibiting the MEK, Ras, Raf, and ERK signaling pathways in lacrimal gland and corneal tissues.
5.Ranibizumab on blood flow density in different macular regions in ME patients secondary to ischemic and non-ischemic BRVO
Jun ZHAO ; Zhenhua FENG ; Shuna WANG ; Hongchen FU ; Qin YUAN ; Yu ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):579-586
AIM:To investigate the effect of ranibizumab on blood flow density in different regions of the macula in patients with macular edema(ME)secondary to ischemic and non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients with BRVO-ME who were treated at the hospital from September 2019 to March 2021. Patients were divided into ischemic and non-ischemic groups based on fundus findings. All patients received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab once monthly for three consecutive months. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), and macular blood flow density were measured before treatment and at 1 d, 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after treatment.RESULTS: A total of 46 patients(46 eyes)with BRVO-ME were included, comprising 21 eyes in the ischemic group(7 males, 14 females; mean age 55.81±10.36 y)and 25 eyes in the non-ischemic group(11 males, 14 females; mean age 54.84±9.81 y). At 3 mo after treatment, BCVA(LogMAR)in the non-ischemic group was superior to that in the ischemic group(0.19±0.19 vs 0.38±0.27, P=0.009). Analysis of CMT changes showed that the reduction amplitude in the ischemic group was significantly greater than that in the non-ischemic group at both 1 and 3 mo after treatment(all P<0.05). Blood flow densities in the whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions of the superficial capillary plexus(SCP), as well as in the whole and perifoveal regions of the deep capillary plexus(DCP), were significantly lower in ischemic patients than in non-ischemic patients, while blood flow density in the foveal region of DCP was significantly higher in the ischemic group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab is effective for both types of patients. Non-ischemic patients have a better long-term visual prognosis, and the advantage may be related to better blood flow perfusion patterns in specific areas 3 mo after treatment. Monitoring changes in blood flow density in these areas can help provide personalized treatment for patients.
6.Preoperative evaluation of lung function in patients with lung cancer using two-phase dual-energy CT perfusion imaging
Lifang LING ; Yizhen JIA ; Qinmin HAO ; Wenzheng XU ; Zhibo WANG ; Jun WANG ; Liang CHEN ; Mei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):79-86
Objective To explore the application value of dual-phase dual-energy CT (DECT) perfusion imaging in preoperative lung function assessment of lung cancer patients. Methods Data were collected from patients with stageⅠA non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from November 2022 to June 2024. All patients underwent DECT perfusion imaging and pulmonary function testing (PFT) before surgery. PFT observation indicators included ventilation function indicators such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second rate (FEV1/FVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and diffusion function indicators such as diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and DLCO per liter of alveolar volume (DLCO/VA). The software eXamine was used to obtain quantitative parameters of DECT perfusion imaging, including volume parameters and perfusion parameters of both lungs and each lung lobe. The correlation between the volume parameters and perfusion parameters of both lungs and the ventilation and diffusion function indicators of the patients, as well as the differences in quantitative parameters of each lung lobe, was analyzed. Results The end-inspiration lung volume and biphasic volume difference were strongly positively correlated with FEV1 and FVC (r=0.636, r=0.682, r=0.614, r=0.624, P<0.001) and moderately positively correlated with MVV and DLCO (r=0.499, r=0.514, r=0.549, r=0.447, P<0.001); the end-expiration lung volume was weakly negatively correlated with DLCO/VA (r=−0.295, P=0.026); the volume ratio was positively correlated with FEV1, FVC, MVV, and MVV% (r=0.424, r=0.399, r=0.415, r=0.310, P<0.05); the end-inspiration iodine content was weakly positively correlated with DLCO/VA% (rs=0.292, P=0.030); the end-expiration iodine content was weakly positively correlated with FEV1, FVC, MVV, DLCO%, and DLCO/VA (r=0.307, r=0.299, r=0.295, r=0.366, r=0.320, P<0.05) and moderately positively correlated with DLCO (r=0.439, P<0.001); the end-inspiration iodine concentration was negatively correlated with FEV1, FVC, MVV, and MVV% (rs=−0.407, rs=−0.426, rs=−0.352, rs=−0.277, P<0.05); the end-expiratory phase iodine concentration was moderately positively correlated with DLCO/VA (r=0.403, P=0.002); both the iodine concentration difference and the iodine concentration ratio were moderately positively correlated with FEV1, FEV1%, FVC, MVV, MVV% (P<0.05). The lung volume and iodine concentration ratio values were both highest in the left upper lung lobe and lowest in the right middle lung lobe; the differences in lung volume, lung volume ratio, intrapulmonary iodine content, and intrapulmonary iodine concentration were all highest in the lower lobes of both lungs and lowest in the middle lobe of the right lung. Conclusion Dual-phase DECT perfusion imaging can accurately assess overall lung function and quantify regional lung function.
7.Comparative analyses of the detection performance of five multiplex polymerase chain reaction nucleic acid detection kits for respiratory pathogens
Fang YUAN ; Lei BI ; Jiajing LIU ; Huanru WANG ; Jun FENG ; Yuan ZHUANG ; Min CHEN ; Zheng TENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):165-169
ObjectiveTo evaluate the detection specificity for clinical samples and the detection capability for standard substances of five commercially available multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nucleic acid detection kits (hereinafter referred to as the kits) for respiratory pathogens, and to provide a reference for selecting appropriate detection kits for multi-pathogen nucleic acid testing of respiratory infections. MethodsA total of 60 respiratory pathogen-positive clinical samples with known redults were selected and tested using the five kits (labeled as A, B, C, D, and E). The detection rates and Kappa coefficients were calculated to evaluate the consistency between the results from these kits and those from single-pathogen PCR kits. According to the limit of detection (LOD) provided by the kits, standard substances of respiratory pathogens (including 12 types such as influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis) were diluted to four concentrations (250, 500, 1 000, and 2 000 copies·mL⁻¹). All five kits were used for detection to evaluate their respective detection capabilities. ResultsCompared with the results from single-pathogen PCR kits, the five tested kits demonstrated good consistency (all Kappa >0.80). Among them, Kit A had the highest detection rate (100.00%), followed by Kits C and E (98.33%), and then Kits B and D (95.00%). All five kits showed a relatively low false negative rate (FNR) for samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) value ≤35 (≤2.38%). However, for samples with Ct values>35, the FNR increased accordingly(average FNR=6.67%, P=0.029). Kit C exhibited the highest detection sensitivity for the tested standard substances (average LOD: 458.33 copies·mL⁻¹), followed by Kit D, then Kits A/E, and finally Kit B. ConclusionThe five multiplex PCR kits showed good consistency with single-pathogen detection results, but each had its own performance emphasis. Kit A, with the highest detection rate and high throughput, is suitable for targeted viral screening. Kit B, covering the broadest pathogen spectrum (including fungi/bacteria), is suitable for comprehensive respiratory pathogen screening. Kits C, D and E, are applicable for rapid detection. It is important to note that the detection efficacy of all kits decreases for low viral load samples with Ct values >35. In practical application, selection should be based on specific screening objectives, throughput requirements, and sample types.
8.DYRK2:a novel therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis based on East Asian and European populations
Zhilin WU ; Qin HE ; Pingxi WANG ; Xian SHI ; Song YUAN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1569-1579
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.
9.DYRK2:a novel therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis based on East Asian and European populations
Zhilin WU ; Qin HE ; Pingxi WANG ; Xian SHI ; Song YUAN ; Jun ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1569-1579
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are positively correlated,but the causal relationship and related mechanisms have not yet been confirmed.With the cross-fertilization of computer science and life sciences,Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses based on genome-wide association study(GWAS)and transcriptome sequencing data can assess the causal relationship between two diseases,explore the related mechanisms,and mine the therapeutic targets,which will be beneficial to the precision treatment of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis using two-sample Mendelian randomization and to mine potential co-morbid targets and potential targeted drugs through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics analyses,aiming to provide theoretical basis for mechanism exploration and precision treatment in the field of rheumatoid arthritis combined with osteoporosis.METHODS:(1)Firstly,GWAS data of rheumatoid arthritis,osteoporosis,and cis-expression quantitative trait locus(cis-eQTL)in Asian and European populations were downloaded from the GWAS Catalog,IEU Open GWAS,FinnGen,and eQTLGen databases,and were used for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis.(2)Transcriptome sequencing data of rheumatoid arthritis(GSE93272 and GSE15573)were downloaded from the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis.(3)Subsequently,forward and inverse Mendelian randomization analyses between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were performed,and inverse variance weighted was used as the main metric for the analyses,and the results were corroborated with MR Egger,simple mode,weighted median and weighted mode.(4)Then,the genes closely related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were identified based on the summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis,and the co-disease targets of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis were mined based on cross-analysis.Meanwhile,the biological functions of the co-morbid targets were verified based on bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments.(5)In addition,a rheumatoid arthritis risk prediction nomogram was constructed based on DYRK2,and its prediction performance was verified by receiver operating characteristic curve,correction curve and decision curve.Finally,the target potential drugs were mined based on Enrichr database and molecular docking was performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Forward Mendelian randomization analysis of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis showed statistically significant results except for GCST90044540 and GCST90086118,and all other results indicated a significant causal relationship and positive correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(2)Inverse Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that no significant causal relationship was seen between osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization analysis identified a total of 412 and 344 genes positively associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis,and 421 and 347 genes negatively associated.Based on the cross-analysis,26 co-morbid genes were subsequently obtained.Among them,DYRK2 was a potential therapeutic target,and subsequent bioinformatics analysis and cellular experiments confirmed its important role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.(4)Furthermore,the constructed nomogram has excellent predictive performance.Finally,four potential DYRK2-targeting drugs(undecanoic acid,metyrapone,JNJ-38877605,and ACA)were discovered and molecular docking also demonstrated reliable targeting ability.(5)In conclusion,based on GWAS data from Asian and European populations,we successfully demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are causally related at the genetic level,DYRK2 is a potential therapeutic target,and four small molecules are potential target drugs.
10.Modern Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang: A Review
Miaomiao MENG ; Zibo YUAN ; Kaili CHEN ; Jun ZHANG ; Zixuan YU ; Wei DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):266-277
Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiangtang (CGG)is a classic prescription in the Treatise on Cold Damage,which has the effects of clearing and relieving stagnation heat in Shaoyang,warming and dissolving water drink,and relieving the pivot mechanism. It is a classic prescription for treating spleen deficiency and liver depression and stopping internal stagnation caused by water drink. The formula is exquisite and well-matched and is often modified and used by ancient and modern medical practitioners to treat various miscellaneous diseases of internal and external medicine,with significant therapeutic effects. In recent years,with the rapid development of modern pharmacology,research on the micro mechanism of CGG has been continuously developed and deepened,providing new ideas for the treatment of diseases with CGG. Therefore,the authors systematically searched databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,VIP Database, and PubMed for literature on the clinical application and pharmacological mechanism of CGG published by Chinese and foreign scholars in recent years. This article summarized the literature from two aspects:the modern clinical application and mechanism of action of CGG and elaborated on the diseases treated by CGG in modern literature,involving digestive system,respiratory system,nervous system,endocrine system,circulatory system,urinary system,gynecology,as well as its application in reducing the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, gynecology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics. At the same time,the mechanism of CGG in treating diseases may be related to anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress, regulation of immunity, anti-fibrosis, anti-tumor, improvement of gastrointestinal flora and motility, protection of liver tissue, reduction of blood lipids and blood sugar, and regulation of hormone levels.


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