1.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
2.Mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway regulates the development of osteoarthritis:guiding targeted therapy with traditional Chinese medicine
Hao LI ; Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Qiang DING ; Chicheng NIU ; Kai HUANG ; Hongyu KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1476-1485
BACKGROUND:Osteoarthritis is pathologically characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage and abnormal deformation of the subchondral bone.In recent years,with the deepening of medical research,it has been found that the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway has a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration,inflammatory factor release,and chondrocyte proliferation,which is particularly important for the treatment of osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To briefly review the main research progress in the mechanism of MAPK signaling pathway regulating osteoarthritis in recent years,aiming to provide new ideas for the treatment of osteoarthritis.METHODS:CNKI,WanFang and PubMed databases were searched for relevant literature using the search terms of"mitogen-activated protein kinases,osteoarthritis,extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase"in Chinese and English.Relevant literature published from January 2019 to November 2024 was searched,and 108 articles were finally included for summary analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Various stimuli inside and outside the cells activate the MAPK signaling pathway,regulate gene transcription and protein synthesis,and promote the release of inflammatory factors,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.The release of these inflammatory factors aggravates the progression of osteoarthritis.(2)The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,mainly saponins and flavonoids,as well as Chinese herbal formulas and preparations with the main effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis,tonifying the liver and kidney,can play a therapeutic role in osteoarthritis by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway,regulating the release of matrix metalloproteinases,balancing the homeostatic state of osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,attenuating the synovial inflammation,decreasing the release of inflammatory factors and inflammatory vesicles,decreasing cellular pyroptosis,promoting autophagy,and ameliorating oxidative stress.(3)Although traditional Chinese medicine has become popular in the treatment of osteoarthritis by virtue of its own advantages of multi-components,multi-targets,multi-pathways,and low side effects,the use of MAPK signaling pathway to guide the treatment of individual osteoarthritis is the difficulty of the technology,which needs to be continuously researched and explored.(4)Therefore,further development of relevant herbal inhibitors that can modulate the MAPK signaling pathway may be a potential drug strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future.
3.Preliminary application of sacral neuromodulation in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with underactive bladder after transurethral resection of the prostate
Ning LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Tao LI ; Qiang HU ; Kai LU ; Lei ZHANG ; Jianping WU ; Shuqiu CHEN ; Bin XU ; Ming CHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):39-42
[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complicated with underactive bladder (UAB) who respond poorly to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with BPH and UAB treated with TURP by the same surgeon in Zhongda Hospital Southeast University during Jan.2018 and Jan.2023.The residual urine volume was not significantly relieved after operation, and the maximum urine flow rate and urine volume per discharge were not significantly improved.All patients underwent phase I SNM, and urinary diaries were recorded before and after surgery to observe the average daily frequency of urination, volume per urination, maximum urine flow rate, and residual urine volume. [Results] The operation time was (97.6±11.2) min.During the postoperative test of 2-4 weeks, if the residual urine volume reduction by more than 50% was deemed as effective, SNM was effective in 6 patients (60.0%). Compared with preoperative results, the daily frequency of urination [(20.2±3.8) times vs. (13.2±3.2) times], volume per urination [(119.2±56.7) mL vs. (246.5±59.2) mL], maximum urine flow rate [(8.7±1.5) mL/s vs. (16.5±2.6) mL/s], and residual urine volume [(222.5±55.0) mL vs. (80.8±16.0) mL] were significantly improved, with statistical significance (P<0.05). There were no complications such as bleeding, infection, fever or pain.The 6 patients who had effective outcomes successfully completed phase II surgery, and the fistula was removed.During the follow-up of 1 year, the curative effect was stable, and there were no complications such as electrode displacement, incision infection, or pain in the irritation sites.The residual urine volume of the other 4 unsuccessful patients did not improve significantly, and the electrodes were removed and the vesicostomy tube was retained. [Conclusion] SNM is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH with UAB patients with poor curative effects after TURP.
4.Constructing a model of degenerative scoliosis using finite element method:biomechanical analysis in etiology and treatment
Kai HE ; Wenhua XING ; Shengxiang LIU ; Xianming BAI ; Chen ZHOU ; Xu GAO ; Yu QIAO ; Qiang HE ; Zhiyu GAO ; Zhen GUO ; Aruhan BAO ; Chade LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):572-578
BACKGROUND:Degenerative scoliosis is defined as a condition that occurs in adulthood with a coronal cobb angle of the spine>10° accompanied by sagittal deformity and rotational subluxation,which often produces symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression,such as lumbar pain,lower limb pain,numbness,weakness,and neurogenic claudication.The finite element method is a mechanical analysis technique for computer modelling,which can be used for spinal mechanics research by building digital models that can realistically restore the human spine model and design modifications. OBJECTIVE:To review the application of finite element method in the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis. METHODS:The literature databases CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched for articles on the application of finite element method in degenerative scoliosis published before October 2023.Search terms were"finite element analysis,biomechanics,stress analysis,degenerative scoliosis,adult spinal deformity"in Chinese and English.Fifty-four papers were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The biomechanical findings from the degenerative scoliosis model constructed using the finite element method were identical to those from the in vivo experimental studies,which proves that the finite element method has a high practical value in degenerative scoliosis.(2)The study of the etiology and treatment of degenerative scoliosis by the finite element method is conducive to the prevention of the occurrence of the scoliosis,slowing down the progress of the scoliosis,the development of a more appropriate treatment plan,the reduction of complications,and the promotion of the patients'surgical operation.(3)The finite element method has gradually evolved from a single bony structure to the inclusion of soft tissues such as muscle ligaments,and the small sample content is increasingly unable to meet the research needs.(4)The finite element method has much room for exploration in degenerative scoliosis.
5.Super-minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery:technical innovations and clinical research progress
Pan LU ; Lin CHEN ; Yingjie HUANG ; Kai LI ; Mingchao YI ; Dean MU ; Qiang WANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2265-2271
With the continuous evolution of minimally invasive surgical concepts,operative techniques are progressively advancing from"minimal injury"toward"scarless"approaches.Super-minimally laparoscopic surgery(SMLS)is a novel surgical modality developed on the basis of conventional laparoscopic techniques through the innovation and recombination of operative elements,aiming to achieve smaller trauma and improved cosmetic outcomes.Utilizing the umbilical skin fold as a natural scar-concealing site,SMLS establishes no more than two primary operating channels(maximum diameter≤15 mm),supplemented by auxiliary ports≤2 mm in diameter on the abdominal wall.Combined with innovative separable surgical instruments and high-definition visualization systems,this approach provides a systematic solution to key issues such as residual access-site scarring.This review summarizes the development,technical innovations,current clinical applications,and potential aesthetic value of SMLS in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery,aiming to offer theoretical insights and research reference for its future promotion and technical refinement.
6.Safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted vs.laparoscopic hepatectomy for the treatment of hepatic hemangiomas
Gaiming JIANG ; Kai ZHENG ; Yukai LI ; Jing LI ; Qiang KANG ; Yang KE ; Yuehua LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(1):70-78
Background and Aims:Hepatectomy is an important treatment option for hepatic hemangioma,and the approach has gradually shifted from traditional open surgery to laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery.However,there is still no consensus on whether robotic assistance provides better treatment outcomes than laparoscopic surgery for hepatic hemangioma.Therefore,this study was performed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic hepatectomy for the treatment of hepatic hemangioma.Methods:The clinical data of 184 patients who underwent minimally invasive hepatectomy for hepatic hemangioma in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University,between February 2021 and July 2024 were retrospectively collected.Among them,30 cases were in the robotic group,and 154 cases were in the laparoscopic group.Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed based on baseline data such as patient demographics,tumor characteristics,and surgical resection range,with a 1∶2 matching ratio.Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups after matching.Results:After 1∶2 PSM,24 patients were in the robotic group and 48 in the laparoscopic group.Preoperative variables were well balanced between the groups(area under the ROC curve was 0.588).The robotic group had significantly shorter operative time(138 min vs.168 min,P=0.024)and hepatic hilum blocking time(25 min vs.45 min,P<0.001)compared to the laparoscopic group.Postoperative albumin levels on day 1 and day 3 were higher in the robotic group,while transaminase levels on postoperative day 1 and day 3 were lower(all P<0.05).However,the hospitalization cost was higher in the robotic group than that in the laparoscopic group(74 746 yuan vs.49 644 yuan,P<0.001).No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative transfusion rate,open conversion rate,postoperative length of stay,and postoperative complication rates as well as complication severity(all P>0.05).Conclusion:For suitable cases of hepatic hemangioma,robotic-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible treatment option.Compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery,it reduces operative time and hepatic hilum blocking time,and minimizes the impact on postoperative liver function.However,the treatment cost is higher,and selection should be based on the patient's individual needs.
7.Lactylation of MG53 protein enhances mouse myocardial ischemia/reper-fusion injury by mediating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis
Xiaowang LI ; Fei FANG ; Jianzhong LU ; Xinhua QIANG ; Kai LU ; Jun LIAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(4):653-660
AIM:This study aims to investigate the changes in the lactylation levels of mitsugumin 53(MG53)protein during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)and to further explore the potential molecular mechanisms by which MG53 lactylation impacts myocardial cell injury resulting from I/R.METHODS:A myocardial I/R model was established in mice through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion.Simultaneous-ly,a hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)model of rat myocardial H9C2 cells was created in vitro.In the mouse model,TTC and HE staining were employed to assess myocardial ischemia and injury.The levels of creatine kinase and cardiac troponin I were quantified using ELISA,while MG53 expression was evaluated through immunofluorescence.In the in vitro cell model,CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were utilized to measure cell viability and apoptosis level,respectively.The levels of MG53 protein,its lactylation,and ferroptosis-related proteins in both mouse myocardial tissue and in vitro rat cardiomyo-cytes were analyzed using immunoprecipitation and Western blot.Additionally,the levels of reactive oxygen species,fer-rous ion,lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde in tissues and cells were measured using appropriate assay kits.RE-SULTS:In the I/R group,mouse myocardial tissue exhibited significant injury following cardiac I/R.The expression of MG53 protein was reduced,while the lactylation level of MG53 protein and the ferroptosis of myocardial cells were in-creased.In the in vitro cardiomyocyte experiments,H/R exposure resulted in decreased cell viability,increased apoptosis and ferroptosis levels,reduced MG53 protein expression,and increased MG53 lactylation level.Treatment with 2-deoxy-D-glucose(2-DG)improved cardiomyocyte viability,decreased apoptosis and ferroptosis levels,increased MG53 expres-sion,and lowered MG53 lactylation level.Furthermore,the addition of exogenous lactate significantly countered the ef-fects of 2-DG on cell viability and MG53 expression,and increased the cell apoptosis,ferroptosis and MG53 lactylation levels.CONCLUSION:During myocardial I/R,there is a down-regulation of MG53 protein expression accompanied by an increase in the lactylation level of MG53 protein.The elevation of MG53 lactylation may exacerbate myocardial I/R inju-ry by facilitating the ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes.
8.Analysis of the association between patent foramen ovale and migraine:advances in biomarker and imaging research
Kai-yuan LIU ; Ji-zhe XU ; Ming BAI ; Qiang WANG ; Li-he YAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(9):516-522
Patent foramen ovale(PFO)demonstrates significant comorbidity with migraine,but its causal relationship and the efficacy of transcatheter closure remain controversial.This systematic review examines potential biomarkers and relevant imaging assessments for PFO-associated migraine,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Key biomarkers include platelet activation markers,calcitonin gene-related peptide,homocysteine,and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio.Imaging evaluations encompass right-to-left shunt grading(transthoracic echocardiography,transcranial Doppler ultrasound),cerebrovascular breath-holding index,characteristics of white matter hyperintensities,alterations in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-f-MRI)brain networks,in-situ thrombi detected by optical coherence tomography,and electroencephalogram(EEG)power spectral features.Research indicates that integrating biomarkers with imaging technologies enhances diagnostic discrimination and treatment outcome prediction.Current challenges include unclear causal relationships and insufficient standardization of detection methods.Future efforts require multidisciplinary collaboration to establish personalized diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks through multimodal indicators,thereby advancing precise prevention and treatment strategies for PFO-related migraine.
9.Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Seed Oil Inhibits PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway to Induce Autophagy and Apoptosis of Human Laryngeal Cancer Cells in Vitro
Lin LI ; Wenhong WANG ; Kai HOU ; Zhaofang LIU ; Qiang SUN
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(4):91-96
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil on autophagy and apoptosis of laryngeal cancer cells.Methods Human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B and human laryngeal cancer cells Hep-2 were treated with different volume fractions(v/v)of Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil(0,0.02%,0.04%,0.06%,0.08%,0.10%),respectively,cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 method(CCK-8).Hep-2 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into control group,Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil low,medium and high dose groups and Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil high dose+insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)(PI3K agonist)group,cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were detected by flow cytometry(FCM)assay,the formation of autophagic vesicles was detected by monodansyl cadaverine(MDC)staining,the expression of apoptosis,autophagy and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blotting(WB).Results Compared with the control group Hep-2(99.03%±0.82%),treatment with zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil(0.02%,0.04%,0.06%,0.08%,0.10%)(v/v)could reduce cell survival rate(84.63%±0.73%,57.34%±0.84%,19.76%±0.62%,17.22%±0.72%,12.19%±0.81%),and the differences were statistically significant(t=22.718~133.559,all P<0.001),while it has no inhibitory effect on BEAS-2B activity(t=0.283~1.980,all P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the Hep-2 apoptosis rate,G1/G0 phase cell proportion,autophagic vesicle integrated optical density(IOD)value,Cleaved-caspase-3,Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B 1ight chain 3I/Ⅱ(LC 3I/Ⅱ)and Beclin-1 expression were all increased in the low,medium,and high-close groups of zantheoxylum bungeanum seed oil(t=4.270~58.425);the proportion of G2/M phase cells,ubiquitin-binding protein P62,Bcl-2 expression and p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR expression were all decreased(t=3.041~58.765),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Compared with the high-dose zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil group,the apoptosis rate of Hep-2,the proportion of G1/G0 phase cells,the expression of Cleaved-caspase-3,Bax,LC3Ⅱ/I and Beclin-1,the IOD value of autophagic vesicles(t=4.931~39.507),the expression of Bcl-2 and ubiquitin-binding protein P62,the proportion of G2/M phase cells,the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR in the high-dose zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil+IGF-1 group were decreased(t=3.402~14.207),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil can promote autophagy and apoptosis of Hep-2 cells,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation.
10.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail