1.Construction and evaluation of the performance management system for pharmacy practice based on the balanced scorecard
Xia LUO ; Yuyan LUO ; Lifen XU ; Ye LI ; Haiyan MAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1473-1477
OBJECTIVE To establish a scientific, systematic, multi-dimensional performance management system for pharmacy practice, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of pharmacy practice performance management in public hospitals. METHODS Based on the four dimensions of the balanced scorecard theory, finance, customer, internal process, learning and growth, reference indicators for pharmacy practice performance management were summarized. The Delphi method was used to screen indicators, and the analytic hierarchy process was applied to determine the weights of indicators. A pharmacy practice performance management system was then constructed. Based on this system, action plans were formulated and implemented. The effectiveness was evaluated from two aspects: customer reviews and changes in pharmacy practice outcomes. RESULTS A total of 28 reference indicators were summarized, and a performance management system for pharmacy practice was constructed, consisting of 4 primary indicators, 9 secondary indicators, and 20 tertiary indicators. Compared with action plans implementation before, the satisfaction of clinical departments was significantly improved, and 11 pharmacy practice performance management indicators were optimized after implementation. CONCLUSIONS A scientific and systematic performance management system for pharmacy practice has been successfully established, which can provide a reference for the innovation of hospital pharmacy practice management and the high quality development of pharmacy practice.
2.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
3.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
4.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
5.Mechanism of active ingredient compatibility of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus rats
Yanli LIANG ; Shijia AN ; Fengsheng LI ; Jiani MAI ; Anqi HUO ; Jiali WEI ; Zejuan ZHANG ; Shuyan QIN ; Wenqing HUANG ; Jie LIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1697-1703
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of the active ingredient compatibility(quercetin, quercitrin and kaempferol at a mass ratio of 2∶9∶3)of Dimocarpus longan Lour. leaves(abbreviated as CDL) on ameliorating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, metformin hydrochloride group (100 mg/kg), and CDL high-, medium- and low-dose groups (280, 140, 75 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank control group were fed with standard chow, while rats in the other groups were given high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish the T2DM rat model. After successful modeling, rats in each administration group were given corresponding drug solution, and rats in the blank control group and model group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of pure water, once a day, for consecutive 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was detected at fixed time every week. The curves of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were plotted, and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The pancreatic islet function indexes [fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)],blood lipid indexes [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and hepatic glycogen content were determined. The pathological morphological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of molecules related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in liver tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the FBG, AUC of IPITT curve, AUC of OGTT curve, HOMA-IR, the levels of FINS, TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as the protein and mRNA expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog, forkhead box protein O1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in liver tissues were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.05). ISI, the levels of HDL-C and hepatic glycogen content, along with the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt in liver tissues were markedly decreased ( P <0.05). In model group rats, the arrangement of hepatocytes was irregular, the overall structure of pancreatic lobules was disordered, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. Compared with the model group, most of the above quantitative indexes were significantly reversed in the CDL high-dose group ( P <0.05), and the pathological lesions of liver and pancreas were obviously alleviated. CONCLUSIONS CDL can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, elevate insulin sensitivity and relieve insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
7.Reconstructing The Testicular Niche: Mechanisms and Translational Perspectives of Stem Cell-derived Testicular Organoids
Xia DONG ; Tai-Zeng ZHOU ; Lin-Yuan SHEN ; Li ZHU ; Mai-Lin GAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2242-2246
Mammalian male germline development depends on a specialized gonadal somatic microenvironment. However, itsin vitro reconstruction remains challenging. Major barriers include the generation of appropriate supporting-cell lineages, organized tissue architecture, and culture conditions that sustain germ-cell maturation. Yoshino et al. established a mouse pluripotent stem cell-derived testicular organoid model. This model reconstitutes the sex-determining region Y (Sry)-SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9)‑mediated sex-determination program and generates testicular somatic cell-like cells (TesLCs). When assembled with primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs), TesLCs formed seminiferous tubule-like structures and supported male germline progression toward prospermatogonia and germline stem cell-like cells (GSCLCs). After transplantation into infertile recipient testes, organoid-derived GSCLCs produced fertilization-competent sperm and generated fertile offspring. The major significance of this work extends beyond sperm production. It integrates sex determination, germ-cell fate transition, and testicular niche self-organization into an experimentally tractable organoid system. This commentary discusses the technical strategy, sex-determination mechanism, value of testicular niche reconstruction, and translational limitations of this study. It also highlights its implications for in vitro gametogenesis, male infertility modeling, and reproductive medicine.
8.Generalized equation estimation of the therapeutic effect of floating needle therapy combined with acupoint embedding on different stages of human knee osteoarthritis
Peiguang WANG ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Meisi MAI ; Luqian LI ; Hao HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1565-1571
BACKGROUND:Acupoint embedding and floating needle therapy are two methods for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,but there are few reports on the combined treatment of the two methods. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupoint embedding combined with floating needle therapy on different stages of knee osteoarthritis using generalized estimating equations. METHODS:A total of 436 patients with knee osteoarthritis admitted to Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to February 2023 were selected as the research subjects.All patients were randomly divided into a control group with floating needle therapy(n=218)and an observation group with acupoint embedding method combined with floating needle therapy(n=218).Staging was performed according to the K-L staging method.In the control group,there were 57 cases in stage Ⅰ,62 in stage Ⅱ,49 in phase Ⅲ,and 50 in stage Ⅳ,while in the observation group,there were 48 cases in stage Ⅰ,66 in stage Ⅱ,63 in phase Ⅲ,and 41 in stage Ⅳ.The levels of indexes and clinical efficacy were compared between groups before and after treatment.Generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the influencing factors of clinical efficacy and the interaction effect of different time points,different methods and different stages on therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in baseline data between the observation group and the control group,as well as between the patients of different stages(P>0.05).After treatment,the cure rate of stage Ⅰ patients was the highest after treatment,and the total improvement rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group.There were significant differences in the cure rate among different stages in each group(P<0.05).After treatment,all indicators in the two groups were significantly decreased.In the control group,there were significant differences in various indicators of patients at different stages after 4 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).In the observation group,after 2 weeks of treatment,there were significant differences in various indicators of patients at different stages(P<0.05),and all the indexes in the observation were lower than those in the control group after 4 weeks of treatment(P<0.05)and the therapeutic effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group.Generalized estimating equation model analysis showed that trauma history,interleukin-6 level,treatment method,treatment time and K-L stage all significantly affected the clinical efficacy in patients.In the interaction effect analysis,after 2 weeks of treatment,there was a significant difference in the visual analogue scale score between the two groups in stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,there was a significant difference in the visual analogue scale score between the two groups in stages Ⅱ,Ⅲ,and Ⅳ(P<0.05).To conclude,acupoint embedding combined with floating needle therapy is superior to floating needle therapy alone in the treatment of different stages of knee osteoarthritis.Trauma history,interleukin-6 level,treatment method,treatment time and K-L stage significantly influence the therapeutic effect.
9.Mogroside Ⅴ promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by modulating M1 polarization of macrophages under high glucose condition
Zhimao YE ; Jiuying HUI ; Xiaoxia ZHONG ; Yuying MAI ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):3968-3975
BACKGROUND:The diabetic microenvironment can cause excessive M1 polarization of macrophages,and this hyperglycemic inflammatory state can inhibit osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,thus affecting the healing of diabetic bone defects.Studies have indicated that mogroside V possesses anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and hypoglycemic properties.However,its potential to modulate M1 polarization of macrophages and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under high glucose and inflammatory condition remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of mogroside V on regulating M1 macrophage polarization and its effect on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under high glucose and inflammatory condition. METHODS:Murine diabetic models were established using C57BL/6 mice.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from tibia and fibula of normal and diabetic mice,and cultured in low-glucose and high-glucose media.Then M1 polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages was induced using lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with 160,320,and 640 μmol/L mogroside V.Flow cytometry was employed to determine the proportion of F4/80+CD86+cells.qRT-PCR was utilized to assess mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase,interleukin 1β,and interleukin 6.ELISA was employed to evaluate tumor necrosis factor-α secretion in bone marrow-derived macrophage supernatants.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from tibia and fibula of C57BL/6 suckling mice,and induced osteogenic differentiation using low-or high-glucose osteogenic induction medium.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were treated with M1 macrophage-conditioned mediums with or without 320 μmol/L mogroside V in osteogenic differentiation process.qRT-PCR was employed to assess the mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,Runt-related factor 2,osteocalcin,and osteopontin on day 14 after osteogenic induction.Alizarin red staining and quantitative analysis were conducted to evaluate calcium deposition on day 21 after osteogenic induction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Flow cytometry results showed that with the treatment of 320 and 640 μmol/L mogroside V,the proportion of F4/80+CD86+bone marrow-derived macrophages was significantly lower than that in the high-glucose control group(P<0.05).(2)qRT-PCR results showed that with the treatment of 160,320,and 640 μmol/L mogroside V,the mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin 6 were significantly lower than that in the high-glucose control group(P<0.05).With the treatment of 320 and 640 μmol/L mogroside V,the mRNA expression level of interleukin 1β was significantly lower than that in the high-glucose control group(P<0.05).(3)ELISA results exhibited that with the treatment of 160,320,and 640 μmol/L mogroside V,the tumor necrosis factor-α secretion level was significantly lower than that in the high-glucose control group(P<0.05).(4)With the treatment of 320 μmol/L mogroside V,calcium salt deposition was increased in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under high glucose and inflammatory conditions(P<0.05),and the mRNA relative expression levels of alkaline phosphatase,Runt-related factor 2,and osteopontin were increased(P<0.05).These findings indicate that mogroside V can promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by inhibiting the M1 polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages under high glucose and inflammatory conditions and reducing the generation of inflammatory factors.
10.Carnosic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting mitochondrial activity
Haishan LI ; Yuheng WU ; Zixuan LIANG ; Shiyin ZHANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin MAI ; Wei DENG ; Yongxian LI ; Yongchao TANG ; Shuncong ZHANG ; Kai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):245-253
BACKGROUND:Carnosic acid,a bioactive compound found in rosemary,has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species(ROS).However,its mechanism of action in osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast activation,ROS production,and mitochondrial function. METHODS:Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice were extracted and cultured in vitro.Different concentrations of carnosic acid(0,10,15,20,25 and 30 μmol/L)were tested for their effects on bone marrow-derived macrophage proliferation and toxicity using the cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay to determine a safe concentration.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in graded concentrations and induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand for osteoclast differentiation for 5-7 days.The effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast differentiation and function were then observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,F-actin staining,H2DCFDA probe and mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker fluorescence detection.Western blot and RT-PCR assays were subsequently conducted to examine the effects of carnosic acid on the upstream and downstream proteins of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced MAPK signaling pathway. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining showed that carnosic acid dose-dependently inhibited in vitro osteoclast differentiation and actin ring formation in the cell cytoskeleton,with the highest inhibitory effect observed in the high concentration group(30 μmol/L).Carnosic acid exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect during the early stages(days 1-3)of osteoclast differentiation compared to other intervention periods.Fluorescence imaging using the H2DCFDA probe,mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker demonstrated that carnosic acid inhibited cellular and mitochondrial ROS production while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential,thereby influencing mitochondrial function.The results of western blot and RT-PCR revealed that carnosic acid could suppress the expression of NFATc1,CTSK,MMP9,and C-fos proteins associated with osteoclast differentiation,and downregulate the expression of NFATc1,Atp6vod2,ACP5,CTSK,and C-fos genes related to osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,carnosic acid enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzyme proteins and reduced the generation of ROS during the process of osteoclast differentiation.Overall,carnosic acid exerts its inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the phosphorylation modification of the P38/ERK/JNK protein and activating the MAPK signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages.


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