1.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Crown-like Structures for Treatment of Obese PCOS: A Review
Wenyan TU ; Liqun YE ; Muyang LI ; Yihong YIN ; Ying SHEN ; Qidi LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):296-307
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women, is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology, complex symptoms, and challenging treatment, PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures (CLSs) refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs, and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers the unique advantages of a holistic view, four diagnostic methods, and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels, pathways, and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad, there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS, as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore, this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation (adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk) in the treatment of obese PCOS, aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Crown-like Structures for Treatment of Obese PCOS: A Review
Wenyan TU ; Liqun YE ; Muyang LI ; Yihong YIN ; Ying SHEN ; Qidi LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):296-307
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women, is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology, complex symptoms, and challenging treatment, PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures (CLSs) refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs, and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers the unique advantages of a holistic view, four diagnostic methods, and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels, pathways, and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad, there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS, as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore, this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation (adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk) in the treatment of obese PCOS, aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.
3.Impact of peer dating behavior and cohabitation with parents on sexual behaviors among secondary vocational school students
JIA Xin, FANG Yuhang, JIN Yan, ZUO Xiayun, YU Chunyan, LIAN Qiguo, LI Lihe, HONG Ping, TU Xiaowen
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):657-661
Objective:
To understand the moderating effect of cohabitation with parents on the association between peer dating behavior and sexual behaviors among secondary vocational school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for preventing sexual behaviors among secondary vocational school students.
Methods:
From March to April 2021, an electronic questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 180 students from 6 vocational schools in Shanghai (urban, suburban, exurban) and Shaanxi (Shangluo, Ankang, Baoji) using cluster sampling. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship of cohabitation with parents, peer dating behavior and sexual behaviors among secondary vocational school students. Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the role of cohabitation with parents on peer dating behavior and sexual behaviors among secondary vocational students.
Results:
There was a significant negative between cohabitation with parents and sexual ( r =-0.04); and there was a positive correlation between peer dating behavior and sexual behaviors ( r =0.24), as well as cohabitation with parents and peer dating behavior ( r =0.04)( P <0.05). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed an association between peer dating behavior and the occurrence of sexual behaviors ( OR=2.79-12.95, P <0.05). Cohabitation with parents played a moderating role in the association between peer dating behavior and sexual behaviors, and a signification interaction was found between cohabitation with parents and reporting that a small part or about half of their peers had dating behavior ( OR =0.48, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The more peers dating behavior are associated with a higher risk of sexual behaviors among secondary vocational school students, and cohabitation with parents can partly reduce this risk. School and family sexuality education for secondary vocational students should be strengthened to improve their interpersonal skills and decision-making, and ability to resist peer pressure, so as to reduce their risk of sexual behaviors.
4.The mechanism of Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin in improving cholesterol metabolism in osteoarthritis chondrocytes via lncRNA NEAT1/miR-128-3p
Yanming LIN ; Haishui TU ; Shujie LAN ; Chao LI ; Shiyu LU ; Yue CHEN ; Changlong FU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):55-67
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of action of Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) to improve cholesterol metabolism in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes based on the long noncoding RNA nuclear-enriched transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1)/microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) pathway.
Methods:
For in vivo experiments, 60 mice were divided into the normal, sham operation, model, and POG groups using the random number table method, with 15 mice per group. The osteoarthritis mouse model was constructed using the modified Hulth method in the model and POG groups. Mice in the POG group were administered 30 mg/(kg·d)POG by gavage. The other groups were administered an equal amount of normal saline for 8 weeks. The cartilage tissue structure of mice in each group was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect changes in the lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-128-3p mRNA expression levels in the cartilage tissues of mice. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), liver X receptor β (LXRβ), matrix metalloprotein-3 (MMP-3), and B-lymphoblastoma-2-associated X protein (Bax) in articular cartilage of mice. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content in the synovial fluid of mice. A biochemical microplate assay was used to measure the total cholesterol level in the synovial fluid of mice. The in vitro experiments were divided into the negative control, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-1β+ POG, IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1, IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 + POG, IL-1β + miR-128-3p inhibition, and IL-1β+ miR-128-3p inhibition+ POG groups. An OA model was established by inducing chondrocytes with IL-1β for 24 h, and 90 mg/L of POG and miR-128-3p inhibitor(50 nmol/L) were administered for 48 h as an intervention. lncRNA NEAT1 expression in chondrocytes was detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A dual luciferase assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-128-3p. Lentiviral plasmids overexpressing lncRNA NEAT1 were used to transfect mouse chondrocytes. Real-time PCR was used to detect the effect of lncRNA NEAT1 overexpression on the mRNA level of miR-128-3p in chondrocytes. Western blotting was used to detect ABCA1, LXRβ, MMP-3, and Bax protein expression in chondrocytes after lncRNA NEAT1 overexpression and miR-128-3p inhibition.
Results:
POG significantly reduced OA cartilage tissue damage. Compared with the model group, the lncRNA NEAT1 mRNA level decreased, whereas the miR-128-3p mRNA level increased in the cartilage tissue of the POG group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, ABCA1 and LXRβ protein expression increased in the POG group, whereas MMP-3 and Bax protein expression decreased (P<0.05). The TNF-α levels decreased in the POG group compared to the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the total cholesterol level in the synovial fluid of the joint of mice in the POG group decreased (P<0.05). The mean fluorescence intensity of lncRNA NEAT1 in the IL-1β+ POG group decreased compared with the IL-1β group (P<0.05). The relative luciferase activity in the miR-128-3p mimics group bound to the lncRNA NEAT1-WT plasmid decreased compared with the miR-128-3p negative control group (P<0.05). The lncRNA NEAT1 mRNA levels decreased, whereas the miR-128-3p mRNA levels increased in the IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 + POG group compared with the IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the IL-1β+ POG group, ABCA1 and LXRβ protein expression decreased, whereas MMP-3 and Bax protein expression increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
POG mediates lncRNA NEAT1/miR-128-3p to improve cholesterol metabolism in OA chondrocytes.
5.Injection of platelet-rich plasma at the fracture site combined with microfracture surgery for the treatment of delayed fracture healing
Junbo TU ; Xiaowu HUANG ; Xingwang LI ; Xiaoqing LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):194-200
[Objective] To report a new technique that combines microfracture surgery under local anesthesia with injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at the fracture site, so as to improve fracture healing rates. [Methods] Data from patients who visited our hospital from March 2020 to June 2023 and underwent the treatment for delayed union of limb fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Under local infiltrative anesthesia, with the assistance of a C-arm X-ray machine or ultrasound, percutaneous loosening was done at the fracture site and the medullary cavity, followed by cortical drilling around the fracture. The previously prepared PRP was then injected locally at the fracture site. Patients were followed up and their postoperative recovery was recorded. [Results] All patients were followed up, and the fracture healing rate was 94.12% (16/17), with an average healing duration of (5.88±2.50) months. None of the patients experienced any neural or vascular injuries, nor adverse events such as wound infections or osteomyelitis. Before the operation and at the last follow-up, the patients' pain visual analogue scores were (5.12±1.11) vs (0.71±1.21) respectively. The postoperative VAS scores showed a significant decrease compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). The excellent and good rate for limb function on the affected side was 88.24% (14/17) at the last follow-up, which was a significant increase from 0.00% before surgery (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The injection of PRP at the fracture site combined with microfracture surgery at the fracture site is minimally invasive, simple to perform, and well-accepted by patients. It has demonstrated some clinical efficacy in treating delayed fracture healing.
6.Machine-learning-based models assist the prediction of pulmonary embolism in autoimmune diseases: A retrospective, multicenter study
Ziwei HU ; Yangyang HU ; Shuoqi ZHANG ; Li DONG ; Xiaoqi CHEN ; Huiqin YANG ; Linchong SU ; Xiaoqiang HOU ; Xia HUANG ; Xiaolan SHEN ; Cong YE ; Wei TU ; Yu CHEN ; Yuxue CHEN ; Shaozhe CAI ; Jixin ZHONG ; Lingli DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(15):1811-1822
Background::Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe and acute cardiovascular syndrome with high mortality among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). Accurate prediction and timely intervention play a pivotal role in enhancing survival rates. However, there is a notable scarcity of practical early prediction and risk assessment systems of PE in patients with AIIRD.Methods::In the training cohort, 60 AIIRD with PE cases and 180 age-, gender-, and disease-matched AIIRD non-PE cases were identified from 7254 AIIRD cases in Tongji Hospital from 2014 to 2022. Univariable logistic regression (LR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select the clinical features for further training with machine learning (ML) methods, including random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVM), neural network (NN), logistic regression (LR), gradient boosted decision tree (GBDT), classification and regression trees (CART), and C5.0 models. The performances of these models were subsequently validated using a multicenter validation cohort.Results::In the training cohort, 24 and 13 clinical features were selected by univariable LR and LASSO strategies, respectively. The five ML models (RF, SVM, NN, LR, and GBDT) showed promising performances, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.962-1.000 in the training cohort and 0.969-0.999 in the validation cohort. CART and C5.0 models achieved AUCs of 0.850 and 0.932, respectively, in the training cohort. Using D-dimer as a pre-screening index, the refined C5.0 model achieved an AUC exceeding 0.948 in the training cohort and an AUC above 0.925 in the validation cohort. These results markedly outperformed the use of D-dimer levels alone.Conclusion::ML-based models are proven to be precise for predicting the onset of PE in patients with AIIRD exhibiting clinical suspicion of PE.Trial Registration::Chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2200059599.
7.Effect of evodiamine on cartilage damage in knee osteoarthritis model rats by regulating the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway
Shijuan TU ; Hongya YANG ; Tao LI ; Xuemei LIANG
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(9):827-833
Objective To investigate the effect of evodiamine(Evo)on cartilage damage in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)model rats and analyze its mechanism of action.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into control,model,low-dose Evo,medium-dose Evo,high-dose Evo,and activator(Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway activator purmorphamine)+high-dose Evo groups,with 10 rats per group.A rat KOA model was constructed,and the corresponding drug interventions were administered to each group.Behavioral observations and Lequesne MG scores were conducted among rats in each group.Hematoxylin&eosin staining and safranine O-fixed green staining were applied to observe the pathological changes and Mankin score of rat cartilage tissue.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA)were applied to detect the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),while dUTP nick end labeling was applied to detect chondrocyte apoptosis.Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of type Ⅱ collagen(CⅡ)and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13)proteins,and Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of Shh,Smo,Ptc1,and Gli1 proteins.Results The rats in the model group showed movement disorders and severe cartilage tissue damage compared with the control group.The Lequesne MG score,Mankin score,IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,MMP13 protein expression,and Shh,Smo,Ptc1,and Gli1 protein levels obviously increased,while the CⅡ protein expression decreased(P<0.05)compared with the model group.The activity disorders and cartilage tissue damage in rats in the low,medium,and high dose Evo groups were alleviated,the Lequesne MG score,Mankin score,IL-1β,IL-18,TNF-α levels,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,MMP13 protein expression,and Shh,Smo,Ptc1,and Gli1 protein levels were obviously decreased,the CⅡprotein expression increased(P<0.05);while the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway activator reversed the improvement effect of high-dose Evo on cartilage damage in KOA rats.Conclusion Evodiamine may reduce the inflamma-tory response and chondrocyte apoptosis in KOA rats by inhibiting the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway,thereby improving cartilage damage.
8.Determination of fatty acid compositions in hydrogenated palm glycerides by gas chromatography
Xinao LIU ; Zhihao LIU ; Li YIN ; Zhengyu LIU ; Chunmeng SUN ; Jiasheng TU
Drug Standards of China 2024;25(5):506-511
Objective:A gas chromatography analysis system for fatty acid compositions of hydrogenated palm glycerides was established to provide a reference for quality standards of hydrogenated palm glycerides.Methods:In this test,a DB-WAX(30 m ×0.53 mm,1.0 μm)strong polarity gas chromatographic column was employed with an injection volume of 1 μL and a split ratio of 120∶1.The initial column temperature was 70℃,sustained for 2 min,ramped up to 230 ℃ at a rate of 5 ℃ per minute,and maintained for 10 min,with the inlet temperature of 250 ℃ and the detector temperature of 250 ℃.Results:In this experiment,the gas chromatograph-ic method was established successfully to determine fatty acid compositions of hydrogenated palm glycerides.The validated results indicated that the method exhibited well-suited system applicability,specificity and precision,and the RSD(%)fulfilled the requirements.The limit of detection(LOD)and limit of quantification(LOQ)values of nine fatty acid methyl esters were defined,and fatty acid compositions of seven batches of samples were checked successfully.Conclusion:The GC methodology developed in this study is suitable for the analysis and determina-tion of fatty acid compositions in hydrogenated palm glycerides,which can serve as a reference for the quality control of this pharmaceutical excipient and the establishment of quality standards.
9.The prospect and challenges of injectable hydrogel in the treatment of chronic heart failure
Shu-Cheng LI ; Bing-Chen GUO ; Dian-Yu GAO ; Bo WANG ; Ying-Feng TU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(8):451-456
Heart failure is the leading cause of mortality in cardiovascular diseases and represents the ultimate common manifestation of most cardiovascular conditions,impacting over 60 million individuals globally.Currently,heart transplantation remains the standard treatment for heart failure patients.Adherence to fundamental pharmacotherapy can improve quality of life and extend survival time for heart failure patients.However,due to the complex mechanism of heart failure and numerous complications,the limitations of conventional heart failure treatment strategies in clinical work are gradually magnified.In recent years,interventional therapy has emerged as an innovative approach for managing heart failure,attracting significant attention and achieving substantial breakthroughs that offer new hope for affected individuals.Injectable hydrogel has garnered considerable interest in biomedicine due to its minimally invasive nature and capacity for efficient therapeutic drug delivery.In the context of chronic heart failure,injectable hydrogel finds application primarily in tissue regeneration,drug delivery,and immunotherapy.This review mainly describes the application and research progress of injectable hydrogel in the treatment of heart failure.
10.A study on the current status of sarcopenia and diabetes self-management behaviors in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Min LI ; Li WANG ; Xinyi TU ; Jingying ZHOU ; Yingyue DONG ; Jing LI ; Kang YU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024;32(2):71-79
Objective:To investigate the current status of sarcopenia and self-management in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to explore the identification of risk factors for sarcopenia by diabetes self-management ability.Methods:Using convenience sampling, 284 elderly patients with T2DM who visited a community health service center in Beijing from March to September 2023 were selected as subjects. The patients were screened for sarcopenia and received related health examinations based on Asian working group for sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 Consensus. Surveys were conducted using general information questionnaire, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities measure, and other questionnaires. Patients were divided into groups according to the presence or absence of muscle attenuation (defined as suspected and confirmed sarcopenia).Results:The prevalence of muscle attenuation in the 284 elderly patients with T2DM was 48.9%, and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 15.9%. The proportions of females, patients who are over 70 years old, and patients with a sedentary lifestyle were significantly higher in the group with muscle attenuation compared with the group without muscle attenuation. High-quality protein intake, extremity skeletal muscle mass index, grip strength, and six-meter walking speed were significantly lower in the muscle attenuation group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and high-quality protein intake were influencing factors for sarcopenia in elderly patients with T2DM ( P<0.05). The total self-care scores and subtotals in exercise domains showed significant differences ( P<0.05) between patients with and without muscle attenuation. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in self-management behaviors among patient groups stratified by grip strengths and 6-meter walk speeds ( P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that grip strength and 6-meter walk speed were influencing factors for exercise management behaviors in elderly patients with T2DM ( P<0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly patients with T2DM is relatively high, and their level of diabetes self-management is medium to low. Practitioners should pay extra attention to patients who are over 70 years old, with sedentary habits, with low intake of high-quality protein, and females. It's recommended to use grip strength and 6-meter walk speed tests as initial screening tools for sarcopenia in elderly patients with T2DM, in order to identify risks early and implement targeted health management to promote the development of good self-management behaviors among patients.


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