1.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
2.Effects of exercise intervention on intestinal flora in college students:a systematic review
Zhaozhi LIU ; Li HUANG ; Haodong TIAN ; Lan LI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yunfei TAO ; Li PENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2394-2401
BACKGROUND:The regulation of intestinal flora by exercise is closely related to human health,but intestinal flora involves many factors.Existing studies have lacked consistent evidence on the effect of exercise on the intestinal flora of college students. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of exercise on intestinal flora diversity and species composition of college students. METHODS:Through systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Medline,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Database and VIP database,eight empirical studies were selected and included,and semi-quantitative analysis was performed on them. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In terms of the species diversity of the intestinal flora,both high-intensity interval training and Tai Chi exercise significantly enhance the species diversity of intestinal flora in college students,while aerobic exercise does not have a significant effect on the enhancement of intestinal flora diversity in college students.In terms of the species composition of the intestinal flora,all three exercise modalities significantly alter the compositional structure of the intestinal flora in college students,which can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminalococcus,Faecalis prevotelli,Blautia,and decrease the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia spp.Compared with high-intensity interval training,aerobic and Tai Chi exercise causes more elevated abundance of beneficial bacteria.In addition to changes in intestinal flora characteristics,exercise improves body composition,cardiorespiratory function,and executive function in college students,and these health benefits are closely linked to exercise-induced changes in intestinal flora that can produce health benefits for the body through metabolic regulation,barrier function,and neuromodulation.Although studies have confirmed the association between exercise and intestinal flora,the mechanism by which exercise affects intestinal flora has not yet been clarified,and at the same time,localizing the flora related to the host health is the key to targeting intestinal flora as a therapeutic target in the future,all of which are worthy of further attention and investigation.
3.Panax notoginseng saponins regulate differential miRNA expression in osteoclast exosomes and inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts
Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Zhao TIAN ; Qiang DING ; Chaohui LI ; Jianjie WEI ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4011-4021
BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced femoral head necrosis is mostly caused by long-term and extensive use of hormones,but its specific pathogenesis is not yet clear and needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To screen out the differential miRNAs in osteoclast exosomes after the intervention of Panax notoginseng saponins,and on this basis,to further construct an osteogenic-related ferroptosis regulatory network to explore the potential mechanism and research direction of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:MTT assay was used to detect the toxic effects of different concentrations of dexamethasone and different mass concentrations of Panax notoginseng saponins on Raw264.7 cell line.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and TUNEL assay were used to detect the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on osteoclast inhibition and apoptosis.Exosomes were extracted from cultured osteoclasts with Panax notoginseng saponins intervention.Exosomes from different groups were sequenced to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.CytoScape 3.9.1 was used to construct and visualize the regulatory network between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs.Candidate mRNAs were screened by GO analysis and KEGG analysis.Finally,the differential genes related to ferroptosis were screened out,and the regulatory network of ferroptosis-related genes was constructed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The concentration of dexamethasone(0.1 μmol/L)and Panax notoginseng saponins(1 736.85 μg/mL)suitable for intervention of Raw264.7 cells was determined by MTT assay.(2)Panax notoginseng saponins had an inhibitory effect on osteoclasts and could promote their apoptosis.(3)Totally 20 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from osteoclast-derived exosome samples,and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs related to osteogenesis were predicted by target mRNAs.The regulatory networks of 4 up-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 155 down-regulated candidate mRNAs and 7 down-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 238 up-regulated candidate mRNAs were constructed.(4)Twenty-four genes related to ferroptosis were screened out from the differential genes.Finally,12 networks were constructed(miR-98-5p/PTGS2,miR-23b-3p/PTGS2,miR-425-5p/TFRC,miR-133a-3p/TFRC,miR-185-5p/TFRC,miR-23b-3p/NFE2L2,miR-23b-3p/LAMP2,miR-98-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/TLR4,miR-23b-3p/ZFP36,and miR-182-5p/ZFP36).These results indicate that Panax notoginseng saponins may regulate osteoblast ferroptosis by regulating the expression of miRNAs derived from osteoclast exosomes,thus providing a new idea for the study of the mechanism of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.
4.Therapeutic Study on The Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Induced Regulatory T Cells
Tian-Fang KANG ; Ai-Qing MA ; Li-Qi CHEN ; Han GONG ; Jia-Cheng OUYANG ; Fan PAN ; Hong PAN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):946-956
ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.
5.Literature analysis of 43 cases of death caused by non-ionic iodine contrast media
Hongxing TIAN ; Hongyan TIAN ; Tao LI ; Wan YAN ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1655-1660
OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of patient deaths caused by non-ionic iodine contrast media and provide recommendations for safe medication, thereby providing references for clinical application. METHODS Reports of fatal cases associated with non-ionic iodine contrast media were retrieved from databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and SpringerLink. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the characteristics and influencing factors of these fatalities. RESULTS A total of 43 deaths caused by non-ionic iodine contrast media were retrieved, including 21 males (48.84%) and 22 females (51.16%). The majority of deaths occurred in 32 patients aged 51-85 years old (74.42%). The original diseases were mostly cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (30.23%) and digestive system diseases (30.23%), and only 2 cases had a clear allergy history (4.65%). Among the lethal drugs, iohexol (37.21%) and iopromide (25.58%) accounted for the highest proportions. The main causes of death were anaphylactic shock (51.16%), cardiac arrest (11.63%), and pulmonary edema (11.63%); 48.84% of the patients’ ADR occurred within 30 minutes, and 62.79% of the patients died on the first day. It mainly involved the circulatory system, nervous system and respiratory system, and the main manifestations were breathing difficulties, low or undetectable blood pressure, vomiting, etc. CONCLUSIONS The lethal drugs of non-ionic iodine contrast media are mainly iohexol and iopromide. The adverse reactions occur quickly. Clinically, it is necessary to focus on monitoring the vital signs within 30 minutes after medication, and timely treatment of symptoms such as dyspnea and abnormal blood pressure to reduce the risk of death.
6.Analysis of the learning curve of transurethral 450 nm blue light vaporization of the prostate in a district hospital
Tao LI ; Lida CHEN ; Zhongyi WANG ; Yongfeng TIAN ; Qirui CAO ; Yangbo NIE
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(3):232-235
Objective: To explore the learning curve of transurethral 450 nm blue light vaporization of the prostate (TUBVP) in a district hospital,in order to provide reference for clinicians who plan to perform TUBVP. Methods: The clinical data of 56 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who received TUBVP performed by the same group of surgeons in Chang'an District Hospital during Jun. and Dec. 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) was used to fit the learning curve of ratio of volume to operating time (RVOT) of prostate volume /450 nm blue light. The learning curve was divided into different stages according to the inflection points,and the clinical data of patients operated at different stages were analyzed and compared. Results: The learning curve of TUBVP was 21 cases,including 1-21 cases in the learning stage,22-38 cases in the improvement stage and 39-56 cases in the maturity stage. With the increase of cases,the postoperative bladder irrigation time reduced \[40.00 (26.00,44.50) h vs. 23.00(20.50,34.00) h vs. 23.50(14.75,40.75) h\],with statistical difference (P<0.05). The surgical efficiency increased \[(0.51±0.14) vs. (0.55±0.17) vs. (0.63±0.23)\],while the reduction of hemoglobin \[(6.43±7.35) g/L vs. (5.65±10.91) g/L vs. (2.61±7.36) g/L\],catheter indwelling time \[70.0 (66.0,106.0) h vs. 71.0 (66.0,89.0) h vs. 66.0 (58.5,78.5) h\],and incidence of complications (9.5% vs. 5.9% vs. 0) in the three stages showed a gradually decreasing trend,but with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: The learning curve of TUBVP is 21 cases. For clinicians in district hospitals,TUBVP is a worthy choice.
7.Consensus on low-altitude transport and delivery services for emergency medicines via drones (2025 edition)
Qinshui WU ; Yanfang CHEN ; Tao LIU ; Xiaoyan LI ; Yumin LIANG ; Xin LI ; Zhong LI ; Rong LI ; Xiaoman WANG ; Shuyao ZHANG ; Huishu TIAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2221-2225
OBJECTIVE To promote the application of drones in emergency rescue and related fields, expand “low-altitude+ medical” rescue services, and advance the standardization of “low-altitude+medical” distribution services. METHODS The Consensus on Low-altitude Transport and Delivery Services for Emergency Medicines via Drones (2025 Edition) (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus) was jointly initiated by the Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Chinese Pharmacological Society and the Expert Committee on Precision Medication of the Guangdong Pharmaceutical Association. Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital served as the leading unit, organizing 53 multidisciplinary experts nationwide to participate in drafting and reviewing. A nominal group technique was employed to discuss and finalize the consensus outline, resulting in a preliminary draft. Delphi method was employed, and 11 external review experts were invited to conduct the evaluation. After the experts’ opinions were analyzed and integrated, the Consensus was finalized. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The finalized Consensus includes its purpose, principles, and applicable scenarios, basic requirements, and operational procedures for low-altitude transport and delivery of emergency medications; distribution requirements and precautions for controlled substances, fragile medications, and temperature-sensitive medications; and recommendations for emergency medications supplies suitable for the low-altitude transportation and distribution. The release of this Consensus is expected to provide guidance and support for the standardization of “low-altitude+medical” distribution services and the application of low-altitude economy in the healthcare sector.
8.Efficacy and dose-response relationships of antidepressants in the acute treatment of major depressive disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Shuzhe ZHOU ; Pei LI ; Xiaozhen LYU ; Xuefeng LAI ; Zuoxiang LIU ; Junwen ZHOU ; Fengqi LIU ; Yiming TAO ; Meng ZHANG ; Xin YU ; Jingwei TIAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1433-1438
BACKGROUND:
The optimal antidepressant dosages remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of antidepressants and characterize their dose-response relationships in the treatments of major depressive disorders (MDD).
METHODS:
We searched multiple databases, including the Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Web of Science, for the studies that were conducted between January 8, 2016, and April 30, 2023. The studies are double-blinded, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the adults (≥18 years) with MDD. The primary outcomes were efficacy of antidepressant and the dose-response relationships. A frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted, treating participants with various dosages of the same antidepressant as a single therapy. We also implemented the model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) using a Bayesian method to explore the dose-response relationships.
RESULTS:
The network meta-analysis comprised 135,180 participants from 602 studies. All the antidepressants were more effective than the placebo; toludesvenlafaxine had the highest odds ratio (OR) of 4.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.65-7.72), and reboxetine had the lowest OR of 1.34 (95%CI: 1.14-1.57). Moreover, amitriptyline, clomipramine, and reboxetine showed a linear increase in effect size from low to high doses. The effect size of toludesvenlafaxine increased significantly up to 80 mg/day and subsequently maintained the maximal dose up to 160 mg/day while the predictive curves of nefazodone were fairly flat in different dosages.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although most antidepressants were more efficacious than placebo in treating MDD, no consistent dose-response relationship between any antidepressants was observed. For most antidepressants, the maximum efficacy was achieved at lower or middle prescribed doses, rather than at the upper limit.
REGISTRATION
No. CRD42023427480; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?
Humans
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Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy*
;
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
9.Suppression of METTL3 expression attenuated matrix stiffness-induced vaginal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal modulation of the extracellular matrix in pelvic organ prolapse.
Xiuqi WANG ; Tao GUO ; Xiaogang LI ; Zhao TIAN ; Linru FU ; Zhijing SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(7):859-867
BACKGROUND:
Fibrosis of the connective tissue in the vaginal wall predominates in pelvic organ prolapse (POP), which is characterized by excessive fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Our study aimed to investigate the effect of ECM stiffness on vaginal fibroblasts and to explore the role of methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) in the development of POP.
METHODS:
Polyacrylamide hydrogels were applied to create an ECM microenvironment with variable stiffness to evaluate the effects of ECM stiffness on the proliferation, differentiation, and expression of ECM components in vaginal fibroblasts. METTL3 small interfering RNA and an overexpression vector were transfected into vaginal fibroblasts to evaluate the effects of METTL3 silencing and overexpression on matrix stiffness-induced vaginal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal modulation of the ECM. Both procedures were detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, Western blotting (WB), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and immunofluorescence (IF).
RESULTS:
Vaginal fibroblasts from POP patients exhibited increased proliferation ability, increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), decreased expression of collagen I/III, and significantly decreased expression of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the stiff matrix ( P <0.05). Compared with those from non-POP patients, vaginal wall tissues from POP patients demonstrated a significant increase in METTL3 content ( P <0.05). However, silencing METTL3 expression in vaginal fibroblasts with high ECM stiffness resulted in decreased proliferation ability, decreased α-SMA expression, an increased ratio of collagen I/III, and increased TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression. Conversely, METTL3 overexpression significantly promoted the process of increased proliferation ability, increased α-SMA expression, decreased ratio of collagen I/III and decreased TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression in the soft matrix ( P <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated ECM stiffness can promote excessive proliferation, differentiation, and abnormal ECM modulation, and the expression of METTL3 plays an important role in alleviating or aggravating matrix stiffness-induced vaginal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and abnormal ECM modulation.
Humans
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Female
;
Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
;
Cell Differentiation/genetics*
;
Methyltransferases/metabolism*
;
Pelvic Organ Prolapse/pathology*
;
Fibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Myofibroblasts/metabolism*
;
Vagina/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation/physiology*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Middle Aged
10.Two new taraxerane triterpenoids from mastic.
Zhi-Qiang ZHAO ; Xue-Rui AN ; Tian-Zhi LI ; Ting HE ; Hao-Kun HOU ; Wei LIU ; Tao YUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3723-3743
Three taraxerane nortriterpenoids were isolated from mastic by using various modern chromatographic separation techniques. They were identified as(5R,8R,9R,10S,11S,12R,13S,17R,18R)-28-norlupa-11,12-epoxy-14-taraxerene-3,16-dione(1),(5R,8R,9R,10S,11S,12R,13S,17S,18S)-17-hydroxy-28-norlupa-11,12-epoxy-14-taraxerene-3-one(2), and(5R,8R,9R,10R,11S,12R,13R,14S,17S,18S)-14,17-epoxy-28-norlupa-11,12-oxidotaraxerone(3) through the high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), infrared(IR), ultraviolet(UV), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques as well as comparison with literature data. Compounds 1-3 were C-28 nortriterpenoids and isolated from mastic for the first time, and compounds 1-2 were new ones. In the model for RAW264.7 cell anti-inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS), compound 1 demonstrates an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide(NO) [IC_(50)=(13.38±0.68) μmol·L~(-1)], comparable to the activity of the positive control dexamethasone [IC_(50)=(14.59±1.49) μmol·L~(-1)]. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibit weaker inhibitory effects, with IC_(50) values of(24.17±2.56) and(22.25±2.84) μmol·L~(-1), respectively.
Animals
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Mice
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Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
;
Mastic Resin/chemistry*
;
Nitric Oxide
;
Molecular Structure
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells

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