1.Translational Research of Electromagnetic Fields on Diseases Related With Bone Remodeling: Review and Prospects
Peng SHANG ; Jun-Yu LIU ; Sheng-Hang WANG ; Jian-Cheng YANG ; Zhe-Yuan ZHANG ; An-Lin LI ; Hao ZHANG ; Yu-Hong ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):439-455
Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.
2.Research progress on strategies to target intestinal microbiota to improve drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy
Hui-ling LI ; Bi-qing LIU ; Ying-nan FENG ; Xin HU ; Lan ZHANG ; Xian-zhe DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):260-268
A growing body of research points out that gut microbiota plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. By optimizing the composition of intestinal microbiota, it is possible to effectively improve immunotherapy resistance and enhance its therapeutic effect. This article comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of intestinal microbiota influencing tumor immunotherapy resistance, expounds the current strategies for targeted regulation of intestinal microbiota, such as traditional Chinese medicine and plant components, fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics and dietary therapy, and explores the potential mechanisms of these strategies to improve patients' resistance to tumor immunotherapy. At the same time, the article also briefly discusses the prospects and challenges of targeting intestinal microbiota to improve tumor immunotherapy resistance, which provides a reference for related research to help the strategy research of reversing tumor immunotherapy resistance.
3.Identification and Analysis of MHCⅡ Genes in Wuzhishan Pigs
Yuanyuan LIU ; Wenshui XIN ; Zhe CHAO ; Zongxi CAO ; Yifei CAI ; Qiang LI ; Lingwei LI ; Guangliang LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):340-348
ObjectiveTo obtain the gene sequences of major histocompatibility complex (MHC ) Ⅱgenes of Wuzhishan pigs, analyze their genetic information, and explore the biological functions of their MHC system. MethodsSpleen samples were collected from 3 adult male Wuzhishan pigs. Primers were designed according to MHCⅡ gene sequences, and the coding sequences of Wuzhishan pig MHCⅡ genes were amplified by RT-PCR. Sanger sequencing was performed to determine the full-length sequences. Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze the physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, structural domains, chromosomal localization, and syntenic relationships of these genes. ResultsEight MHCⅡ genes were identified in Wuzhishan pigs, designated as SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, SLA-DMB, SLA-DMA and SLA-DOA. The full-length sequences of these genes were determined by Sanger sequencing and subsequently deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PQ182796, PQ182797, PQ182798, PQ182799, PQ182800, PQ182801, PQ182802, and PQ164779. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the six MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs clustered separately from their counterparts in Duroc, Meishan, Large White, and Bama pigs, indicating distinct evolutionary trajectories. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that most MHC Ⅱ proteins were hydrophobic, with molecular weights ranging from 27 700 to 30 000 Da. Genes within the same subregion shared conserved motifs. Specifically, four MHCⅡ proteins encoded by SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, and SLA-DMB contained the MHCⅡβ conserved domain, while those encoded by the genes SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DMA, and SLA-DOA contained the MHCⅡα conserved domain. The eight MHCⅡ genes were scattered along the long arm of chromosome 7 in the Wuzhishan pigs, exhibiting syntenic relationships with three human genes and five Duroc pig genes. ConclusionThe MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs may possess a unique evolutionary origin.
4.Identification and Analysis of MHCⅡ Genes in Wuzhishan Pigs
Yuanyuan LIU ; Wenshui XIN ; Zhe CHAO ; Zongxi CAO ; Yifei CAI ; Qiang LI ; Lingwei LI ; Guangliang LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):340-348
ObjectiveTo obtain the gene sequences of major histocompatibility complex (MHC ) Ⅱgenes of Wuzhishan pigs, analyze their genetic information, and explore the biological functions of their MHC system. MethodsSpleen samples were collected from 3 adult male Wuzhishan pigs. Primers were designed according to MHCⅡ gene sequences, and the coding sequences of Wuzhishan pig MHCⅡ genes were amplified by RT-PCR. Sanger sequencing was performed to determine the full-length sequences. Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze the physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, structural domains, chromosomal localization, and syntenic relationships of these genes. ResultsEight MHCⅡ genes were identified in Wuzhishan pigs, designated as SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, SLA-DMB, SLA-DMA and SLA-DOA. The full-length sequences of these genes were determined by Sanger sequencing and subsequently deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PQ182796, PQ182797, PQ182798, PQ182799, PQ182800, PQ182801, PQ182802, and PQ164779. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the six MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs clustered separately from their counterparts in Duroc, Meishan, Large White, and Bama pigs, indicating distinct evolutionary trajectories. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that most MHC Ⅱ proteins were hydrophobic, with molecular weights ranging from 27 700 to 30 000 Da. Genes within the same subregion shared conserved motifs. Specifically, four MHCⅡ proteins encoded by SLA-DQB, SLA-DRB, SLA-DOB, and SLA-DMB contained the MHCⅡβ conserved domain, while those encoded by the genes SLA-DRA, SLA-DQA, SLA-DMA, and SLA-DOA contained the MHCⅡα conserved domain. The eight MHCⅡ genes were scattered along the long arm of chromosome 7 in the Wuzhishan pigs, exhibiting syntenic relationships with three human genes and five Duroc pig genes. ConclusionThe MHCⅡ genes of Wuzhishan pigs may possess a unique evolutionary origin.
5.Value of Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma and Bowen's Disease
Zhiyu PANG ; Zhe LI ; Jie LIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1221-1228
To summarize the dermoscopic features of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and Bowen's disease and explore the diagnostic value of dermoscopy for these two conditions. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and dermoscopic features of patients with histopathologically confirmed superficial BCC and Bowen's disease at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2021 to September 2023. Intergroup comparisons were performed. Using histopathology as the gold standard, the diagnostic accuracy of clinical visual assessment and dermoscopy-assisted diagnosis for superficial BCC and Bowen's disease was calculated. A total of 29 patients with superficial BCC and 64 patients with Bowen's disease met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them, 20 superficial BCC patients and 23 Bowen's disease patients underwent dermoscopic examination. The mean ages of the superficial BCC and Bowen's disease groups were (67.5±13.3) years and (69.9±10.9) years, respectively, with male-to-female ratios of 1∶2.22 and 1∶1.13. Except for the proportions of lesions < 1 cm in diameter and brown lesions, which showed statistically significant differences, other clinical features—including lesion location, solitary/multiple lesions, well-defined borders, and presence of ulceration/bleeding—did not differ significantly (all Superficial BCC and Bowen's disease exhibit distinct dermoscopic features. Dermoscopy significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy for both conditions.
6.Effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on Th17/Treg Immune Imbalance and Notch1 Signaling Pathway in AIT Mice
Zhuo ZHAO ; Nan SONG ; Ziyu LIU ; Pin LI ; Yue LUO ; Pengkun ZHANG ; Zhimin WANG ; Yuanping YIN ; Tianshu GAO ; Zhe JIN ; Xiao YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):19-27
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on the immune imbalance of helper T cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) and Notch1 signaling pathway in mice with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). MethodA total of 60 8-week-old NOD.H-2h4 mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, western medicine group (selenium yeast tablet, 32.5 mg·kg-1), and low-dose (4.78 g·kg-1·d-1), middle-dose (9.56 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose (19 g·kg-1·d-1) Buzhong Yiqitang groups, with 10 mice in each group. The normal group was fed with distilled water, and the other groups were fed with water containing 0.05% sodium iodide for eight weeks. After the animal model of AIT was formed spontaneously, the mice were killed under anesthesia after intragastric administration for eight weeks. Serum anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroid hormone (FT4) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and thyroid tissue changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of retinoid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt), interleukin (IL)-17, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), IL-10, Notch1, and hair division-related enhancer 1 (Hes1) in thyroid tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultCompared with the normal group, the thyroid structure of the model group was severely damaged, and lymphocytes were infiltrated obviously. The levels of serum TGAb, FT3, and FT4 contents were significantly increased, and TSH content was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of RORγt, IL-17, Notch1, and Hes1 were significantly increased, while those of FoxP3 and IL10 were significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, thyroid structural damage and lymphocyte infiltration were improved in the treatment groups, and serum TGAb, FT3, and FT4 contents were significantly decreased. TSH content was increased, and mRNA and protein expression levels of RORγt, IL-17, Notch1, and Hes1 were decreased. mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxP3 and IL-10 were increased to different degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the middle-dose Buzhong Yiqitang group had the most significant intervention effect. ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can alleviate the thyroid structural damage in AIT mice, and its mechanism may be related to improving the abnormal differentiation of Th17/Treg immune cells and inhibiting the activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway.
7.Clinical and Genetic Study on 48 Children with Short Stature of Unknown Etiology
Lele HOU ; Shaofen LIN ; Xiaojuan LI ; Zulin LIU ; Hui OU ; Lina ZHANG ; Zhe MENG ; Liyang LIANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(1):127-135
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical features and causative genes of short stature children with unknown etiology, providing evidence for precise clinical diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThe study recruited children with suspected but undiagnosed short stature from the pediatric endocrinology department in our hospital between January 2018 and August 2022. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical manifestations, laboratory test and whole exome sequencing (WES) results. Causative genes were classified and analyzed according to different pathogenic mechanisms. ResultsA total of 48 children (30 boys and 18 girls) were enrolled, aged 7.73 ± 3.97 years, with a height standard deviation score ( HtSDS) of -3.63 ± 1.67. Of the patients, 33 (68.8%) suffered from facial anomalies, 31 (64.6%) from skeletal abnormalities, 26 [54.2%, 61.5% of whom born small for gestational age (SGA)] from perinatal abnormalities, 24 [50.0%, 87.5% of whom with growth hormone (GH) peak concentration below normal] from endocrine disorders and 21(43.8%) had a family history of short stature. Laboratory tests showed that GH peak concentration following stimulation test was (9.72 ± 7.25) ng/mL, IGF-1 standard deviation score was -0.82 ± 1.42, the difference between bone age and chronological age was -0.93 ± 1.39 years. Of the 25 cases with mutant genes found by WES, 14 (56.0%) had pathogenic mutation, 6 (24.0%) likely pathogenic mutation, and 5 (20.0%) mutation of uncertain significance. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 14 genes, including 10 affecting intracellular signaling pathways (PTPN11, RAF1, RIT1, ARID1B, ANKRD11, CSNK2A1, SRCAP, CUL7, SMAD4 and FAM111A) and 4 affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) components or functions (ACAN, FBN1, COL10A1 and COMP). ConclusionsA rare monogenic disease should be considered as the possible etiology for children with severe short stature accompanied by facial anomalies, disproportionate body types, skeletal abnormalities, SGA, GH peak concentration below normal and a family history of short stature. WES played an important role in identifying the monogenic causes of short stature. This study indicated that affecting growth plate cartilage formation through intracellular signaling pathways and ECM components or functions was the main mechanism of causative genes leading to severe short stature in children. Further research may help discover and study new pathogenic variants and gene functions.
8.Clinical trial of brexpiprazole in the treatment of adults with acute schizophrenia
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Liang LI ; Dong YANG ; Jin-Guo ZHAI ; Tao JIANG ; Yu-Zhong SHI ; Bin WU ; Xiang-Ping WU ; Ke-Qing LI ; Tie-Bang LIU ; Jie LI ; Shi-You TANG ; Li-Li WANG ; Xue-Yi WANG ; Yun-Long TAN ; Qi LIU ; Uki MOTOMICHI ; Ming-Ji XIAN ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):654-658
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole in treating acute schizophrenia.Methods Patients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.The treatment group was given brexpiprozole 2-4 mg·d-1 orally and the control group was given aripiprazole 10-20 mg·d-1orally,both were treated for 6 weeks.Clinical efficacy of the two groups,the response rate at endpoint,the changes from baseline to endpoint of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS),Clinical Global Impression-Improvement(CGI-S),Personal and Social Performance scale(PSP),PANSS Positive syndrome subscale,PANSS negative syndrome subscale were compared.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events in two groups were compared.Results There were 184 patients in treatment group and 186 patients in control group.After treatment,the response rates of treatment group and control group were 79.50%(140 cases/184 cases)and 82.40%(150 cases/186 cases),the scores of CGI-I of treatment group and control group were(2.00±1.20)and(1.90±1.01),with no significant difference(all P>0.05).From baseline to Week 6,the mean change of PANSS total score wese(-30.70±16.96)points in treatment group and(-32.20±17.00)points in control group,with no significant difference(P>0.05).The changes of CGI-S scores in treatment group and control group were(-2.00±1.27)and(-1.90±1.22)points,PSP scores were(18.80±14.77)and(19.20±14.55)points,PANSS positive syndrome scores were(-10.30±5.93)and(-10.80±5.81)points,PANSS negative syndrome scores were(-6.80±5.98)and(-7.30±5.15)points,with no significant difference(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events between the two group(69.00%vs.64.50%,P>0.05).Conclusion The non-inferiority of Brexpiprazole to aripiprazole was established,with comparable efficacy and acceptability.
9.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
10.Study of honey-processed Hedysari Radix on the protection of intestinal mucosal barrier in rats with spleen deficiency
Mao-Mao WANG ; Qin-Jie SONG ; Zhe WANG ; Ding-Cai MA ; Yu-Gui ZHANG ; Ting LIU ; Zhuan-Hong ZHANG ; Fei-Yun GAO ; Yan-Jun WANG ; Yue-Feng LI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(15):2231-2235
Objective To explore the protective mechanism of honey-processed Hedysari Radix in regulating intestinal mucosal injury in rats with spleen qi deficiency.Methods The three-factor composite modeling method of bitter cold diarrhea,overwork and hunger and satiety disorder was used to construct a spleen qi deficiency model rats.After the model was successfully made,they were randomly divided into model group,honey-processed Hedysari Radix group and probiotic group,with 15 animals in each group.Another 15 normal rats were taken as the blank group.The honey-processed Hedysari Radix group was given 12.6 g·kg-1 water decoction of honey-processed Hedysari Radix by gavage,the probiotics group was given Bifidobacterium Lactobacillus triple viable tablets suspension at a dose of 0.625 g·kg-1,and the blank group and the model group were given the same dose of distilled water.The rats in the four groups were administered once a day for 15 days.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect diamine oxidase(DAO)in serum,D-lactic acid(D-LA),secretory immunoglobulin A factor,and Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin in colon tissues.Results The serum levels of DAO in the blank group,model group,honey-processed Hedysari Radix group and probiotic group were(138.93±9.78),(187.95±12.90),(147.21±6.92)and(166.47±3.37)pg·mL-1;the contents of D-LA were(892.23±49.17),(1 099.84±137.64),(956.56±86.04)and(989.61±51.75)μg·L-1;the contents of SIgA in colon tissues were(14.04±1.42),(11.47±2.39),(11.84±1.49)and(12.93±1.65)μg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of ZO-1 protein in colon tissues were 1.18±0.11,0.42±0.04,0.77±0.05 and 0.95±0.07;the relative expression levels of occludin protein were 1.35±0.31,0.61±0.17,1.19±0.19 and 0.88±0.13;the relative expression levels of AMPK protein were 0.91±0.02,0.35±0.09,0.74±0.08 and 0.59±0.11.Compared with the model group,there were significant differences in the serum content of DAO and D-LA,SIgA content in colon,and the content of ZO-1,occludin and AMPK protein in the honey-processed Hedysari Radix group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Honey-processed Hedysari Radix can enhance the protective effect on the intestinal mucosa of rats with spleen qi deficiency by regulating the expression of related inflammatory cytokines,intestinal mucosal upper cell enzymes and tight junction proteins in rats with spleen qi deficiency.

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