1.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
2.Therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin on thromboangiitis obliterans model rats by regulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Ya-Na WANG ; Xiao-Lin XU ; Wen-Hua MA ; Luo-Fang CUI ; Li LIU ; Lin-Li XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiu-Lei ZHAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):854-858
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of paeoniflorin(PAE)on thrombosis angiitis obliterans(TAO)in rats.Methods TAO rat model was established by sodium laurate injection.Rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(intraperitoneal injection of 0.9%NaCl),model group(intraperitoneal injection of 0.9%NaCl),experimental-L,-H groups(intraperitoneal injection of PAE 5,20 mg·kg-1·d-1),experimental-H+agonist group(intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg·kg-1·d-1 PAE+caudal vein injection of 10 ng·mL-1·kg 1·d-1 740 Y-P).Thrombin time(TT)was measured by magnetic bead coagulation;the levels of interleukin(IL)-1 β and endothelin 1(ET-1)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit;the expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated-PI3K(p-PI3 K),protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65,p-NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blotting.Results The TT of sham operation group,model group,experimental-L,-H groups and experimental-H+agonist group were(14.88±1.32),(10.02±0.95),(12.65±1.22),(14.70±1.36)and(10.64±1.21)s;IL-1β were(154.23±13.45),(356.69±31.17),(268.62±23.58),(199.64±20.87)and(337.48±31.46)pg·mL-1;ET-1 were(6.78±0.68),(14.43±1.14),(11.23±1.07),(8.20±0.81)and(13.33±1.27)pg·mL-1;p-PI3K/PI3K were 0.36±0.04,0.76±0.07,0.59±0.05,0.44±0.04 and 0.69±0.07;p-AKT/AKT were 0.52±0.05,0.90±0.09,0.74±0.08,0.61±0.06 and 0.86±0.08;p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 were 0.28±0.03,0.95±0.04,0.69±0.07,0.35±0.05 and 0.87±0.08,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between model group and sham operation group(all P<0.05);the above indexes in experimental-L group and experimental-H group were significantly different from those in medel group(all P<0.05);the above indexes in experimental-H+agonist group were significantly different from those in experimental-H group(all P<0.05).Conclusion PAE may improve disease progression in TAO rats by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Progress of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in the treatment of respiratory diseases by intervening nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome
Hua-Yang PAN ; Xu-Ming LUO ; Fu-Qi MA ; Zhen-Hua NI ; Xiong-Biao WANG ; Yu-Hua LIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(12):1839-1843
Adequate inflammation can effectively eliminate harmful substances and prevent disease as a self-protective measure to prevent further damage to the body,while abnormally activated inflammation is detrimental to the body.Nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome that participates in inflammatory responses are closely related to many physiological and pathological processes and play an important role in the occurrence and development of pulmonary diseases.This article mainly reviewed the activation mechanism and hypothesis of NLRP3 inflammasome,as well as the research on treating respiratory diseases by interfering with NLRP3 inflammasome.
4.GLUT1-targeted Nano-delivery System for Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Review
Hua ZHU ; Huimin LUO ; Si LIN ; Bingbing WANG ; Jinwei LI ; Liba XU ; Miao ZHANG ; Fengfeng XIE ; Long CHEN ; Meilin LI ; Lu LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):270-280
Tumor cells use glycolysis to provide material and energy under hypoxic conditions to meet the energy requirements for rapid growth and proliferation, namely the Warburg effect. Even under aerobic conditions, tumor cells mainly rely on glycolysis to provide energy. Therefore, glucose transporter protein 1(GLUT1), which is involved in the process of glucose metabolism, plays an important role in tumorigenesis, development and drug resistance, and is considered to be one of the important targets in the treatment of malignant tumors. In recent years, research on tumor glucose metabolism has gradually become a hot spot. It has been shown that various factors are involved in the regulation of tumor energy metabolism, among which the role of GLUT1 is the most critical. In this paper, the authors reviewed the latest research progress of GLUT1-targeted traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) active ingredient nano-delivery system in tumor therapy, aiming to reveal the feasibility and effectiveness of this system in the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. The GLUT1-targeted TCM active ingredient nano-delivery system can overcome the bottleneck of the traditional targeting strategy as well as the high-permeability long retention(EPR) effect. In summary, the authors believe that the GLUT1-targeted TCM active ingredient nano-delivery system provides a new strategy for targeted treatment of tumors and has a broad application prospect in tumor prevention and treatment.
5.Clinical Observation on the Abdominal Acupuncture Combined with Acupuncture Method of Zuosheng Youjiang Qi-Regulaton Microneedling in the Treatment of Depression
Qing-Hua YE ; Lin-Xin XU ; Yin ZHONG ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):135-140
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of abdominal acupuncture with acupuncture method of Zuosheng Youjiang(left ascending and right descending)Qi-Regulation Microneedling in the treatment of depression.Methods Sixty cases of depression were randomly divided into observation group and control group,30 cases in each group.The observation group was given Zuosheng Youjiang Qi-Regulation Microneedling therapy,and the control group was given oral use of Sertraline Hydrochloride Tablets.A total of 6 weeks of treatment was given.After 6 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)scores and Self-rating Anxiety Scale of Depression(SAS)scores of the two groups were observed before and after treatment.The safety and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After treatment,the HAMD scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the HAMD scores,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The difference between the HAMD scores of patients in the two groups was statistically significant before and after treatment(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the SDS scores of the two groups of patients were significantly improved,and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the SDS scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment differences in the SDS scores of the two groups of patients was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)The total effective rate of the observation group was 100.00%(30/30),and the control group was 83.33%(25/30).The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion Abdominal acupuncture combined with Zuosheng Youjiang Qi-Regulation Microneedling for the treatment of depression can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,and the therapeutic effect is remarkable.
6.Analysis of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 1247 cases of infectious diseases of the central nervous system
Jia-Hua ZHAO ; Yu-Ying CEN ; Xiao-Jiao XU ; Fei YANG ; Xing-Wen ZHANG ; Zhao DONG ; Ruo-Zhuo LIU ; De-Hui HUANG ; Rong-Tai CUI ; Xiang-Qing WANG ; Cheng-Lin TIAN ; Xu-Sheng HUANG ; Sheng-Yuan YU ; Jia-Tang ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(1):43-49
Objective To summarize the epidemiological and clinical features of infectious diseases of the central nervous system(CNS)by a single-center analysis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 1247 cases of CNS infectious diseases diagnosed and treated in the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from 2001 to 2020.Results The data for this group of CNS infectious diseases by disease type in descending order of number of cases were viruses 743(59.6%),Mycobacterium tuberculosis 249(20.0%),other bacteria 150(12.0%),fungi 68(5.5%),parasites 18(1.4%),Treponema pallidum 18(1.4%)and rickettsia 1(0.1%).The number of cases increased by 177 cases(33.1%)in the latter 10 years compared to the previous 10 years(P<0.05).No significant difference in seasonal distribution pattern of data between disease types(P>0.05).Male to female ratio is 1.87︰1,mostly under 60 years of age.Viruses are more likely to infect students,most often at university/college level and above,farmers are overrepresented among bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis,and more infections of Treponema pallidum in workers.CNS infectious diseases are characterized by fever,headache and signs of meningeal irritation,with the adductor nerve being the more commonly involved cranial nerve.Matagenomic next-generation sequencing improves clinical diagnostic capabilities.The median hospital days for CNS infectious diseases are 18.00(11.00,27.00)and median hospital costs are ¥29,500(¥16,000,¥59,200).The mortality rate from CNS infectious diseases is 1.6%.Conclusions The incidence of CNS infectious diseases is increasing last ten years,with complex clinical presentation,severe symptoms and poor prognosis.Early and accurate diagnosis and standardized clinical treatment can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality rate and ease the burden of disease.
7.Vitamin D Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Dopamine Nervous System in Brain
Hua-Lin WANG ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Ran LIU ; Ke LI ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1530-1539
Vitamin D is a unique fat-soluble vitamin that plays an indispensable role in human health. It exists in various forms, the most significant being vitamin D2 (derived from plant sources) and vitamin D3 (synthesized naturally in human skin upon exposure to sunlight). Vitamin D’s primary function is to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D significantly influences the immune system, muscle function, cardiovascular health, and the regulation of brain functions. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to various chronic diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis, decreased immunity, increased risk of mental disorders, and cancers. The synthesis of vitamin D in the human body, both peripherally and centrally, relies on sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and various supplements. As a neuroactive steroid, vitamin D impacts both the physiological and pathological processes of the nervous system and plays a key role in brain health. It profoundly affects the brain by regulating neurotransmitter synthesis and maintaining intracellular calcium balance. As an essential chemical molecule, vitamin D participates in complex signal transduction pathways, impacting neurotransmitter functions and synaptic plasticity. Vitamin D’s role in regulating dopamine (DA)—a neurotransmitter critical for motivation, reward perception, and other higher cognitive functions—is particularly noteworthy. Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D not only promotes the synthesis of DA but also plays a role in regulating DA levels within the brain. It exerts neuroprotective effects on DA neurons through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant actions, and neurotrophic support, thereby creating an optimal environment for DA neurons, influencing neuronal structure, and affecting the movement of calcium ions within nerve cells, positively impacting the overall health and functionality of the DA system. Furthermore, vitamin D can regulate the synthesis and release of DA, thus affecting the signal transmission of various DA neural projection pathways in the brain. This function is vital for understanding the complex interactions between neural mechanisms and their effects on key behaviors and cognitive functions. This review aims to delve deeply into the synthesis, metabolism, and pathways of vitamin D’s action, especially its regulatory mechanisms on DA neurons. Through this exploration, this article seeks to provide a solid theoretical foundation and research framework for a deeper understanding of vitamin D’s role in motivation and reward behaviors. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the broader significance of vitamin D in the fields of neuroscience and neurology. In summary, research and discoveries regarding vitamin D’s impact on the nervous system highlight its importance in neural health and function. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the complex workings of the nervous system but also open new avenues for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The exploration of vitamin D’s multifaceted roles offers promising prospects for developing new therapeutic strategies, underscoring the compound’s potential in addressing a range of neural dysfunctions and diseases. As research continues to evolve, the profound implications of vitamin D in the field of neurology and beyond become increasingly apparent, marking it as a key target for ongoing and future scientific inquiry.
8.The Application in The Development of Immunoassay Based on Upconversion Nanomaterials
Hui-Wei HUANG ; Li-Hua LI ; Lin LUO ; Yu-Dong SHEN ; Hong-Tao LEI ; Zhen-Lin XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(2):355-368
Immunoassays are widely used in medicine, food, environment and other fields due to having the advantages of simpleness, rapidness and accuracy. Combining immunoassays with nanomaterials can improve the performance of immunoassays. Compared with traditional nanomaterials, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have excellent optical properties such as good photostability, long luminescence lifetime and narrow and tunable emission bands, which can significantly reduce background noise and improve analytical sensitivity when combined with immunoassay. This paper briefly introduces the luminescence mechanism of UCNPs, summarizes the synthesis and surface modification methods of UCNPs. And then 5 UCNPs-based immunoassay techniques, namely, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, inner filter effect, magnetic separation technique, upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay and upconversion immunochromatography, are discussed in detail. These sensing protocols of UCNPs-based immunoassays have been successfully utilized to detect various targets, including small molecules, macromolecules, and pathogens, all of which closely related to food safety, human health, and environmental pollution. Finally, the challenges and prospects of this technique are summarized and prospected. Although the UCNPs immunoassays based on antibodies and antigens have made great progress, most of the research is still in the stage of laboratory, and there is a long way to go to realize its social applications. There is a series of challenges need to be overcome. (1) Designing excellent water soluble and dispersive upconversion nanomaterials is needed. Hydrophilic ligands are bound to smaller upconversion nanoparticles and removing hydrophobic surface ligands are the most widely used methods to improve solubility and dispersity. (2) Multi-detection technology platforms and multi-mode simultaneous detection platforms have great potential, which will improve the efficiency of point of care detection. (3) The researchers also need to focus on some important problems. For examples, the upconversion luminescence efficiency of UCNPs is difficult to maintain, the synthesis method is complex, and the surface modification degree and functionalization are difficult to control.
9.BMP7 overexpression lentiviral vector construction and its effect on calcification of mouse aortic smooth muscle cells
Shi-Lin FU ; Xue-Jiao YI ; Wen-Xu PAN ; Chun YIN ; Hua-Li KANG ; De-Hui QIAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(2):95-99
Objective To construct a lentiviral vector for overexpression of bone morphogenetic protein 7(BMP7)in mice,and the effect of BMP7 overexpression on the expression of Jagged1 in mouse aortic endothelial cells and the calcification of the co-cultured vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)were analyzed.Methods According to the target gene information Mouse-BMP7(NM_007557.3)and plasmid information pLVX-zsGreen-C1,gene sequence synthesis was carried out to construct BMP7 overexpression lentivirus.The efficiency of BMP7 overexpression lentivirus infection was detected by qPCR;the expression of Jagged1 protein in aortic endothelial cells from infected mice was detected by Western blot.The endothelial cells with lentivirus overexpressing BMP7 were co-cultured with VSMCs,and the calcification of VSMCs was observed by alizarin red staining.Results BMP7 overexpression lentiviral vector was successfully constructed and transfected into aortic endothelial cells.qPCR test results showed that the expression level of BMP7 mRNA was significantly increased in the BMP7 overexpression group than that in the normal control group(P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in the expression of BMP7 mRNA between the empty vector control group and the normal control group(P>0.05).Western blot results showed that the expression level of Jagged1 protein in endothelial cells of mouse in the BMP7 overexpression group was significantly lower than that in the normal control group(P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in the expression level of Jagged1 protein in endothelial cells between the empty vector control group and the normal control group(P>0.05).The results of alizarin red staining showed that the calcification of VSMCs was significantly increased after co-cultured with endothelial cells infected with BMP7 lentivirus.Conclusion Mouse BMP7 overexpression lentiviral vector was successfully constructed,and overexpression of BMP7 can reduce the expression of Jagged1 in mouse aortic endothelial cells and promote the calcification of co-cultured VSMCs.
10.Effects of Modified Yupingfeng Powder Medicated Serum on RLE-6TN Cells Inflammatory Reaction Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Jialei MENG ; Yuhui MA ; Lin YUAN ; Hui YE ; Xu HUA ; Ming LEI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(1):84-90
Objective To investigate the effects of modified Yupingfeng Powder medicated serum on the inflammatory response of rat lung epithelial type Ⅱ cells RLE-6TN;To explore the mechanism based on nuclear factor(NF)-κB signaling pathway.Methods The inflammatory reaction of RLE-6TN cells was induced by lipopolysaccharide,and the cells were divided into control group,model group,dexamethasone medicated serum group,and 5%,10%and 20%TCM serum group,and the cell model was intervened with different serum.After 24 hours,the content of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cell supernatant was detected by kit,and the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in cells were detected by fluorescence staining,Hoechst/PI double staining was used to observe cell apoptosis,and ELISA was used to detect tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β contents in cell supernatant,RT-qPCR was used to detect Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),and NF-κB inhibitory protein α(IκBα)mRNA expression,Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κBp65 and IκBα.Results Compared with the control group,the contents of LDH,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β in RLE-6TN cell supernatant and ROS content in cells of model group significantly increased(P<0.01),the cell apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA and protein significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of IκBα mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the ratio of p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 and p-IκBα/IκBα significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the content of LDH,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1 in RLE-6TN cell supernatant and ROS content in cells significant decreased in the 20%TCM serum group and dexamethasone medicated serum group(P<0.01),the cell apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA and protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of IκBα mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),and the ratio of p-NF-κBp65/NF-κBp65 and p-IκBα/IκBα significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Modified Yupingfeng Powder medicated serum can reduce RLE-6TN cells inflammatory reaction,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

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