1.Primary Cilium-mediated Mechano-metabolic Coupling: Cross-system Homeostatic Regulation of The Nervous, Bone, Vascular, and Renal Systems
Liang-Chen DUAN ; Hao-Liang HU ; Shu-Zhi WANG ; Jia-Long YAN ; Lin-Xi CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):577-592
Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.
2.Effect and mechanism of beta-caryophyllene in mice with osteoarthritis
Ju CHEN ; Jinchang ZHENG ; Zhen LIANG ; Chengshuo HUANG ; Hao LIN ; Li ZENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1341-1347
BACKGROUND:β-Caryophyllene has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic,which may have a better therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-caryophyllene on mouse osteoarthritis.METHODS:Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group,low-dose β-caryophyllene group and high-dose β-caryophyllene group,with 10 mice in each group.Hulth method was used to construct an osteoarthritis model in the latter three groups.Four weeks after modeling,70 and 140 mg/kg/d β-caryophyllene was intragastrically given in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,respectively,and normal saline was given by gavage in the sham group and the model group,once a day,for 4 weeks.After administration,knee joint morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum levels of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10)were detected by ELISA,and oxidative stress indexes(glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde)were detected by chemiluminescence.The expression levels of key proteins in the Sonic hedgehog(Shh)/glioma associated oncogene homolog 1(Gli1)signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham group,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the knee joint of mice in the model group,cartilage tissue was seriously damaged,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,interleukin-10 and malondialdehyde were significantly increased(P<0.01),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the relative expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly increased(P<0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,inflammatory cell infiltration in the mouse knee joint was decreased,cartilage tissue injury was alleviated,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1 β,interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The above-mentioned improvements were more significant in the high-dose β-caryophyllene group than the low-dose β-caryophyllene group.To conclude,β-caryophyllene can improve osteoarthritis,and its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress damage by regulating the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway.
3.Effect and mechanism of beta-caryophyllene in mice with osteoarthritis
Ju CHEN ; Jinchang ZHENG ; Zhen LIANG ; Chengshuo HUANG ; Hao LIN ; Li ZENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1341-1347
BACKGROUND:β-Caryophyllene has a variety of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic,which may have a better therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of β-caryophyllene on mouse osteoarthritis.METHODS:Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group,low-dose β-caryophyllene group and high-dose β-caryophyllene group,with 10 mice in each group.Hulth method was used to construct an osteoarthritis model in the latter three groups.Four weeks after modeling,70 and 140 mg/kg/d β-caryophyllene was intragastrically given in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,respectively,and normal saline was given by gavage in the sham group and the model group,once a day,for 4 weeks.After administration,knee joint morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum levels of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10)were detected by ELISA,and oxidative stress indexes(glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde)were detected by chemiluminescence.The expression levels of key proteins in the Sonic hedgehog(Shh)/glioma associated oncogene homolog 1(Gli1)signaling pathway were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham group,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the knee joint of mice in the model group,cartilage tissue was seriously damaged,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,interleukin-10 and malondialdehyde were significantly increased(P<0.01),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the relative expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly increased(P<0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,in the low-and high-dose β-caryophyllene groups,inflammatory cell infiltration in the mouse knee joint was decreased,cartilage tissue injury was alleviated,serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1 β,interleukin-6 and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Shh and Gli1 in the knee joint were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The above-mentioned improvements were more significant in the high-dose β-caryophyllene group than the low-dose β-caryophyllene group.To conclude,β-caryophyllene can improve osteoarthritis,and its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress damage by regulating the Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway.
4.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
5.Parkinsonism in Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy: Clinical Features and Biomarkers
Chih-Hao CHEN ; Te-Wei WANG ; Yu-Wen CHENG ; Yung-Tsai CHU ; Mei-Fang CHENG ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Chin-Hsien LIN ; Sung-Chun TANG
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):122-127
6.Bidirectional modulation of depression disorder through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and gut-brain axis from the perspective of simultaneous treatment of the liver and spleen
Nan NAN ; Wenzhi HAO ; Lin LI ; Yueyun LIU ; Jiaxu CHEN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):896-902
As a major global public health concern,the incidence of depression disorder is increasing annually.The pathological mechanism of depression involves bidirectional dysregulation between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)and gut-brain axes.According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the liver controls conveyance and dispersion,the spleen governs transportation and transformation,and both jointly maintain the balance between ascending and descending qi movement and zang fu viscera function in the body.Liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency result in qi movement disorder and a lack of source qi and blood,leading to depression induced by malnutrition of heart spirit.As a classic prescription for soothing the liver,invigorating the spleen,and replenishing blood,Xiaoyao Powder is used to reinforce healthy qi and eliminate pathogenic factors.Xiaoyao Powder not only regulates the"yin in property of liver"but also strengthens the"ascending and descending"of the spleen.As commonly used by ancient and modern physicians,also indirectly inhibits HPA axis upregulation and improves depression-related gastrointestinal dysfunction.This paper systematically expounds the multi-dimensional mechanism of Xiaoyao Powder in treating depression through the two-way regulation of the HPA-gut-brain axis.It reveals the therapeutic characteristics of"multi-component and multi-target"in TCM to provide a novel theoretical basis for the modernization of TCM and the treatment of depression by combining TCM and Western medicine.
7.Association between childhood trauma and prefrontal functional networks in early adulthood
Shanling JI ; Qiuling WANG ; Yue WANG ; Rui WANG ; Maoxuan SU ; Bingqian LIU ; Xinyu LIN ; Siqi JIA ; Yuxin DU ; Yuzhou CHEN ; Hao YU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(10):880-887
Objective:To explore the association between childhood trauma and prefrontal cortex functional networks in early adulthood using functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS).Methods:Twenty-eight individu-als with childhood trauma comprised the trauma group,while 32 without trauma formed the control group.The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(CTQ)assessed abuse and neglect,the Ruminative Responses Scale(RRS)meas-ured repetitive thinking about negative events,and the Iowa Gambling Task(IGT)evaluated decision-making tend-encies.fNIRS data collected during the IGT were used to calculate degree centrality(DC),betweenness centrality(BC),and local efficiency(LE)in prefrontal networks.Mediation analysis explored relationships among childhood trauma,brain function(DC,BC,LE),and ruminative thinking.Results:Compared to controls,the trauma group had decreased DC in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortices,increased DC,BC,and LE in the right inferior frontal gy-rus,and elevated LE in the bilateral frontal poles.BC and LE in the right inferior frontal gyrus partially mediated the relationship between CTQ sexual abuse and RRS scores(48.57%and 41.43%,respectively).Conclusion:Child-hood trauma is significantly associated with changes in prefrontal network properties in early adulthood.Sexual a-buse,in particular,may influence emotional regulation and cognitive functions by altering the network attributes of the right inferior frontal gyrus.
8.Association between estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure and coronary artery disease severity and 2-year prognosis in acute coronary syndrome patients
Yichun HAO ; Jing CHEN ; Shaodi YAN ; Ying SONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yan CHEN ; Cheng CUI ; Zhan GAO ; Xueyan ZHAO ; Yin ZHANG ; Lijian GAO ; Jue CHEN ; Jinqing YUAN ; Lei SONG ; Jingjing XU
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(3):274-280
Objective:To investigate the association between estimated cumulative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exposure and the severity of coronary artery disease and long-term adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods:The subjects were from the PROMISE study. This study was a prospective cohort study led by Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, with participation from eight regional tertiary hospitals as sub-centers, and enrolled 18 701 patients with confirmed coronary heart disease between January 2015 and May 2019. Among them, 8 429 patients with ACS were included in this study. The estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was calculated by multiplying LDL-C by age. Participants were then divided into four groups based on quartiles. Baseline data and coronary angiography data were collected, and participants were followed for 2 years. The primary endpoint was MACCE, which was composed of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and stroke. Spearman correlation analysis was used to estimate the correlation between cumulative LDL-C exposure and the severity of coronary artery disease. The differences in MACCE among the four groups were compared, and multivariate Cox regression was used to divide the estimated cumulative exposure LDL-C into two groups, three groups, and four groups to analyze its relationship with MACCE.Results:The 8 429 ACS patients included in the study had an age of (60.9±11.4) years, with 1 951(23.1%) females. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was positively associated with the preoperative SYNTAX score, three-vessel lesions disease, left main disease, and the number of target lesions (correlation coefficients r=0.14, 0.10, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively, with all P<0.05). The 2-year follow-up results indicated that the incidence rates of MACCE, all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in ACS patients grouped by different levels of estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of the Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that when the estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure was treated as a continuous variable and analyzed in two, three, and four groups, with the lowest group as the reference, the risk of MACCE occurrence in the high-value group increased by 21% (95% CI 1.08-1.37, P=0.002), 24% (95% CI 1.07-1.43, P=0.004), and 21% (95% CI 1.02-1.43, P=0.025) respectively. Conclusions:A positive correlation was found between estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure and severity of coronary artery disease. High estimated cumulative LDL-C exposure level is a risk factor for MACCE in ACS patients within 2 years.
9.Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan alleviate DSS-induced ul-cerative colitis in mice by modulating macrophage polarization
Guoqing CHEN ; Xiaorong LIU ; Jin JIN ; Dong YAN ; Renjia LIU ; Shan XIANG ; Lin YUAN ; Yang XIANG ; Hao WU ; Xiulan SHEN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(6):1181-1189
AIM:To investigate the effects of total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)on dex-tran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)mouse model and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.METHODS:Thirty-six male C57BL/6J mice(6 to 8 weeks old,SPF grade)were randomly di-vided into 6 groups:negative control(NC)group,3%DSS-induced model group,mesalazine(300 mg·kg-1·d-1)group,and low-dose(62.5 mg·kg-1·d-1),medium-dose(125 mg·kg-1·d-1)and high-dose(250 mg·kg-1·d-1)PHSTF treatment groups,with 6 mice in each group.The mice in NC group received distilled water,while those in other groups were treated with a 3%DSS solution for 7 d to induce the UC model.On the 1st day of DSS administration,the mice in treatment groups received the corresponding agents via oral gavage for 10 d,while those in NC and model groups were gavaged with distilled water.Throughout the study,the effects of PHSTF on body weight,fecal blood,and colon length were measured and recorded daily.Histopathological changes in colon tissues were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.The levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in colon tissues were quantified using ELISA.The LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model was employed to evaluate the cellular effects of PHSTF.Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay,and cell morphology was observed under a microscope.The mRNA expression of inflammatory markers[IL-1β,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-10 and arginase-1(Arg-1)]was measured by RT-qPCR.Western blot and immunofluorescence double labeling were used to detect the protein expression of macrophage polarization markers(iNOS,CD206 and Arg-1).Finally,immunohistochemistry(IHC)was utilized to as-sess protein expression of iNOS in colon tissues.RESULTS:Compared to the DSS-induced UC model group,PHSTF sig-nificantly improved several parameters,including weight loss(P<0.05),rectal bleeding,and colon shortening in DSS-treated mice.PHSTF also reduced histopathological damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon.It decreased IL-1β levels(P<0.05)and increased IL-10 levels(P<0.05)in colon tissues.In LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells,PHSTF reduced the mRNA expression of IL-1β and iNOS(P<0.01),while upregulating the mRNA expression of IL-10 and Arg-1(P<0.01).Additionally,PHSTF decreased iNOS protein expression(P<0.01)and elevated the expression of Arg-1 and CD206 proteins(P<0.01).IHC analysis further confirmed that PHSTF downregulated iNOS protein expression in colon tissues.CONCLUSION:Treatment with PHSTF promotes the polarization of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype,thereby alleviating inflammation in colon tissue and ameliorating ulcer-ative colitis in mice.
10.Impact of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality of fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples in biobank
Yang-si ZHENG ; Xuan-hao LIN ; Fan LI ; Kun-sheng XIAO ; Xi-feng CHEN ; Chun-peng LIU ; Pei-xiu YAO ; Shao-hong WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):437-445
Objective To investigate the effects of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer(BC)and esophageal cancer(EC)tissue samples in order to establish evidence-based protocols for biobank sample management.Methods The tumor(T)and paired normal(N)tissue samples from 6 cases of BC and 6 cases of EC were collected and cryopreserved in Biobank,Shantou Central Hospital.Mirror paraffin-embedded tissues were simultaneously prepared into sections for morphological analysis.The samples were divided into two groups of<15 min and 15-30 min according to ischemia time,and RNA quality was analyzed at 4 storage periods of 8-10 months(T1),14-16 months(T2),26-28 months(T3)and 38-40 months(T4).Results In 96 analyzed samples,93.8%(90/96)exhibited high quality(RIN≥6),with 89.6%(43/48)in BC and 97.9%(47/48)in EC.Significant differences in RIN were observed between BC group and EC group(8.050 vs.8.600,P=0.009).In EC group,RIN value was significantly negatively correlated with RNA yield(P<0.001).Moreover,RIN values of tumor-normal pairs exhibited markedly significant differences(7.550 vs.9.000,P<0.001).In contrast,no significant difference was detected in BC group(8.200 vs.7.700,P=0.348).Statistical analysis showed that RIN value was positively correlated with 28S/18S(P<0.001),but had no correlation with tumor content(P=0.676)and necrotic content(P=0.055).Neither ischemia time(<15 min vs.15-30 min:8.200 vs.8.300,P=0.932)nor storage periods(T1-T4:8.400,7.700,8.450,8.600,P=0.163)compromised RNA quality.Conclusion Organ origin and tissue type could influence RNA quality of fresh-frozen tissue samples.However,limited ischemia time(≤30 min)and long-term storage period(38-40 months)do not adversely affect RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples.

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