1.Mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong Plaster in Improving Peripheral Pain Sensitization and Synovial Fibrosis in Knee Osteoarthritis by Blocking Ion Channels of TRPs
Jinliang HE ; Lu ZHANG ; Shixin XING ; Xilu REN ; Jingxing JIANG ; Junfeng KANG ; Xuliang HAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):108-116
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong plaster in improving the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by blocking the ion channels of transient receptor potentials (TRPs). MethodsThe active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology. A KOA rat model was established through intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetic acid. The rats were randomly divided into blank control group, KOA group, compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster Group, and Jinyang Dingtong plaster group, with eight rats per group. Among them, the rats in the compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster group and the Jinyang Dingtong plaster group were intervened with external application treatment. After the intervention period, the cold and mechanical stimulus pain thresholds of rats in each group were detected, and the transverse diameter of the knee joint was measured. The levels of inflammatory factors in the serum such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in synovial tissue were detected by Western blot. Histopathological changes in synovial tissue were observed by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, while the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by multiplex immunofluorescence. ResultsA total of 35 active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by UPLC-MS/MS, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, terpenes, lignans, and coumarins. Among them, the constituents such as berberine, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid exhibit clear anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fibrotic pharmacological effects. Compared to the blank control group, rats in the KOA group showed a significant decrease in cold and mechanical stimuli pain thresholds (P<0.01). After 14 and 28 days of Jinyang Dingtong plaster intervention, the pain threshold in this group was significantly increased compared to that in KOA group (P<0.01), showing no significant difference from that in compound Nanxing Analgesic plaster group. Additionally, Jinyang Dingtong plaster reduced the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NGF, and CGRP in the serum of KOA rats (P<0.01), lowered the expression of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV4, TGF-β, and VEGF proteins in synovial tissue (P<0.01), improved synovial pathological damage in KOA rats, and significantly decreased fluorescence intensity of type Ⅰ collagen and α-SMA (P<0.01). ConclusionJinyang Dingtong plaster can improve the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in KOA rats by downregulating the expression of ion channels of TRPs and related inflammatory and fibrotic factors.
2.Mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong Plaster in Improving Peripheral Pain Sensitization and Synovial Fibrosis in Knee Osteoarthritis by Blocking Ion Channels of TRPs
Jinliang HE ; Lu ZHANG ; Shixin XING ; Xilu REN ; Jingxing JIANG ; Junfeng KANG ; Xuliang HAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):108-116
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong plaster in improving the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by blocking the ion channels of transient receptor potentials (TRPs). MethodsThe active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology. A KOA rat model was established through intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetic acid. The rats were randomly divided into blank control group, KOA group, compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster Group, and Jinyang Dingtong plaster group, with eight rats per group. Among them, the rats in the compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster group and the Jinyang Dingtong plaster group were intervened with external application treatment. After the intervention period, the cold and mechanical stimulus pain thresholds of rats in each group were detected, and the transverse diameter of the knee joint was measured. The levels of inflammatory factors in the serum such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in synovial tissue were detected by Western blot. Histopathological changes in synovial tissue were observed by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, while the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by multiplex immunofluorescence. ResultsA total of 35 active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by UPLC-MS/MS, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, terpenes, lignans, and coumarins. Among them, the constituents such as berberine, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid exhibit clear anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fibrotic pharmacological effects. Compared to the blank control group, rats in the KOA group showed a significant decrease in cold and mechanical stimuli pain thresholds (P<0.01). After 14 and 28 days of Jinyang Dingtong plaster intervention, the pain threshold in this group was significantly increased compared to that in KOA group (P<0.01), showing no significant difference from that in compound Nanxing Analgesic plaster group. Additionally, Jinyang Dingtong plaster reduced the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NGF, and CGRP in the serum of KOA rats (P<0.01), lowered the expression of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV4, TGF-β, and VEGF proteins in synovial tissue (P<0.01), improved synovial pathological damage in KOA rats, and significantly decreased fluorescence intensity of type Ⅰ collagen and α-SMA (P<0.01). ConclusionJinyang Dingtong plaster can improve the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in KOA rats by downregulating the expression of ion channels of TRPs and related inflammatory and fibrotic factors.
3.Analysis of knowledge related to human papillomavirus and vaccination willingness among college students in Guizhou Province
REN Li, WU Yuqian, ZHU Liwan,LI Fenxiang, FAN Shujun, GAN Jianzhe, DONG Shuwen, LU Yong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):212-216
Objective:
To explore human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccination related knowledge and vaccination willingness of college students in Guizhou Province and their related factors, so as to provide a basis for formulating targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
From May to June 2025, by applying convenience sampling method,4 567 college students were selected from 8 universities in Guizhou Province to conduct a questionnaire survey. Awareness of HPV and vaccination related knowledge, vaccination willingness as well as related factors among college students were also analyzed. The t test and Chi square test were used for comparison between groups, and multifactor Logistic regression was employed to analyze the related factors of HPV vaccination willingness among college students.
Results:
The HPV and vaccine knowledge score of college students in Guizhou Province was ( 10.50 ±2.09), and the score of girls (10.81±1.82) was higher than that of boys (10.19±2.30) ( t=10.09, P <0.01). The HPV vaccination willingness rate of college students was 65.6%, and the rate was higher in girls than in boys (67.1%,64.1%, χ 2=4.75, P <0.05). Multi factor Logistic regression analysis showed that ethnicity and HPV testing were related factors that affected college students willingness to vaccinate (minority: OR boy =1.23, OR girl =1.35; previous HPV testing: OR boy =0.56, OR girl =0.59); boys willingness to vaccinate was related to the number of sexual partners ( OR =0.60), family history of cancer ( OR =0.65), and sexual behavior related HPV knowledge scores ( OR =0.89), while girls willingness to vaccinate was related to bisexual sexual orientation ( OR =0.59), previous HIV testing ( OR =0.60), and HPV and vaccine basic knowledge scores ( OR =0.86) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
College students in Guizhou Province have higher HPV vaccine related knowledge scores and are more willing to vaccinate, and those above are higher in girls than in boys. Health education content should be optimized based on gender differences, and promote the willingness and behavior of HPV vaccination among college students.
4.Analysis of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease among individuals aged≥60 years globally and in China from 1990 to 2021
Jiali LI ; Chunzhen REN ; Fan LIU ; Keyan WANG ; Zhijiang BI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Lixin KE ; Haibo WANG ; Wenxi PENG ; Zhifei WANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Peng XU ; Yingdong LI ; Xiuxiu DENG ; Xinke ZHAO ; Cuncun LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):281-290
Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.
5.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
6.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 16 cases of psittacosis in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Rongrong LU ; Ren CHEN ; Shenghua MAO ; Zhengmei XIA ; Yuxuan HE ; Xinwen JIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of psittacosis cases in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of this disease. MethodsEpidemiological investigation data and clinical records of psittacosis cases residing in Fuyang District of Hangzhou from September 2020 to February 2025 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze temporal-spatial-demographic distribution characteristics, exposure history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and laboratory findings. Comprehensive analyses were further conducted incorporating environmental surveillance and case follow-up data. ResultsAmong the 16 psittacosis cases, the male-to-female ratio was 1∶1, with an incidence rate of 0.57/100 000 for both males and females. The mean age was (59.88±10.66) years old, and the highest incidence rates were in the 70‒79 years and 60‒69 years age groups, with an incidence rate of 1.41/100 000 and 1.30/100 000, respectively. Fourteen cases (87.50%) had a history of avian exposure. The predominant clinical symptoms included fever (15 cases, 93.75%), cough (11 cases, 68.75%), expectoration (9 cases, 56.25%), and fear of cold (8 cases, 50.00%). All cases showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the results of chest computed tomography (CT) indicated pneumonia in every case. Neutrophil percentage was elevated in 87.50% (14/16) of cases, while lymphocyte percentage was reduced in 93.75% (15/16) of cases. The median time from onset to first medical consultation was 4.00 days, the median time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 9.50 days, and the median time of hospitalization was 9.00 days. Compared with non-severe cases, the severe group had significantly higher neutrophil percentage, CRP levels, and longer intervals from onset to confirmed diagnosis, onset to first antibiotic administration, and duration of hospitalization. All cases recovered and were discharged, and more than 50% were treated with omadacycline following confirmed diagnosis. ConclusionMost psittacosis cases reported definitive avian exposure history in Fuyang District of Hangzhou. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing disease progression to severe stages.
7.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
8.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
9.Therapeutic effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice
Weiyuan YUAN ; Qinhui LEI ; Xiuqi LI ; Tiezhu LU ; Ziwen FU ; Zhili LIANG ; Shaoyang JI ; Yijia LI ; Yu REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):58-67
BACKGROUND:Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass,strength,and/or physical function.Currently,effective treatments for sarcopenia remain limited.A new therapeutic approach to improve symptoms and prognosis of sarcopenia patients clinically was important.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on a dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from canine adipose tissue,and identified and functionally evaluated through flow cytometry and differentiation assays for osteogenesis,adipogenesis,and chondrogenesis.Subsequently,exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted and characterized using transmission electron microscopy,western blot assay,and nanocoulter tracking analysis.In vitro,the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on myotube growth and the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes were investigated using dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy and aging C2C12 models.In vivo,a dexamethasone-induced mouse sarcopenia model was established and received intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through mouse rotarod performance,histopathological analysis,and muscle atrophy-related genes testing.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The isolated canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells highly expressed CD73,CD90,and CD105,and lowly expressed MHC-Ⅱ,CD14,CD19,CD34,and CD45,and successfully differentiated into osteoblasts,adipocytes,and chondrocytes in vitro.(2)The adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes met the identification criteria in terms of particle size,electron microscopy morphology,and positive expression of specific markers.(3)Compared to the dexamethasone-induced C2C12 atrophy group,treatment with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted the recovery and growth of myotubes,inhibited the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes MuRF1 and Atrogin-1.(4)Compared to the aging C2C12 group,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes significantly enhanced the recovery and growth of aged muscle tubes in aging cells.(5)Compared to the control group,the rotarod time in dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia model mice was significantly decreased(P<0.01).After 7 days(P<0.01,P<0.01)and 10 days(P<0.01,P<0.05)of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells treatment via intraperitoneal and intravenous injection,rotarod time was significantly increased,respectively.After 14 days,all treatment groups showed longer rotarod times than the model group,although with no significant differences between them.(6)Compared to the control group,the cross-sectional area of anterior tibial muscle in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and it was significantly increased after intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05,P<0.01).(7)Compared to the model group,intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 genes(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01).The results indicated that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted recovery and growth of atrophic myotube cells by inhibiting the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes,and both intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells provided good therapeutic effects on sarcopenia in mice.
10.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.


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