1.Culture and identification of rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells by modified tissue block adherence method
Tao ZHANG ; Maobin YU ; Meijun LIU ; Ziyang MA ; Peihai ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):113-117
ObjectiveTo establish an in vitro culture model of rat corpora cavernous smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) using a modified tissue block adherence method. MethodsCorpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue was digested with collagenase type I and subsequently cultured using an adherent method. Cells were purified via differential adhesion and identified through immunofluorescence and Western blotting. ResultsCCSMCs began to emerge from the tissue block after 3 days, increased significantly by day 7, and converged by day 12. Post-passage, CCSMCs exhibited strong proliferation and a “peak-to-valley” phenomenon. After purification, the cells tested positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), confirming the successful establishment of the in vitro culture model. ConclusionThe modified tissue block adherence method is a cost-effective and efficient way to obtain high-purity CCSMCs.
2.Mechanism of Action of Main Active Components of Epimedii Folium in Treatment of Common Andrological Diseases: A Review
Tao ZHANG ; Maobin YU ; Jinkun QI ; Bailong JIANG ; Meijun LIU ; Ziyang MA ; Peihai ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):337-346
Andrological diseases have become an important public health problem threatening men's health worldwide, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients and brings a heavy disease burden. Western medicine often faces the dilemma of obvious side effects and limited efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of andrological diseases and has accumulated rich clinical experience. Epimedii Folium, as a traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening kidney and Yang, exerts a key therapeutic effect on andrology diseases through multi-component synergy, multi-target regulation, and multi-pathway intervention. Recent studies have found that the main active components of Epimedii Folium, such as icariin, icariside, and icaritin, are the key material basis for the treatment of andrological diseases. The active components of Epimedii Folium can play a role in common andrological diseases such as erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and prostate cancer by regulating the activity of the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway, participating in oxidative stress response, regulating the secretion of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, improving spermatogenic dysfunction, and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. However, the systematic action network and molecular mechanisms of the active components of Epimedii Folium have not been fully elucidated, thereby limiting its potential for clinical translation and application. In the future, it is necessary to combine cutting-edge technologies such as metabolomics, single-cell sequencing, and targeted nanoscale drug delivery systems, strengthening the research on the compatibility rules of active components and organ-specific delivery, providing a scientific basis for the development of innovative andrology traditional Chinese medicine formulas with international competitiveness, and promoting the innovation and breakthrough of andrology disease treatment modes.
3.Comparison of decompression effects between spine endoscopy hybrid technique and uniportal endoscopic surgery in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptom
Song GUO ; Xinhua LI ; Meijun YAN ; Yanbin LIU ; Zhong LIU ; Kewei LI ; Pengcheng LIU ; Beiting ZHANG ; Qiang FU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):517-523
BACKGROUND:Spinal canal decompression using uniportal endoscopic surgery is a new minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.However,this technique needs a steep learning curve and high requirements for surgical equipment and instruments,which limits its clinical application.We previously use the spinal endoscopy as a monitoring endoscopy and combined with unilateral biportal endoscopy to propose a hybrid technique of spinal endoscopy to achieve coaxial endoscopic operation and hands-separate operation. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical outcome of hybrid technique and uniportal endoscopic surgery in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral lower limb pain symptoms. METHODS:Ninety patients diagnosed of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptoms were included and retrospectively analyzed at First People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University from August 2020 to August 2022.44 cases were included in group A(hybrid technique group),while 46 cases were included in group B(uniportal endoscopic surgery).The nerve decompression was observed during the surgery.Operation time,hospital stay time,and expenses were recorded in both groups.The visual analog scale scores of lower back pain and both lower extremities pain,Oswestry disability index scores of quality of life and excellent and good rate of modified Macnab criteria were recorded and compared at preoperative,postoperative 3 days,and postoperative 3 and 6 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operation time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B(P<0.05).(2)The lower back pain and lower extremity pain of the severe side at postoperative 3 days,and 3 and 6 months were significantly relieved in both groups(P<0.05).The visual analog scale score of lower extremity pain on the mild side was significantly decreased at postoperative 3 days,3 and 6 months than preoperative score in the group A(P<0.05).The visual analog scale score of lower extremity pain on the mild side was significantly decreased at postoperative 3 days than preoperative score in the group B(P<0.05).The visual analog scale scores of lower extremity pain on the mild side at postoperative 3 and 6 months did not show significant difference than preoperative score in the group B.The comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in the visual analog scale scores of postoperative lower back pain and lower extremity pain of the severe side(P>0.05).The visual analog scale scores of lower extremity pain on the mild side in the group A were significantly lower than those of group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months(P<0.05).(3)The Oswestry disability index scores of both groups at postoperative 3 day were significantly lower than preoperative score(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the two groups 3 days after operation.Oswestry disability index scores of group A at postoperative 3 and 6 months were significantly decreased than preoperative score(P<0.05).The Oswestry disability index scores of group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months did not show significant differences than preoperative score(P>0.05).The comparison between the two groups showed the Oswestry disability index scores of group A were significantly lower than group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months(P<0.05).(4)The results of modified Macnab showed that the excellent and good rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B(95%,78%,P<0.05).(5)It is indicated that the hybrid technique is a new spinal endoscopy technique,which has the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery as a minimally invasive surgery.The clinical outcome of hybrid technique is superior to that of uniportal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptoms.Additionally,it also has the advantages of good operational flexibility and high decompression efficiency as an open surgery.
4.Withanolide derivatives from Physalis angulata var. villosa and their cytotoxic activities.
Peng WANG ; Jue YANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Jun JIN ; Meijun CHEN ; Xiaojiang HAO ; Chunmao YUAN ; Ping YI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):762-768
A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the leaves and twigs of Physalis angulata. var. villosa resulted in the isolation of 23 withanolide derivatives, including one novel 13,20-γ-lactone withanolide derivative (1) and three new withanolide derivatives (2-4). Architecturally, physalinin A (1) represents the first identified type B withanolide featuring a 13,20-γ-lactone moiety. The molecular structures of all isolates were elucidated using an integrated approach combining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations to confirm structural assignments. The antiproliferative activities of all isolated withanolides were evaluated against four human cancer cell lines (HEL, HCT-116, Colo320DM, and MDA-MB-231). Among them, eight derivatives (2, 5-8, 14, 15, and 23) exhibited significant inhibitory effects, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.18 ± 0.03 to 17.02 ± 0.21 μmol·L-1. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis suggested that the presence of an epoxide ring enhances anticancer activity, potentially through increased reactivity or specific interactions with molecular targets involved in cancer progression. These findings underscore the pharmacological potential of withanolides as promising lead compounds for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics.
Withanolides/isolation & purification*
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Physalis/chemistry*
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Humans
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Molecular Structure
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Cell Line, Tumor
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Plant Leaves/chemistry*
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Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
5.Application of BOPPPS combined with DOPS in anesthesiology teaching under the background of medical-educational collaboration
Di LIU ; Gang LIU ; Meijun SHEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Nannan SONG ; Congli ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(3):310-314,322
Objective:To explore the application of BOPPPS(Bridge-in,Objective,Pre-assessment,Participatory Learning,Post-assessment,Summary)combined with Direct Observation of Procedural Skills(DOPS)in anesthesiology teaching under the background of medical-educational collaboration.Methods:A total of 60 students majoring in anesthesiology were selected as the research objects.A total of 30 students in grade 2018 were enrolled in the control group and receired traditional teaching mode.A total of 30 students in grade 2019 were enrolled in the research group and received BOPPPS teaching mode.The assessment of the internship after graduation for both groups adopted the DOPS assessment mode.Two groups of students were subject to pre-enrollment assessment,including process evaluations,such as theoretical class attendance,classroom interaction,pre-test scores,post-test scores,and the final theoretical test score.A comprehensive evaluation of teachers'teaching effect was conducted.When the two groups were discharged from the department,in addition to the assessment of professional theoretical knowledge of anesthesia and the operation of conventional anesthesia skills,they also underwent nine DOPS assessments.Results:There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the attendance(P>0.05).The classroom interaction,pre-test scores,post-test scores,final test scores and total test scores in the study group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).In terms of comprehensive evaluation of teaching effect,there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the evaluation of teachers'teaching attitude(P>0.05).However,the research group reported higher satisfaction in teaching skills,methods,student-teacher interaction,and classroom engagement(P<0.05).Both the theoretical and practical scores in the research group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The DOPS assessment results showed that the research group was superior to the control group in terms of indication mastery,operation completion,teamwork and problem-solving ability,and comprehensive ability performance(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application effect of BOPPPS combined with DOPS in anesthesiology teaching is better than the conventional teaching mode.
6.Prediction of Shared Target Genes in Cardiac Complications Induced by IAV and SARS-CoV-2 Using Machine Learning and Validation in H1N1 Infection Models
Yuansheng LIAO ; Heng LI ; Yun LIAO ; Yunguang HU ; Anguo YIN ; Meijun KONG ; Longding LIU ; Ying ZHANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(5):75-88
Objective To predict and preliminarily validate potential shared key genes involved in cardiac complications caused by influenza A virus(IAV)and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infections.Methods Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)associated with cardiac complications were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.A hierarchical intersection strategy was applied.First,cardiac complication related DEGs were overlapped with 2 independent virus related gene sets:3 454 human genes linked to IAV infection in GeneCards and 333 human protein-coding genes interacting with SARS-CoV-2 in the Human Protein Atlas.The 2 overlap results were then intersected to yield 22 hub genes.Lasso regression,random forest(RF)and support vector machine algorithms(SVM)were employed to refine this list.Predicted genes were validated in vitro in H1N1-infected human cardiomyocyte AC16 cells and in vivo in IFITM3 knockout mice challenged with H1N1,assessing transcriptional changes.Results A total of 22 hub genes were identified through integrative bioinformatics analysis.Application of the 3 machine learning algorithms resulted in 5 common key genes:ACE2,TBK1,NUP210,PUSL1,and MEPCE.In vitro infection of AC16 cells with H1N1 revealed dynamic transcriptional changes in all 5 genes post-infection(P<0.05).In vivo experiments using H1N1-infected IFITM3 knockout mice confirmed the dynamic mRNA expression changes of these 5 genes,consistent with the in vitro results(P<0.05).Conclusion By combining multilayered bioinformatics analysis with 3 machine learning approaches,5 common key genes are identified:ACE2,TBK1,NUP210,PUSL1 and MEPCE.Validation in H1N1 infection models confirms their relevance to IAV-induced cardiac complications.
7.Role and mechanisms of histone methylation in osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of dental mesenchymal stem cells.
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):24-24
Dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are pivotal for tooth development and periodontal tissue health and play an important role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because of their multidirectional differentiation potential and self-renewal ability. The cellular microenvironment regulates the fate of stem cells and can be modified using various optimization techniques. These methods can influence the cellular microenvironment, activate disparate signaling pathways, and induce different biological effects. "Epigenetic regulation" refers to the process of influencing gene expression and regulating cell fate without altering DNA sequences, such as histone methylation. Histone methylation modifications regulate pivotal transcription factors governing DMSCs differentiation into osteo-/odontogenic lineages. The most important sites of histone methylation in tooth organization were found to be H3K4, H3K9, and H3K27. Histone methylation affects gene expression and regulates stem cell differentiation by maintaining a delicate balance between major trimethylation sites, generating distinct chromatin structures associated with specific downstream transcriptional states. Several crucial signaling pathways associated with osteogenic differentiation are susceptible to modulation via histone methylation modifications. A deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing histone methylation modifications in osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and immune-inflammatory responses of DMSCs will facilitate further investigation of the epigenetic regulation of histone methylation in DMSC-mediated tissue regeneration and inflammation. Here is a concise overview of the pivotal functions of epigenetic histone methylation at H3K4, H3K9, and H3K27 in the regulation of osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and renewal of DMSCs in both non-inflammatory and inflammatory microenvironments. This review summarizes the current research on these processes in the context of tissue regeneration and therapeutic interventions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology*
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Humans
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Osteogenesis/genetics*
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Histones/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation/physiology*
;
Methylation
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Odontogenesis/genetics*
;
Epigenesis, Genetic
8.Epimedii Folium flavonoids: A double-edged sword effect on the liver, a dual exploration of efficacy and toxicity.
Meijun YUE ; Yanlu LIU ; Xiaoan FENG ; Bo CAO ; Xiaofei FEI ; Guohui LI ; Chunyu LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101269-101269
Flavonoids, the key active compounds in Epimedii Folium, have both protective and toxic effects on the liver. Their hepatoprotective effects are associated with reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, which contribute to the management of various liver conditions. In contrast, the mechanisms driving Epimedii Folium-induced hepatotoxicity are less understood but likely involve oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Pharmacokinetic studies, especially on icaritin, indicate that it undergoes isopentenyl dehydrogenation, glycosylation, and glucuronidation in vivo, contributing to its pharmacological effects. However, intermediate metabolites of icaritin may interact with biomolecules, potentially leading to liver toxicity. This review offers a detailed examination of the dual effects of Epimedii Folium flavonoids on liver function, emphasizing recent discoveries in their hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic pathways. We also summarize and discuss the pharmacokinetics of these flavonoids, highlighting how their metabolism affects therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. Lastly, we propose strategies to mitigate liver injury, providing new perspectives on the safe use of Epimedii Folium.
9.Expression Levels and Clinical Significance of Serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 in Children With Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection Accompanied by Airway Hyperresponsiveness
Ye JIN ; Meijun ZHU ; Lei SONG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(4):1089-1097
Objective To analyze the expression levels and the clinical significance of serum interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)infection accompanied by airway hyperresponsiveness(AHR).Methods A total of 120 children diagnosed with MP infection pneumonia and admitted to Nantong First People's Hospital between June 2022 and April 2024 were enrolled in the study group.According to whether their MP infection pneumonia was accompanied by AHR,the participants were divided into an AHR group(n=41)and a non-AHR group(n=79).An additional 90 healthy children undergoing physical examination were included in the control group.Baseline data,fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO),tidal breathing lung function—including the ratio of volume at peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory volume(VPTEF/VE),the ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to total expiratory time(TPTEF/TE),and inspiratory-to-expiratory time ratio(TI/TE)—as well as the levels of serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 were compared among the 3 groups.The correlation between serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 and clinical data of children with MP infection pneumonia accompanied by AHR was analyzed.Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent influencing factors of AHR in children with MP infection pneumonia.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic value of serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 for MP infection pneumonia accompanied by AHR in children.Results Significant differences were observed among the AHR,non-AHR,and control groups in white blood cell(WBC)count,neutrophil percentage,eosinophil(EOS)count,platelet(PLT)count,C-reactive protein(CRP),FeNO,VPTEF/VE,TPTEF/TE,TI/TE,forced vital capacity(FVC),and forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV?)(all P<0.05).Serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 levels showed significant differences among the 3 groups(P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that these cytokines were positively correlated with WBC count,neutrophil percentage,EOS count,CRP,and FeNO(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with VPTEF/VE,TPTEF/TE,TI/TE,FVC,and FEV1(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis identified neutrophil percentage(odds ratio[OR]=1.923;95%CI,1.496-2.472),EOS count(OR=3.074;95%CI,1.228-7.693),CRP(OR=2.382;95%CI,1.854-3.061),FeNO(OR=1.931;95%CI,1.635-2.281),VPTEF/VE(OR=0.294;95%CI,0.200-0.432),TPTEF/TE(OR=0.358;95%CI,0.177-0.722),TI/TE(OR=0.399;95%CI,0.221-0.722),IL-4(OR=1.064;95%CI,1.019-1.111),IL-5(OR=1.234;95%CI,1.095-1.390),IL-6(OR=1.013;95%CI,1.001-1.025),IL-13(OR=1.058;95%CI,1.005-1.113),IL-17(OR=1.759;95%CI,1.293-2.393),and allergy history(OR=2.989;95%CI,1.058-8.447)as independent factors associated with with AHR in children with MP infection pneumonia(P<0.05).ROC curves revealed that the areas under the ROC curves(AUC)of serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13 and IL-17 for predicting AHR in children with MP infection pneumonia were 0.815,0.769,0.782,0.793,and 0.815,respectively,with the sensitivities being 85.37%,75.61%,87.80%,75.61%,and 80.49%,and 95%CI being 0.739-0.892,0.677-0.861,0.679-0.867,0.715-0.882 and 0.732-0.899,respectively.Conclusion The levels of serum IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-13,and IL-17 in children with MP infection pneumonia and AHR are abnormally elevated.These cytokines may serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing the risk of AHR in children with MP infection pneumonia.
10.Construction and evaluation of spleen-deficiency hyperlipidemia mouse models
Lijuan CHEN ; Xinxue GAO ; Jin WU ; Ying DU ; Meijun LYU ; Guoyuan SUI ; Lianqun JIA ; Guowei PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(29):6237-6242
BACKGROUND:Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in preventing and treating spleen-deficiency and hyperlipidemia.In basic studies,models of spleen-deficiency and hyperlipidemia are commonly found in rats,pigs,and other animals.This has limitations for medical research that can only use mouse models.It is urgent to establish and evaluate mouse models of spleen-deficiency and hyperlipidemia to support basic research on traditional Chinese medicine in preventing and treating spleen-deficiency and hyperlipidemia.OBJECTIVE:To establish a mouse model of spleen-deficiency hyperlipidemia.METHODS:Totally 24 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group(n=12)and spleen-deficiency hyperlipemia group(n=12).Mice in normal group were fed basic diet.Mice in the spleen-deficiency hyperlipemia group were prepared with a diet disorder+fatigue internal injury+high-fat feeding method to establish a spleen-deficiency high-fat model.In the first 2 weeks,the mice were forced to swim to their endurance limit on a single day and were only fed cabbage,with free access to water.They were also gavaged with refined lard+high-fat feed on two-day intervals.After 2 weeks,the mice were fed a high-fat diet every day and the diet continued until 12 weeks.The mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 4 and 12 weeks,and their body weight,food intake,gripping strength,fecal water content,small intestinal charcoal propulsion rate,serum D-xylose and gastrin levels,spleen index and thymus index,blood lipid level,total body fat mass,body fat percentage,and liver lipid deposition were tested.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the body weight,fecal water content,total body fat mass,body fat percentage,triglyceride and total cholesterol levels of the mice in the spleen-deficiency hyperlipemia group fed with high-fat diet for 4 and 12 weeks were increased(P<0.05);the daily food intake,gripping force,and D-xylose level of the mice fed with high-fat diet for 4 and 12 weeks were decreased(P<0.05);the spleen index of the mice fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks was increased(P<0.05);the small intestinal carbon propulsion rate,gastrin level,spleen index,and thymus index of the mice fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks were decreased(P<0.05);the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of the mice fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks was increased(P<0.05).(2)The results of liver oil red O staining showed that the lipid deposition in the spleen-deficiency hyperlipemia group after 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding was slightly more than that in the normal group,and the lipid deposition in the high-fat diet feeding for 12 weeks was significantly more than that in the normal group.(3)The results show that a stable spleen deficiency and hyperlipidemia mouse model can be prepared by the compound method of eating disorders,exhaustion,and high-fat feeding.

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