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.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*
;
Histones/metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation/physiology*
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Methylation
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Odontogenesis/genetics*
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Epigenesis, Genetic
5.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.
6.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*
;
Physalis/chemistry*
;
Humans
;
Molecular Structure
;
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*
7.Evaluation of ICD data quality utilizing DQA model
Meijun DENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Guangming TAN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(5):701-704,708
Objective To systematically evaluate the ICD coding data on the front page of inpatient medical records filed out by clinicians,and to analyze the quality of ICD codes reasonably,objectively and comprehensively by employing the 3×3 Da-ta Quality Assessment(3×3 DQA)model.Methods A total of 1 410 medical records from a tertiary women and children's hospital between June 2021 to July 2024 were randomly selected.Based on the 3×3 DQA model,the data quality of ICD codes for diagnosis and surgical procedures on the front pages filed out by clinicians was assessed.Results Among 1,410 medical re-cords reviewed,778 had defects,resulting in a total defect rate of 55.18%,including a completeness defect rate of 32.98%and an accuracy defect rate of 30.57%.Totally,a total of 9 302 ICD codes were reviewed,among which 1 254 had defects,with a total defect rate of 13.48%.The defect rates for the principal diagnosis,other diagnosis,principal operation,and other operation were 22.20%,17.72%,4.53%and 4.92%,respectively.For diagnostic ICD codes,the completeness defect rate was relative-ly high,while for surgical ICD codes,the accuracy defect rate was higher.In terms of specialties,there were statistically signifi-cant differences in the overall defect rates among gynecology,obstetrics,and pediatrics,with pediatrics and gynecology having defect rates higher than the overall average.Conclusion The quality of ICD code data on the front page of medical records filed out by clinicians is suboptimal,and there are differences in data quality across different specialties and ICD categories.There-fore,it is still necessary to conduct research on the supervision and improvement measures for ICD data quality in hospital medical record management.
8.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.
9.Rehabilitation effect of electromyographic biofeedback therapy combined with intelligent Tongluo therapeutic apparatus on upper limb dysfunction in stroke patients with hemiplegia
Meijun CHEN ; Jinhong ZHENG ; Meichun WANG ; Yue'e ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):415-420
Objective To investigate the rehabilitation outcome in hemiplegic stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction treated with electromyographic(EMG)biofeedback therapy in combination with an intelligent Tongluo therapeutic apparatus.Methods A total of 132 stroke patients with hemiplegia were chosen and divided into observation group and control group according to the rehabilitation strategies,with 66 cases in each group.Control group was treated with EMG biofeedback therapy,while observation group was given the integrated therapy of EMG biofeedback therapy and intelligent Tongluo therapeutic apparatus.The two groups were compared for motor function of the hemiplegic upper limb(shoulder,hand and wrist muscle),integrated electromyography(iEMG)in the affected limb flexion and extension(biceps brachii and triceps brachii),range of motion of the shoulder joint(abduction,external rotation,internal rotation)and Barthel index of activities of daily living(ADL).Results The differences in the iEMG of biceps brachii and triceps brachii of the elbow joint,motor function of the hemiplegic upper limb,range of motion of the shoulder joint and ADL between two groups before treatment were trivial(P>0.05).The treatment in observation group increased the iEMG of biceps brachii and triceps brachii in elbow flexion(P<0.05),decreased the iEMG of biceps brachii in elbow extension but increased the iEMG of triceps brachii in elbow extension(P<0.05),and these improvements were more significant than those in control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores for shoulder function,hand function,and wrist muscle function in observation group increased from(12.23±2.76)to(26.77±4.28),(6.54±1.34)to(15.35±2.46),and(2.36±0.46)to(8.13±2.52),and the scores of the above indexes were higher than those in control group(P<0.05).The shoulder abduction,external rotation and internal rotation ranges of motion in observation group after treatment were greater than those before treatment[(90.77±8.35)° vs(61.23±6.35)°,(45.36±5.33)° vs(26.33±4.65)°,(52.55±5.86)° vs(32.44±3.87)°],and the observation group had greater shoulder ranges of motion than control group(P<0.05).The ADL score in observation group after treatment was higher than that before treatment[(62.45±5.25)vs(33.35±4.85),P<0.05],and it was also higher than that in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion EMG biofeedback therapy combined with intelligent Tongluo therapeutic apparatus can effectively improve the iEMG in the affected limb flexion and extension,enhance the ranges of motion of the shoulder joint,and ultimately improve the upper limb motor function and life quality of hemiplegic stroke patients.
10.Effects of Huayu-Qutan formula-medicated serum on de novo fatty acid synthesis in HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid via endoplasmic reticulum stress
Ying DU ; Nan SONG ; Meijun LÜ ; Ying WANG ; Ying YANG ; Jie WANG ; Lian-qun JIA
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(10):1983-1992
AIM:The study aims to investigate the effects of Huayu-Qutan formula(HYQT)-medicated serum on oleic acid-induced lipid damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)in HepG2 cells,and to explore the mecha-nism underlying the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders by HYQT.METHODS:The HepG2 cells were treated with various concentrations of oleic acid,and CCK8 assay,oil red O staining and ELISA were used to identify the optimal treatment concentration and time of oleic acid and HYQT-medicated serum.Moreover,the cells were divided into control,model,thapsigargin(Tg),and Tg+HYQT groups.Cellular lipid deposition was measured using oil red O staining,while triglyceride(TG)and free fatty acid(FFA)levels were assessed by ELISA.Transmission electron micros-copy was used to examine endoplasmic reticulum structures,and RT-qPCR and Wes fully automated protein quantification analysis system were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c(SREBP1c),acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase(ACC1),fatty acid synthase(FAS)and stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1(SCD1)in different groups.RESULTS:Significant lipid deposition was induced in HepG2 cells after treatment with 1 000 μmol/L oleic acid,while treatment with serum containing 10%HYQT for 48 h was found to be optimal.Compared with control group,the cells in model group showed significant deposition of oil red O-stained lipid droplets in the cytoplasm,associated with endoplasmic reticulum expansion,ERS,and nuclear condensa-tion.The TG and FFA levels,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,SREBP1c,ACC1,FAS and SCD1 were increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the cells treated with HYQT-mediated serum showed marked decrease in the number of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm,with restored endoplasmic reticulum morphology.The TG and FFA levels were significantly reduced(P<0.01),and the mRNA and protein levels of factors related to ERS and de novo fatty acid synthesis were markedly decreased(P<0.01).Treatment with Tg,an ERS agonist,led to greater accu-mulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and increased endoplasmic reticulum expansion.Marked variations in the morpholo-gy and size of the endoplasmic reticulum were observed,with fusion and clustering of vacuoles.The TG and FFA levels,and the expression of ERS-and fatty acid synthesis-related factors were increased(P<0.01).Compared with Tg group,the cells treated with Tg+HYQT showed reduced number of cytoplasmic lipid droplets,attenuated endoplasmic reticulum dilation,and decreased number and volume of vacuoles,while the TG and FFA levels and the expression of ERS-and fatty acid synthesis-associated factors were significantly decreased(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Serum containing HYQT alle-viates oleic acid-induced lipid damage in HepG2 cells by inhibiting ERS-induced de novo synthesis of fatty acids.

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