1.Effect of Modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway on Synoviocyte Pyroptosis in Rabbit Models of Knee Osteoarthritis
Zifeng YE ; Yiwei YUAN ; Liguo QIU ; Xuyi TAN ; Liang OU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Min LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):170-179
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of action of the modified Duhuo Jisheng Mixture (JDJM) in treating synovial lesions in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 43 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into a blank group (n=8) and a model group (n=35). The KOA model was induced by immobilizing the right hind limb with a high-molecular resin plaster bandage, with a modeling period of 6 weeks, resulting in successful modeling in 32 rabbits. These rabbits were then randomly allocated to the model group, celecoxib group, JDJM group and JDJM+740Y-P group, each consisting of 8 rabbits. The celecoxib group received celecoxib via gavage at a single dose of 0.009 3 g·kg-1, while the JDJM was administered a single dose of 6.8 mL·kg-1 (4.515 2 g·kg-1) of the herbal preparation via gavage. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway activator + JDJM group received 4.515 2 g·kg-1 of the herbal preparation via gavage along with an auricular vein injection of 0.15 μmol·kg-1 740Y-P. For a period of 6 weeks, the remaining groups received an equal volume of physiological saline via gavage daily. After the medication period, the knee joint pain threshold and circumference were measured, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the pathological changes in the synovial tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-18) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the joint fluid. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the synovial tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed to assess the protein expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. Western blot was carried out to analyze the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in knee joint circumference and decrease in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was higher (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid significantly increased (P<0.01). PI3K, Akt, mTOR phosphorylation as well as mRNA and protein expression increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD also significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the celecoxib and JDJM groups exhibited a significant reduction in knee joint circumference and increase in pain threshold, the synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the JDJM group, the JDJM+740Y-P group showed a decrease in the improvement of synovial lesions, an increase in knee joint circumference, and a decrease in pain threshold. The synovial tissue pathology score was lower (P<0.05), and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the joint fluid were higher (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD increased (P<0.01). ConclusionJDJM is effective in treating KOA. Its mechanism may involve modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in synovial tissues, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing inflammatory factor release, and protecting bony structures.
2.Effect of neferine on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease cells
Cuiqing CHEN ; Chenchen TAN ; Diancui WANG ; Min JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):197-202
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neferine (NEF) on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) cells by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway, and explore the mechanism of this drug to improve PD. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 100 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) for 24 h to construct a PD cell model. PD model cells were divided into model group (PD group), NEF low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (NEF-L, NEF-M, NEF-H group, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L), and high concentration of NEF+AMPK inhibitor group (NEF-H+Compound C group, 10.0 μmol/L NEF+50 μmol/L Compound C). The cells treated without MPP+ and NEF were used as the control group. The ultrastructure of the cells in each group was observed; the amount of autophagosomes, survival rate, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the protein expressions of Caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1, as well as the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, AMPK and ULK1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with PD group, the amount of autophagosomes in NEF-L, NEF-M and NEF-H groups was increased, and membrane potential was increased; survival rate, LC3- Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, protein expression of Beclin-1, and protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1 were significantly increased or up-regulated; the apoptotic rate, protein expressions of Caspase-3 and p62, and protein phosphorylation level of mTOR were significantly decreased or down-regulated, and the above improvements were in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the above improvement effect of high concentration of NEF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS NEF can promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of PD model cells by up-regulating protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1, and down-regulating protein phosphorylation level of mTOR, thus playing a protective role in nerve cells.
3.Effect of neferine on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease cells
Cuiqing CHEN ; Chenchen TAN ; Diancui WANG ; Min JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):197-202
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neferine (NEF) on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) cells by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway, and explore the mechanism of this drug to improve PD. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 100 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) for 24 h to construct a PD cell model. PD model cells were divided into model group (PD group), NEF low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (NEF-L, NEF-M, NEF-H group, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L), and high concentration of NEF+AMPK inhibitor group (NEF-H+Compound C group, 10.0 μmol/L NEF+50 μmol/L Compound C). The cells treated without MPP+ and NEF were used as the control group. The ultrastructure of the cells in each group was observed; the amount of autophagosomes, survival rate, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the protein expressions of Caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1, as well as the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, AMPK and ULK1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with PD group, the amount of autophagosomes in NEF-L, NEF-M and NEF-H groups was increased, and membrane potential was increased; survival rate, LC3- Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, protein expression of Beclin-1, and protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1 were significantly increased or up-regulated; the apoptotic rate, protein expressions of Caspase-3 and p62, and protein phosphorylation level of mTOR were significantly decreased or down-regulated, and the above improvements were in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the above improvement effect of high concentration of NEF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS NEF can promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of PD model cells by up-regulating protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1, and down-regulating protein phosphorylation level of mTOR, thus playing a protective role in nerve cells.
4.Design, synthesis and anti-Alzheimer's disease activity evaluation of cinnamyl triazole compounds
Wen-ju LEI ; Zhong-di CAI ; Lin-jie TAN ; Mi-min LIU ; Li ZENG ; Ting SUN ; Hong YI ; Rui LIU ; Zhuo-rong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):150-163
19 cinnamamide/ester-triazole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. Among them, compound
5.Enhancing medical student training during psychiatry clerkship through a school-based mental health approach: a qualitative study
Sylas Sebastian Neela SEKHAR ; Tan Ming GUI ; Nicholas Pang Tze PING ; Koh Yunn MIN
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2025;37(2):133-142
Purpose:
This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting.
Methods:
The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development.
Results:
Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management.
Conclusion
The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.
6.Enhancing medical student training during psychiatry clerkship through a school-based mental health approach: a qualitative study
Sylas Sebastian Neela SEKHAR ; Tan Ming GUI ; Nicholas Pang Tze PING ; Koh Yunn MIN
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2025;37(2):133-142
Purpose:
This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting.
Methods:
The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development.
Results:
Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management.
Conclusion
The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.
7.Epidemiological trends analysis of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023
TAN Min, CHANG Litao, ZHANG Wanyue, HUANG Dafeng, LIU Chunyan, ZHANG Lifang, YANG Yanling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):737-740
Objective:
To analyze epidemiological trends and changing characteristics of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023, so as to provide evidence for the comprehensive prevention and control of syphilis in schools.
Methods:
The case data of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The Joinpoint regression model was used to conduct a time trend analysis of the reported incidence rate of syphilis.
Results:
From 2005 to 2023, a cumulative total of 3 191 cases of syphilis were reported in schools in Yunnan Province(1 248 male cases and 1 943 female cases). The reported incidence rate rose continuously from 0.17/100 000 in 2005 to 8.26/100 000 in 2023, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 24.89%( Z =13.18, P <0.01). The reported incidence rate was higher in female students than in male students ( χ 2=229.48, P <0.05). The incidence rates in the primary school, junior high school, senior high school and higher education were 0.21/100 000, 2.42/100 000, 4.45/100 000 and 6.29/100 000 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=3 432.84, P <0.05). The average annual growth rate was the highest in the junior high school stage(AAPC= 30.68% , Z =7.57, P <0.05),followed by the senior high school stage (AAPC=24.28%, Z = 5.70 , P <0.05).The reported incidence rate of primary and secondary syphilis increased from 0.12/100 000 in 2005 to 2.06/ 100 000 in 2023, with an AAPC of 16.86% ( Z = 4.57, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall reported incidence rate of syphilis among students in schools in Yunnan Province shows a sustained upward trend, with the most rapid annual increase observed in junior high schools. Schools should prioritize syphilis education and expand awareness campaigns to curb transmission.
8.Enhancing medical student training during psychiatry clerkship through a school-based mental health approach: a qualitative study
Sylas Sebastian Neela SEKHAR ; Tan Ming GUI ; Nicholas Pang Tze PING ; Koh Yunn MIN
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2025;37(2):133-142
Purpose:
This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting.
Methods:
The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development.
Results:
Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management.
Conclusion
The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.
9.Enhancing medical student training during psychiatry clerkship through a school-based mental health approach: a qualitative study
Sylas Sebastian Neela SEKHAR ; Tan Ming GUI ; Nicholas Pang Tze PING ; Koh Yunn MIN
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2025;37(2):133-142
Purpose:
This study evaluated a school-based mental health program within a psychiatry clerkship to enhance medical students’ competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and adaptability. The program aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical skills through experiential learning in a real-world, community-based setting.
Methods:
The study utilized convenience sampling to select 32 medical students from the 2023–2024 psychiatry clerkship cohort. Four focus group discussions, each lasting 60–90 minutes, provided qualitative data, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in Atlas.ti (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Germany) to identify themes related to professional development.
Results:
Five key themes emerged, highlighting significant gains in context-sensitive communication, empathy, and mental health literacy specific to adolescent issues. The students reported increased clinical confidence, enhanced resilience through psychological techniques such mindfulness and motivational interviewing, and benefited from sustained engagement and peer support, fostering collaboration and stress management.
Conclusion
The school-based mental health program enhanced essential competencies in mental health literacy, empathy, communication, and practical skills for medical students. By integrating experiential learning into medical education, the program addressed training gaps, equipping future healthcare providers with the skills necessary for holistic and patient-centered mental healthcare across diverse clinical settings. The approach showed potential for broader applications in medical education to prepare students for comprehensive mental health support skills.
10.Investigation on an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis at a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):878-882
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province, in order to provide a scientific evidence for effective prevention and control of campus AHC outbreaks.
Methods:
From September 1st to 28th 2023, case identification was conducted among 559 students and 60 faculty members using standardized definition. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the three distrubution patterns of the outbreak. Questionnaires were designed, and a case-control study was adopted to analyze the possible risk factors of the disease transmission. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to control the difference of baseline data.
Results:
A total of 269 cases of AHC were identified, with an attack rate of 43.46%. The pathogen was confirmed as Coxsackie virus A24 variant (CA24v). Among these, 264 cases were students (attack rate of 47.23%) and 5 were staff (attack rate of 8.33%). A total of 153 pairs of PSM were successfully matched. After PSM matching, there were no statistically significant differences in gender, grade and class between the case group and the control group ( χ 2=0.12, 5.41, 11.24, P >0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that middle school students whose towels contacted with others ( OR =1.81), and direct contact with other AHC cases recently ( OR =4.89) were more likely to have AHC; while wearing glasses ( OR =0.43) and frequent use of hand sanitizer ( OR = 0.37 ) were less likely to have AHC ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
The outbreak of AHC is caused by CA24v, demonstrating rapid spread and extensive impact within the school setting.


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