1.Curzerene Ameliorates Depression-Like Behaviors and Cognitive Impairment by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and HMGB1/RAGE/ TLR4 Pathway
Fengjing HUANG ; Xiaohong MA ; Xiao XU ; Jingwen ZHANG ; Chunlai WANG ; Ruoxi SONG ; Xiangxiang WANG ; Mingxing CHEN ; Yu QI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(1):174-188
Curzerene, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Curcuma Radix, exhibits various therapeutic effects, such as anti-tumor and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. However, its neuroprotective effects have not yet been reported. This study focused on exploring the neuroprotective effect of curzerene and elucidating its potential mechanism by combining molecular biotechnology with multi-omics approaches. Curzerene was orally administered to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice for 14 days, and the related biochemical parameters were evaluated. The possible mechanisms were elucidated using qRT-PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence, untargeted metabolomics, GC-MS and 16S rDNA comprehensively. Curzerene ameliorated depression symptoms and cognitive impairment by increasing the preference for sucrose in SPT and the central area and total distance traveled in OFT, reducing the immobility time in TST and FST, as well as rising the spontaneous alternation ratio in Y maze. Multiple molecular biology techniques analyses indicated the ameliorative effect of curzerene via HMGB1/RAGE/ TLR4 pathway. Moreover, curzerene primarily regulates purine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, etc. Furthermore, intervention increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Clostridia_UCG-014_unclassified, and Rhodospirillales_unclassified, and enhanced the production of SCFAs. This work demonstrated that curzerene effectively protects against LPS-induced neurological damage, potentially by inhibiting the HMGB1/ RAGE/TLR4 pathway through the restoration of gut microbiota homeostasis, modulation of metabolites, and enhancement of SCFAs. In conclusion, this study offers new perspectives on the therapeutic possibilities of curzerene in mitigating depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway to Treat Colorectal Cancer: A Review
Mingxing WANG ; Wanhui DONG ; Baorui ZHANG ; Tong LAI ; Aixin LIU ; Qingming SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):278-287
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although preventive colonoscopy screening has improved the survival rate of CRC patients in the past few years, there are still many patients diagnosed after symptoms appear. The surgery for CRC carries high risks and high recurrence, and ideal therapies remain to be developed. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway has become a focus of research due to its central role in cellular activities. As a classic oncogenic pathway, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway offers new possibilities for diagnosing and treating various malignancies, and it paves a new way for developing therapies for CRC. This pathway not only participates in basic cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis but also plays a crucial role in immune responses and inflammation. Abnormal activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway is closely related to the occurrence and development of CRC. Studies have shown that the active components and compound prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis while promoting the apoptosis and autophagy of CRC cells by interfering with the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, this pathway may also play a role in regulating the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, thus influencing the effectiveness of tumor treatment and impeding the progression of CRC. In recent years, research results have been updated rapidly, and previous literature summaries have failed to incorporate the latest findings, creating obstacles to accessing current literature. Therefore, this article supplements and summarizes information from the definition of the JAK/STAT pathway, association of this pathway with CRC, and TCM intervention of CRC. This review aims to provide references for future development of molecular biology regarding CRC and the research and development of new drugs.
3.Research progress of technology in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery
Daosen ZHANG ; Haifeng CAO ; Mingxing WU ; Yuehong WANG ; Gangping ZHAO ; Hui ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1436-1440
Cataract is the world's leading cause of blindness, and surgery is the most effective treatment for cataract. With the development of femtosecond laser technology and ophthalmic surgical equipment, the application of femtosecond laser systems in cataract surgery is becoming increasingly widespread. It can be used in cataract surgery for corneal incisions, anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, arcuate incisions and other key operations. Compared to traditional surgery, femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery(FLACS)offers significant advantages in precision, safety and postoperative visual outcomes. Its clinical benefits have garnered growing recognition among ophthalmologists. However, the key technologies and high-precision equipment for FLACS remain predominantly controlled by Western countries. In China, the research in this field began later. This article reviews the technological advancements in FLACS, with a focus on femtosecond laser technology, optical coherence tomography(OCT), artificial intelligence, and clinical application progress. The objective is to provide theoretical foundations and practical insights for the development of ophthalmic medical technology in China.
4.Development of DUS Test Guidelines for New Pinellia ternata
Xinyao LI ; Mingxing WANG ; Bingbing LIAO ; Changjie CHEN ; Xiufu WAN ; Lanping GUO ; Yuhuan MIAO ; Dahui LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):225-233
Pinellia ternata, belonging to the Pinellia genus within the Araceae family, is a medicinal plant due to its tubers. There are severe issues with unclear germplasm and mixed varieties in its cultivation, necessitating urgent new variety protection efforts. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing of the plant variety is the basis for protecting new plant varieties, and the DUS test guidelines are the technical basis for DUS testing. To develop the DUS test guidelines for P. ternata, agronomic traits of 229 germplasm of P. ternata were observed and measured during its two growth stages over the years, and each character was graded and described. A total of 38 traits were selected as the test traits of the DUS test guideline for P. ternata. There were three plant traits, 19 leaf traits, six flower traits, two fruit traits, two tuber traits, five bulbil traits, and one ploidy trait. These traits could be divided into 22 quality characters, 12 quantitative characters, and four pseudo-quantitative characters, as well as seven groups, including plants, leaves, flowers, fruit, tubers, bulbils, and ploidy. By searching for standard traits, 10 standard varieties were ultimately determined. Preparing these guidelines will have great significance for reviewing and protecting P. ternata varieties, safeguarding breeders' rights, and promoting the development of the P. ternata industry.
5.Literature study on acupuncture acupoint prescription for prevention and treatment of urinary retention
Ruonan LIANG ; Yidan XU ; Yingdong WANG ; Qiang XI ; Jiwen QIU ; Xinju LI ; Chao CHEN ; Yi YU ; Zheng ZHU ; Kaiyuan DENG ; Yi GUO ; Mingxing ZHANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):69-74
Acute urinary retention(AUR)occurs frequently among astronauts on orbit.The current treatment is complex and easy to damage the urethra,which seriously affects the life and work of astronauts.In contrast,acupuncture,a traditional Chinese remedy,has shown promising results in managing urinary retention.However,the specific acupoints that could potentially prevent AUR remain uncertain due to the unique physiological conditions experienced by individuals in space compared to those on Earth.To address this gap,our research delved into the mechanisms of AUR and acupuncture within both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices.We conducted a thorough literature review from Pubmed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database and Chinese Medical Code database.A hierarchical evidence-scoring approach was utilized to analyze the included literatures,thus devised acupuncture protocols for the treatment of AUR.The outcomes of our study aim to establish a foundation for the application of acupuncture in managing AUR.
6.Literature research on acupoint prescriptions for acupuncture and moxibustion in the prevention of aerospace depression syndrome
Kaiyuan DENG ; Yawen TAO ; Yingdong WANG ; Yidan XU ; Qiang XI ; Jiwen QIU ; Xinju LI ; Ruonan LIANG ; Yi YU ; Hao LIU ; Peng ZHOU ; Mingxing ZHANG ; Yi GUO
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):305-311
Under the influence of long-term space flights and the confined space environment,it is very easy to induce space depression syndrome,mainly manifested as decreased emotional stability,sleep disorders,mental fatigue,etc.,which seriously affect the living conditions and working abilities of astronauts.The current treatment methods mainly focus on psychological support and drug intervention.Acupuncture has a good effect in treating depression.Therefore,starting from the TCM pathogenesis and modern medical pathogenesis of aerospace depression syndrome,we conducted literature retrieval from databases such as the Chinese Medical Classic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang,VIP,PubMed,and Web of science.For the included literature,we adopted the stratified evidence scoring method and combined the TCM mechanism and modern medical mechanism of the effect of acupuncture.A prescription for acupuncture points was constructed to provide a basis for selecting acupuncture points for the prevention of aerospace depression syndrome through acupuncture.
7.Research and prospect of Traditional Chinese Medicine in navigation and diving medicine
Yingdong WANG ; Mingxing ZHANG ; Yi YU ; Xin NIU ; Xin CHEN ; Jiwen QIU ; Yi GUO
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):312-316
The health problems of operators who are not adapted to the special environment of sailing and diving.Ships and submarines are far away from the coast,medical resources are limited,at present the main use of drugs to prevent and control related diseases,but the actual application of the effect is not ideal,many drugs in the treatment of disease at the same time,it will make the operating personnel to produce drowsiness,decreased concentration or drug allergies and other adverse reactions,affecting the implementation of the mission of long-distance voyage.Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the overall concept,can mobilize the body's self-repair ability,the ability to adapt to the external environment,in the prevention and treatment of disease at the same time,can regulate the body's internal organs function,safeguard the body's function,to ensure the effectiveness of the operator's work,and many of the interventions of traditional Chinese medicine is simple and easy to carry out,is not confined to the environmental limitations of the navigation and diving medicine has a very strong applicability.In this paper,we discuss the mechanism of Traditional Chinese medicine in the body under the environment of navigation and diving,summarize the current status of the application of Traditional Chinese medicine in navigation and diving medicine,and look forward to the future direction of the application of Traditional Chinese medicine,in order to provide a new way of thinking for the research of navigation and diving medicine with Chinese characteristics.
8.The research on effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on muscle strength reserve of calf muscles
Guoning HAN ; Yawen TAO ; Zheng ZHU ; Yingdong WANG ; Mingxing ZHANG ; Qiang XI ; Dan ZHOU ; Yi GUO ; Peng ZHOU ; Xin NIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Jiwen QIU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):356-361
Objective To investigate whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)can improve the muscle strength,endurance and work efficiency of calf muscles in healthy young men,aiming to explore a new method for preventing and combating microgravity-induced muscle atrophy in space environments.Methods 40 healthy young men aged 18-35 years were randomly divided into a Control group(Pseudo Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation)and a Experimental group(Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation)in a 1∶1 ratio,with 20 participants in each group.In the Control group,the indicator light of the stimulator was covered,and the device was turned on,but the electrodes did not contact the skin,The device automatically turned offafter 3 seconds.In the Experimental group,the TEAS device was connected to the current and TEAS intervention was performed.The electrical stimulation waveform was a sperse-dense wave with a frequency of 4/20 Hz,and the intensity was determined by patient tolerance.The acupoints selected for electrical stimulation in both groups were bilateral Zusanli(ST36)、Liangqiu(ST34),Taixi(KI3),and Fuliu(KI7).Zusanli and Liangqiu were paired,and Taixi and Fuliu were paired.The intervention frequency was 30 min/time,1 time/day,6 days/week,for 2 weeks.The relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s,and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral calf muscles were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at 0th,7th,and 14d day of the experiment.Results After 1 week of TEAS,compared with Control group,there were no significant changes in the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral anterior calf muscles in the Experimental group(all P>0.05);however,compared with Control group,the relative peak torque at 60°/s and the relative peak torque at 180°/s of the bilateral posterior calf muscles in the Experimental group were significantly increased(all P<0.05).After 2 weeks TEAS;compared with the Control group,there were no significant changes in the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral anterior calf muscles in the Experimental group(all P>0.05);however,the relative peak torque at 60°/s,relative peak torque at 180°/s,and average power at 180°/s of the bilateral posterior calf muscles were significantly increased in the Experimental group(all P<0.05).Conclusion TEAS of Zusanli,Liangqiu,Fuliu and Taixi acupoints on the lower limbs for 2 weeks can effectively improve the maximum muscle strength,endurance and work efficiency of the posterior calf muscles in healthy young men.
9.Ground-based experimental study of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for the treatment of mild-to-moderate insomnia
Yi YU ; Yingdong WANG ; Qiang XI ; Mingxing ZHANG ; Yi GUO
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(5):429-434
Objective To clarify the prescription of acupoints for preventing and controlling insomnia problems of astronauts in orbit and to verify its effectiveness through ground-based experiments,so as to provide reference for space-based applications.Methods 60 patients with mild to moderate insomnia were randomly divided into 30 cases each in the experimental group and the control group.The experimental group was treated with TEAS,and the acupoints were Neiguan,Waiguan,Shenmen,Hegu,Shenmai,Zhaohai,Taixi,and Sanyinjiao for 30 min/times every other day for 4 weeks;the control group was treated with waiting.The TEAS treatment was evaluated using Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),insomnia severity index(ISI),Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),Hamilton depression scale(HAMD),and indicators measured by the sleep monitor at pre-treatment,2-week,4-week,and 8-week follow-ups.Clinical efficacy for mild to moderate insomnia was assessed.Results The PSQI,ISI,and HAMD scores in the experimental group exhibited a decreasing trend during treatment and at follow-up,with significantly greater improvement compared to the control group(P<0.05).The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in HAMA scores than the control group at both the 4-week and 8-week follow-up assessments(P<0.05).Additionally,the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in reducing nighttime awakenings and enhancing sleep efficiency compared to the control group at the 4-week treatment mark(P<0.05).Conclusion TEAS Neiguan,Waiguan,Shenmen,Hegu,Shenmai,Zhaohai,Taixi and Sanyinjiao acupoints can significantly improve the sleep quality and anxiety and depression of patients with mild to moderate insomnia,and provide clinical data support for the prevention and treatment of insomnia in astronauts in orbit.
10.The correlation between serum inflammatory markers and short-term prognosis in patients with single-segment lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion treated by transforaminal endoscopic discectomy
Yiqi DENG ; Yongjie SUN ; Shidong ZOU ; Naiguo WANG ; Mingxing WANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(4):375-378
Objective To explore the correlation between serum inflammatory indicators and short-term prognosis in patients with single-segment lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion(LDH)treated by transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(TELD).Methods From January 2015 to June 2022,137 patients with single-segment LDH received TELD treatment.The levels of serum inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein(CRP),white blood cell count(WBC),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and procalcitonin(PCT)of the patients before the operation and 3 days after the operation,as well as surgical data such as anesthesia methods,operation time,and blood loss were collected.The time for patients to resume work was collected,and the pain relief and functional recovery of the patients were evaluated by using the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI).Pearson or Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to explore the correlations between demographic characteristics,inflammatory indicators,surgical data and short-term prognosis.Results The average time for patients to return to work was(3.55±2.13)months.There were statistically significant differences in the pain and functional scores at each time point compared with those at the previous time point(P<0.05).The CRP,WBC and PCT of the patients after the operation were significantly increased compared with those before the operation,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of CRP and PCT in patients 3 days after surgery were significantly positively correlated with VAS 6 months after surgery.The duration of symptoms and the CRP level 3 days after surgery were significantly positively correlated with ODI 6 months after surgery.BMI was significantly positively correlated with the time to return to work(P<0.05).Conclusion There is a certain correlation between the levels of serum inflammatory indicators in patients with single-segment LDH treated with TELD and the short-term prognosis.The increase of CRP and PCT 3 days after the operation may affect the rehabilitation process of the patients.

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