1.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis of Skeletal Muscle via PINK1 Pathways to Resist Exercise-induced Fatigue
Huani WEI ; Ting JIANG ; Juan PENG ; Chunxiang JING ; Wei LIU ; Huashan PAN ; Daorui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):31-39
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on exercise-induced fatigue and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank, model, low-, medium-, high-dose (4.1, 8.2, 16.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Buzhong Yiqitang, and vitamin C (0.04 g·kg-1) groups. The blank and model groups were administrated with normal saline. Each group was administrated with corresponding agents by gavage at a dose of 0.2 mL once a day. Except the blank group, other groups underwent a 6-weeks exhaustive swimming test under negative gravity. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected, and the thymus, spleen, liver, and kidney weights were measured. Serum levels of lactic acid (LD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed by kits to evaluate fatigue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes in the skeletal muscle. Electron microscopy was used to examine the skeletal muscle cell ultrastructure, with a focus on mitochondrial morphological changes. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ in skeletal muscle were determined by kits. The expression levels of key genes and proteins in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis pathways in the skeletal muscle were evaluated via Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), rises in serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.01), disarrangement of skeletal muscle, broken muscle fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle fiber gaps, abnormal morphological changes (increased vacuolated mitochondria and disappearance of cristae) of mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells, and decreased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the model group showed reduced content of ATP, weakened activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin), hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1 (HEY1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), sequestosome 1 (p62), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3B (LC3B) (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Buzhong Yiqitang prolonged the swimming exhaustion time (P<0.01), increased the weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.05, P<0.01). The skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showed neat arrangement, reduced inflammatory cells, intact mitochondria with dense cristae, and increased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showcased increased ATP content, enhanced activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, HEY1, LC3B, and Drp1 and mRNA level of HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated expression level of p62 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can prevent and treat exercise-induced fatigue by regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis of skeletal muscle via the HIF-1α/PINK1/Parkin and HIF-1α/HEY1/PINK1 signaling pathways.
2.Buzhong Yiqitang Regulates Mitochondrial Homeostasis of Skeletal Muscle via PINK1 Pathways to Resist Exercise-induced Fatigue
Huani WEI ; Ting JIANG ; Juan PENG ; Chunxiang JING ; Wei LIU ; Huashan PAN ; Daorui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):31-39
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on exercise-induced fatigue and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank, model, low-, medium-, high-dose (4.1, 8.2, 16.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Buzhong Yiqitang, and vitamin C (0.04 g·kg-1) groups. The blank and model groups were administrated with normal saline. Each group was administrated with corresponding agents by gavage at a dose of 0.2 mL once a day. Except the blank group, other groups underwent a 6-weeks exhaustive swimming test under negative gravity. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected, and the thymus, spleen, liver, and kidney weights were measured. Serum levels of lactic acid (LD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed by kits to evaluate fatigue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes in the skeletal muscle. Electron microscopy was used to examine the skeletal muscle cell ultrastructure, with a focus on mitochondrial morphological changes. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ in skeletal muscle were determined by kits. The expression levels of key genes and proteins in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis pathways in the skeletal muscle were evaluated via Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), rises in serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.01), disarrangement of skeletal muscle, broken muscle fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle fiber gaps, abnormal morphological changes (increased vacuolated mitochondria and disappearance of cristae) of mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells, and decreased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the model group showed reduced content of ATP, weakened activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05), up-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin), hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1 (HEY1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), sequestosome 1 (p62), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3B (LC3B) (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Buzhong Yiqitang prolonged the swimming exhaustion time (P<0.01), increased the weight gain rate (P<0.01) and thymus index (P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of LD, BUN, MDA, and CK (P<0.05, P<0.01). The skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showed neat arrangement, reduced inflammatory cells, intact mitochondria with dense cristae, and increased mitochondria. In addition, the skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showcased increased ATP content, enhanced activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅴ (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of PINK1, Parkin, HEY1, LC3B, and Drp1 and mRNA level of HIF-1α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated expression level of p62 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can prevent and treat exercise-induced fatigue by regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis of skeletal muscle via the HIF-1α/PINK1/Parkin and HIF-1α/HEY1/PINK1 signaling pathways.
3.Scientific analysis and usage reassessment of suspected medicinal cinnabar unearthed from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty.
Ning-Ning XU ; Ting-Yan REN ; Ming-Jie LI ; Pan XIAO ; Guo-Hui SHEN ; Ji-Qing BAI ; Qi LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2915-2923
Cinnabar(HgS) was widely used in ancient times for medicinal purposes, religious rituals, and pigments. A group of bright red powdery clumps was excavated from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty. Early studies considered the clumps as evidence of cinnabar's medicinal use during the Qin-Han period. This study employed a range of archaeometric techniques, including extended-depth-of-field stereo imaging, micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry FTIR, to systematically analyze the material composition and structural characteristics of these remains. The results revealed that the cinnabar particles were granular, finely ground, and tightly bound to silk matrix, with no detectable excipients typically associated with medicinal formulations. Micro-CT imaging indicated a well-preserved textile structure, with clear signs of sedimentary accumulation and mechanical damage. Based on historical and archaeological studies, this study suggested that these remains were more likely degraded accumulations of cinnabar-colored silk textiles rather than medicinal cinnabar. By clarifying the diversity of ancient cinnabar applications and preservation states, this study provides new insights for the archaeological identification of mineral medicinal materials and contributes to the standardized study of Chinese medicinal materials and understanding of the historical use of cinnabar.
History, Ancient
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China
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
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Archaeology
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history*
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Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
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Spectrum Analysis, Raman
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Mercury Compounds
4.Additional role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on the risk of osteoporosis in men with or without coronary heart disease: a real-world longitudinal study.
Jing ZENG ; Zi-Mo PAN ; Ting LI ; Ze-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Yan CAI ; Mei-Liang GONG ; Xin-Li DENG ; Sheng-Shu WANG ; Nan LI ; Miao LIU ; Chun-Lin LI
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(2):219-228
BACKGROUND:
Early control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial for reducing the progress of cardiovascular disease. However, its additional role to the risk of primary osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease was inconclusive. Our study aims to determine the association of LDL-C and its trajectories for osteoporosis risk in the middle-aged and aged men of China.
METHODS:
The retrospective cohort study of 1546 men aged 69.74 ± 11.30 years conducted in Beijing, China from 2015 to 2022. And the incidence of primary osteoporosis was annually recorded. LDL-C trajectories were further identified by latent class growth model using repeated measurements of LDL-C. The association of baseline LDL-C for osteoporosis was estimated using hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI in Cox proportional hazard model, while mean level and trajectories of LDL-C for osteoporosis were evaluated using odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI in logistic regression model.
RESULTS:
During the median 6.2-year follow-up period, 70 men developed primary osteoporosis. The higher level of baseline LDL-C (HR = 1.539, 95% CI: 1.012-2.342) and mean LDL-C (OR = 2.190, 95% CI: 1.443-3.324) were associated with higher risk of osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease after adjusted for covariates. Compared with those in the LDL-C trajectory of low-stable decrease, participants with medium-fluctuant trajectory, whose longitudinal LDL-C started with a medium LDL-C level and appeared an increase and then decrease, were negatively associated with osteoporosis risk (OR = 2.451, 95% CI: 1.152-5.216). And participants with initially high LDL-C level and then a rapid decrease demonstrated a tendency towards reduced risk (OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.212-2.437).
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated LDL-C level and its long-term fluctuation may increase the risk of primary osteoporosis in men. Early controlling a stable level of LDL-C is also essential for bone health.
5.Advancements and applications in radiopharmaceutical therapy.
Shiya WANG ; Mingyi CAO ; Yifei CHEN ; Jingjing LIN ; Jiahao LI ; Xinyu WU ; Zhiyue DAI ; Yuhan PAN ; Xiao LIU ; Xian LIU ; Liang-Ting LIN ; Jianbing WU ; Ji LIU ; Qifeng ZHONG ; Zhenwei YUAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):641-657
Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including 223Ra, 90Y, Lutetium-177 (177Lu), 212Pb, and Actinium-225 (225Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans
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Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use*
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Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
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Radioisotopes/therapeutic use*
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Animals
6.Effect of exercise prescription intervention among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
WEN Jinbo ; ZHANG Ting ; ZHAO Qian ; LIU Jing ; SUN Zhongming ; HOU Jianbin ; LU Zhengquan ; XU Yuting ; MA Xinxiong ; PAN Enchun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(12):1211-1216
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of exercise prescription intervention among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), so as to provide the evidence for guiding appropriate physical activity and glycemic control in this population.
Methods:
In July 2023, T2DM patients managed by two community health service centers in Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, were selected as the study participants and randomly assigned divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group received routine chronic disease management under the basic public health services, while the intervention group, in addition to receiving the same routine chronic disease management, was provided with exercise prescription to guide their physical activity at baseline (T0), after 3 months of intervention (T1), and after 6 months of intervention (T2). Data on weight-related indicators, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and blood lipid were collected through physical examinations and laboratory tests at T0 and after 12 months of intervention (T3). The differences in indicators between the two groups before and after the intervention were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.
Results:
The intervention group consisted of 197 patients, including 99 males, accounting for 50.25%. The median disease duration was 7.10 (interquartile range, 7.80) years, and 113 patients had suboptimal HbA1c levels, accounting for 57.36%. The control group included 196 patients, including 99 females, accounting for 50.51%. The median disease duration was 6.10 (interquartile range, 7.00) years, and 100 patients had suboptimal HbA1c levels, accounting for 51.02%. Before the intervention, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in gender, educational level, disease duration, pharmacological treatment, smoking, alcohol consumption, and HbA1c levels (all P>0.05). In the intervention group, the proportion of participants engaging in aerobic exercise and strength training increased from 78.17% and 8.12% at T0 to 85.79% and 16.24% at T3, respectively (both P<0.05). The results of the generalized estimating equations revealed significant interactions between group and time for waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) following the intervention (all P<0.05). A statistically significant difference in waist-to-hip ratio was found between the two groups (P<0.05), with a greater reduction observed in the intervention group compared to the control group. Significant differences in TC and LDL-C levels were noted across different intervention time points (both P<0.05). Specifically, the intervention group demonstrated reductions of 0.35 mmol/L in TC and 0.42 mmol/L in LDL-C from baseline to follow-up (both P<0.05).
Conclusion
The 12-month exercise prescription intervention can effectively enhance exercise participation and reduce waist-to-hip ratio, TC, and LDL-C levels among patients with T2DM.
7.Nutritional status of pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Mei YAN ; Wei-Bing TANG ; Yong-Jun FANG ; Jie HUANG ; Ting ZHU ; Jin-Yu FU ; Xiao-Na XIA ; Chang-Wei LIU ; Yuan-Yuan WAN ; Jian PAN
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2024;31(5):257-261
Objective:To observe the changes in the nutritional status of pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT)for one year,and to analyze the risk factors.Methods:We collected data from 88 pediatric patients who underwent allo-HSCT at the Department of Hematology and Oncology in Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between May 2018 and November 2022.All pediatric patients underwent nutritional status analysis before transplantation,at enrollment,3 months,6 months and 1 year after allo-HSCT.Linear regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for growth rate.Results:The body mass index Z score(BMI-Z)before allo-HSCT was(0.096±1.349),and decreased to(-0.258±1.438)、(-0.715±1.432)、(-0.584±1.444)at enrollment,3 months,6 months after allo-HSCT,and(-0.130±1.317)at 1 year after allo-HSCT(P<0.001).There was no significant change in BMI-Z between pre-transplantation and 1 year after transplantation(P=1.000).Height for age Z score(HAZ)before transplantation was(0.137±1.305)and decreased to(-0.083±1.267)、(-0.221±1.299)、(-0.269±1.282)in 3 months,6 months and 1 year after allo-HSCT(P<0.001).Multivariate linear regression showed that age≥10 years old(P=0.015)and chronic graft-versus-host disease(cGVHD)(P=0.005)were independent risk factors for change in HAZ.Conclusion:The BMI-Z of pediatric patients treated with allo-HSCT returned to the pre-transplantation level after one year,while HAZ continued to decrease.Allo-HSCT may cause impaired growth rate in pediatric patients.Attention should be paid to HAZ changes in pediatric patients before and after allo-HSCT,especially in pediatric patients≥10 years old of age and those with cGVHD.Effective nutritional intervention should be provided in time.
8.Study on Spatial Distribution of Chemical Components in Flue Cured Tobacco Leaves by Imprinting Analytical Electrospray Photoionization Mass Spectrometry
Chun-Chun LYU ; Yu-Ting JIANG ; Yong-Hua HU ; Liu-Tian WU ; Ke-Ke QI ; Cheng-Yuan LIU ; Yang PAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(6):876-884,中插36-中插37
The imprint desorption electrospray photoionization mass spectrometry was employed to locally image the spatial distribution of chemical components in dried tobacco leaves after initial curing. The relative content distribution of different chemical components was obtained in tobacco leaves. The application of imprinting method could transfer tobacco internal compounds to the surface of porous polytetrafluoroethylene plate,which realized the detection and visual analysis of tobacco internal substances. Besides,the imprint desorption electrospray ionization/post-photoionization (Imprint DESI/PI) mass spectrometry imaging technique had the advantages of non-polarity discrimination,soft ionization and high ionization efficiency for plant samples,and could simultaneously detect and image rich compounds in tobacco samples. A total of 40 kinds of chemical components including alkaloids,amino acids,sugars,acids,ketones and phenols were identified based on high resolution mass spectrometry. The results showed that the representative chemical components of tobacco,such as alkaloids,amino acids and sugars,were mainly distributed near the leaf tip from the vertical analysis and at the left and right leaf edges from the horizontal analysis. Amadori compound (1-Deoxy-1-L-proline-d-fructose) was detected,and the content of Amadori was found to be consistent with that of free amino acid (proline). In addition,the technique was further used to study the climate spot disease area of tobacco,and it was found that the compounds had specific distribution in the climate spot area,which further proved the superiority of this method in studying the growth stress of tobacco leaves.
9.Association between auditory processing and problem behaviors in preschool children:the mediating role of executive function
Huan-Xi LIN ; Pan-Ting LIU ; Yu-Ying SUN ; Xin-Yue YU ; Jun QIAN ; Xia CHI ; Qin HONG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):174-180
Objective To investigate the association between auditory processing and problem behaviors in preschool children,as well as the mediating role of executive function.Methods A total of 2 342 preschool children were selected from 7 kindergartens in Nanjing,China from June to August 2021.They were evaluated using Preschool Auditory Processing Assessment Scale,Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire,and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Preschool version.Children with different demographic features were compared in the scores and the abnormality rates of auditory processing,problem behaviors,and executive function.The influencing factors of the total scores of auditory processing,problem behaviors,and executive function were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis.Whether executive function was a mediating factor between auditory processing and executive function was examined.Results Sex and grade were the main influencing factors for the total score of auditory processing(P<0.05),and sex,grade,parental education level,and family economic status were the main influencing factors for the total scores of problem behaviors and executive function(P<0.05).The auditory processing score(rs= 0.458,P<0.05)and problem behavior score(rs=0.185,P<0.05)were significantly positively correlated with the executive function score,and the auditory processing score was significantly positively correlated with the problem behavior score(rs=0.423,P<0.05).Executive function played a partial mediating role between auditory processing and problem behaviors,and the mediating effect accounted for 33.44% of the total effect.Conclusions Auditory processing can directly affect the problem behaviors of preschool children and indirectly affect problem behaviors through executive function.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):174-180]
10.Histopathological changes in secondary visual cortex and enhanced calcium activity in neurons being involved in microwave radiation-induced anxiety-like behavior
Zhihua FENG ; Ting PAN ; Ganghua HE ; Chenxu CHANG ; Zhilin CUI ; Meiying YANG ; Yanhui HAO ; Fengsong LIU ; Yang LI ; Hongyan ZUO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(6):464-471
Objective:To clarify the effects of microwave radiation on anxiety-like behavior, the histomorphology of the secondary visual cortex, and calcium activity in neurons.Methods:36 C57BL/6N mice were selected and divided into control group and microwave radiation group according to the random number table method. In the simple behavioral testing, there were 8 mice in the control group and 7 mice in the radiation group. Combining fiber optic recording with behavioral experiments, there were 8 mice in the control group and 7 mice in the radiation group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted with 3 mice in each group. A high-power microwave simulated source in the X-band with a center frequency of 9.875 GHz and an average power density of 12 mW/cm 2 was used to irradiate the mice for 15 minutes, establishing a microwave radiation animal model. Then, anxiety-like behavior changes in the radiation group were identified using the open-field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. The effects of microwave radiation on the histomorphology of the secondary visual cortex were investigated using HE staining and optical microscopy. Based on the genetically encoded calcium imaging technique, as well as optical fiber recording combined with behavioral paradigms in the open field and the EPM, the changes of calcium activity in neurons in the V2M region of the secondary visual cortex were detected. Results:Compared to the control group, the radiation group showed a significant decrease in the frequency of exploring the central region of the open field and the open arm of the EPM ( t = 2.24, 3.10, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the radiation group exhibited the degeneration and apoptosis of some neurons in the secondary visual cortex, primarily manifested as pyknosis and deep staining, cell body shrinkage, and the slightly widening of perivascular space. Fiber optic recordings and behavioral experiments indicated that compared to the control group, mice in the radiation group exhibited significantly increased calcium activities in neurons of the secondary visual cortex when exploring the central region of the open field ( t = -2.75, P < 0.05) or the open arm of the EPM ( t = -2.77, -3.41, P < 0.05) compared to those before radiation after microwave exposure. Conclusions:Microwave radiation can induce anxiety-like behaviors and histopathological changes in the secondary visual cortex. Increased calcium activity in neurons of the secondary visual cortex is proved to be an important mechanism underlying the changes in anxiety-like behavior due to microwave radiation.


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