1.Effects and mechanisms of high-dose glucocorticoids on senescence, apoptosis, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Zhendong YING ; Changjun CHEN ; Dailing CHEN ; Qiuru WANG ; Qibin LIU ; Qingwei MA ; Lei ZHANG ; Pengde KANG ; Xin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(18):1208-1216
Objective:To elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which high-dose dexamethasone exerts long-term effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), specifically its role in suppressing osteogenic differentiation, accelerating cellular senescence, triggering the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and inducing apoptosis.Methods:Primary rat BMSCs were isolated and treated with high-dose dexamethasone (1×10 -4 mol/L) to establish the experimental group, while untreated cells served as the control. The gene and protein expression levels of osteogenic markers, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), were analyzed in both groups. Cellular senescence was evaluated using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. The expression of senescence-related markers (P16 and P21), components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon (IFN)-γ, as well as apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved-Caspase-3), and key factors of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were assessed at both transcriptional and protein levels using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western-blot analyses. These comprehensive evaluations aimed to determine the senescent state, apoptotic features, and alterations in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Results:Following treatment with dexamethasone and subsequent withdrawal, both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses indicated a significant reduction in the expression of the osteogenic markers bALP and Runx2 at both mRNA and protein levels. The proportion of SA-β-gal positive cells was markedly higher in the dexamethasone group (74.33%±6.89%) than in the control group (20.30%±1.57%, t=17.300, P<0.001). qRT-PCR analysis revealed upregulated mRNA expression of the senescence-related genes P16 and P21 after dexamethasone treatment, which was further supported at the protein level by immunofluorescence showing increased P21 expression. Western-blot results confirmed that protein expression levels of P16 and P21 were significantly elevated in the dexamethasone group (7.025±0.255 and 6.362±0.456, respectively) compared with the control group (1.016±0.115 and 0.816±0.172; both P<0.05). Furthermore, gene expression levels of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased (TNF-α: 3.539±0.599 vs. 0.742±0.095; IL-1β: 4.469±0.331 vs. 0.799±0.175; both P<0.05), and their protein expression was consistently upregulated as validated by Western-blot. Additionally, protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in the dexamethasone-treated group (3.476±0.932 vs. 0.945±0.095; 4.111±0.220 vs. 0.762±0.105; 2.155±0.240 vs. 0.656±0.104; all P<0.05).Western-blot analysis also demonstrated that protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was significantly suppressed in the dexamethasone group (0.21±0.07 and 0.19±0.06, respectively) compared with the control group (1.13±0.15 and 0.92±0.21; P<0.05). Moreover, Western-blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Cleaved-Caspase-3 were significantly up, regulated in the dexamethasone, treated BMSCs (Bax: 3.673±0.397 vs. 0.453±0.111; Cleaved-Caspase-3: 3.863±0.399 vs. 0.465±0.057), while the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was markedly down, regulated (0.959±0.073 vs. 2.126±0.195), with all differences being statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:High-dose dexamethasone treatment of BMSCs, followed by withdrawal of dexamethasone, induces cellular senescence and enhances the expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) through suppression of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Concurrently, it promotes apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, collectively leading to impaired osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
2.Mechanism of 4-methylcatechol in inhibiting fibroblast-like synoviocyte migration and suppressing inflammatory responses in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Zhendong YING ; Peng WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Dailing CHEN ; Qiuru WANG ; Qibin LIU ; Tiantian TANG ; Changjun CHEN ; Qingwei MA
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):1051-1060
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of 4-methylcatechol (4MC) on the migration and inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), as well as its underlying mechanisms of action.
METHODS:
RA-FLS was isolated from synovial tissue donated by RA patients, and the optimal concentration of 4MC was determined by cell counting kit 8 method for subsequent experiments, and the effect of 4MC on the migratory ability of RA-FLS was evaluated via a cell scratch assay. An inflammation model of RA-FLS was induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA were employed to detect the gene and protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in RA-FLS and their culture supernatants, respectively, thereby investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of 4MC. Western blot was used to examine the expressions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins, including inhibitor of NF-κB-α (IKBα), phosphorylated (P)-IκBα, NF-κB-inducing kinase α (IKKα), P-IKKαβ, P-p65, and p65. Cellular immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression and localization of p65 in RA-FLS, exploring whether 4MC exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Finally, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was established. The anti-RA effect of 4MC in vivo was evaluated by gross observation and histological examination.
RESULTS:
4MC inhibited RA-FLS migration in a concentration-dependent manner. In the TNF-α-induced RA-FLS inflammation model, 4MC significantly decreased the gene and protein expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, 4MC markedly reduced the ratios of P-IΚBα/IΚBα, P-IKKαβ/IKKα, and P-p65/p65, thereby blocking the transcriptional activity of p65 by inhibiting its nuclear translocation. This mechanism effectively suppressed the activation of the TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. Animal studies demonstrated that 4MC [10 mg/(kg·day)] significantly lowered serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and alleviated arthritis severity and bone destruction in CIA mice.
CONCLUSION
4MC not only inhibits the migration of RA-FLS but also mitigates their inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby effectively exerting its anti-RA effects.
Synoviocytes/metabolism*
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Catechols/therapeutic use*
;
Fibroblasts/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism*
;
Synovial Membrane/cytology*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Male
;
Arthritis, Experimental
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
;
NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
;
Inflammation
3.Advances in the clinical treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Changjun CHEN ; Qingwei MA ; Lei ZHANG ; Qiuru WANG ; Dayong PENG ; Meng CHEN ; Yun YANG ; Kaining ZHANG ; Weinan ZENG ; Tingbin YAN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):488-495
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs)are common orthopedic conditions that can lead to spinal pain and deformity,which greatly affects the quality of life of patients.Currently,there are various treatment methods for OVCFs,but there is still a lack of standards for optimal treatment modalities.Therefore,this article introduces the current treatment methods and character-istics of epidemiology for OVCFs,in order to improve the awareness of this disease among clinicians and provide a reference for select-ing more appropriate treatment regimens.Conservative treatment measures,such as bracing and analgesia,are the basic treatment mea-sures for OVCFs,and anti-osteoporosis drugs play a crucial role in management.Minimally invasive procedures,including percutane-ous vertebroplasty and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty,remain the primary surgical interventions,and traditional open surgeries are also an important part of treatment,such as anterior spinal fusion,combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion,posterior spinal fusion with three-column osteotomy,and posterior spinal fusion with vertebroplasty.Furthermore,surgeons should focus on the accumulation of related surgical techniques and skills during surgery to effectively address the challenges and complications associated with surgical interventions.Finally,scientific and appropriate treatment methods should be selected for patients,in order to improve long-term treat-ment outcomes and increase the degree of satisfaction among pa-tients.
4.Effects and mechanisms of high-dose glucocorticoids on senescence, apoptosis, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Zhendong YING ; Changjun CHEN ; Dailing CHEN ; Qiuru WANG ; Qibin LIU ; Qingwei MA ; Lei ZHANG ; Pengde KANG ; Xin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(18):1208-1216
Objective:To elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which high-dose dexamethasone exerts long-term effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), specifically its role in suppressing osteogenic differentiation, accelerating cellular senescence, triggering the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and inducing apoptosis.Methods:Primary rat BMSCs were isolated and treated with high-dose dexamethasone (1×10 -4 mol/L) to establish the experimental group, while untreated cells served as the control. The gene and protein expression levels of osteogenic markers, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), were analyzed in both groups. Cellular senescence was evaluated using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. The expression of senescence-related markers (P16 and P21), components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon (IFN)-γ, as well as apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved-Caspase-3), and key factors of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were assessed at both transcriptional and protein levels using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western-blot analyses. These comprehensive evaluations aimed to determine the senescent state, apoptotic features, and alterations in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Results:Following treatment with dexamethasone and subsequent withdrawal, both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses indicated a significant reduction in the expression of the osteogenic markers bALP and Runx2 at both mRNA and protein levels. The proportion of SA-β-gal positive cells was markedly higher in the dexamethasone group (74.33%±6.89%) than in the control group (20.30%±1.57%, t=17.300, P<0.001). qRT-PCR analysis revealed upregulated mRNA expression of the senescence-related genes P16 and P21 after dexamethasone treatment, which was further supported at the protein level by immunofluorescence showing increased P21 expression. Western-blot results confirmed that protein expression levels of P16 and P21 were significantly elevated in the dexamethasone group (7.025±0.255 and 6.362±0.456, respectively) compared with the control group (1.016±0.115 and 0.816±0.172; both P<0.05). Furthermore, gene expression levels of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased (TNF-α: 3.539±0.599 vs. 0.742±0.095; IL-1β: 4.469±0.331 vs. 0.799±0.175; both P<0.05), and their protein expression was consistently upregulated as validated by Western-blot. Additionally, protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in the dexamethasone-treated group (3.476±0.932 vs. 0.945±0.095; 4.111±0.220 vs. 0.762±0.105; 2.155±0.240 vs. 0.656±0.104; all P<0.05).Western-blot analysis also demonstrated that protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was significantly suppressed in the dexamethasone group (0.21±0.07 and 0.19±0.06, respectively) compared with the control group (1.13±0.15 and 0.92±0.21; P<0.05). Moreover, Western-blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Cleaved-Caspase-3 were significantly up, regulated in the dexamethasone, treated BMSCs (Bax: 3.673±0.397 vs. 0.453±0.111; Cleaved-Caspase-3: 3.863±0.399 vs. 0.465±0.057), while the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was markedly down, regulated (0.959±0.073 vs. 2.126±0.195), with all differences being statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:High-dose dexamethasone treatment of BMSCs, followed by withdrawal of dexamethasone, induces cellular senescence and enhances the expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) through suppression of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Concurrently, it promotes apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, collectively leading to impaired osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
5.HUVEC-Based OGD/R Injury Model to Study the Effect of Danggui-Chuanxiong Herb Pair Medicine on the Main Pharmacological Components on VEGF-PI3K-AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Qiuru JI ; Wenjuan NI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Yali WU ; Lu NIU ; Kun LI ; Weixia LI ; Jinfa TANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(3):691-703
Objective To study the effects of Danggui-Chuanxiong herb pair medicine on vasoactive substances,adhesion factors,inflammatory factors,and VEGF-PI3K-AKT/NF-κB signaling pathways,in order to elucidate the mechanism of Danggui-Chuanxiong herb pair on the treatment of ischemic stroke(IS).Methods The oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)was constructed,and the cell viability was detected by cell proliferation kit(CCK-8 method)to explore the optimal modeling time of seven components;The release of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)was detected by cytotoxicity kit;The expression of related cytokines was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);The mRNA expression of key proteins in the signaling pathway was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results Reoxygenation after 6 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation of HUVEC is the best modeling time.High-dose chlorogenic acid group,ferulic acid group,senkyunolide H,low-dose and medium-dose butylidenephthalide group,medium-dose and high-dose senkyunolide A and ligustilide groups significantly decreased LDH leakage rate(P<0.05,P<0.01);The expression of IL-6 in the cells of the partial dose group of chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,butenylphthalide,senkyunolide H and senkyunolide A was significantly increased,the expression of IL-1 in the cells of the partial dose group of chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid and senkyunolide A was significantly decreased,the expression of VEGF,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the cells of the partial dose group of chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid and senkyunolide H was significantly decreased,the expression of NF-κB in the cells of the partial dose group of chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid,senkyunolide H and ligustilide was significantly decreased,the expression of PAI-1 in the cells of ferulic acid and senkyunolide H partial dose group decreased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01);The mRNA relative expression levels of ERK,VEGF,NF-κB,VEGFR2 and MMP9 were significantly down-regulated in the cells of chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid,caffeic acid,butylidenephthalide and senkyunolide A partial dose group,while the mRNA relative expression levels of AKT were significantly up-regulated in the cells of senkyunolide H and senkyunolide A partial dose groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The medicinal components of Danggui-Chuanxiong herb pair may play a role in IS by inhibiting the mRNA expression of adhesion factor,inflammatory factor and key protein of VEGF-PI3K-AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in HUVEC.
6.Research progress in Cup-cage reconstruction for patients with chronic pelvic discontinuity after total hip arthroplasty.
Xingxiao PU ; Qiuru WANG ; Qianhao LI ; Lijun CAI ; Guangtao HAN ; Pengde KANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2024;38(12):1530-1536
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize research progress on application of Cup-cage reconstruction in revision of chronic pelvic discontinuity (CPD) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).
METHODS:
Relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed to summarize the principles of the Cup-cage reconstruction, preoperative patient assessment, intraoperative skills, clinical and radiological effectiveness, limitations, and postoperative complications.
RESULTS:
For the treatment of CPD, the Cup-cage reconstruction achieved long-term acetabular cup bone ingrowth, CPD healing, and biologic fixation of the prosthesis by restoring pelvic continuity. Preoperative evaluation of the surgical site and general condition is necessary. The main intraoperative objectives are to reconstruct pelvic continuity, restore the center of rotation of the hip, and avoid neurovascular injury. Current studies have demonstrated significant clinical and radiological effectiveness as well as acceptable prosthesis survival rates after operation. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence regarding the staging of CPD, the optimal surgical approach and internal fixation, and the factors influencing postoperative prosthesis survival remain undefined.
CONCLUSION
Cup-cage reconstruction can be an effective treatment for CPD after THA, but there is still a need to explore CPD staging, Cup-cage approach and internal fixation, and influencing factors on prosthesis survival.
Humans
;
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods*
;
Hip Prosthesis
;
Acetabulum/surgery*
;
Reoperation
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
;
Prosthesis Failure
;
Postoperative Complications/etiology*
;
Hip Joint/surgery*
7.Problems and countermeasures for swift response to public complaints in health field from the perspective of mega-city governance
Lanting LYU ; Ruike YOU ; Qiuru HU ; Zhi WANG ; Yanan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(12):901-906
Swift response to public complaints is a mechanism reform and efficiency driven approach for grassroots social governance, which plays a pivotal role in urban management. This study took Beijing as an example to introduce the overall development process of swift response to public complaints and its development status in the medical and health service system. It was believed that the work of handling complaints is a reform and innovation to deepen grassroots governance in the capital and a vivid practice of implementing the patient-centered development concept in the medical and health service system. This study summarized the research progress related to swift response to public complaints. From the perspective of mega city governance, the existing problems in the work of handling complaints in health field were explored, including inconsistent implementation of policies, the need to improve supervision and evaluation mechanisms; The coexistence of obstacles to patient demands and ineffective complaints, and the impact on patient participation; Difficulties in cross institutional collaboration, and the need to improve the level of information construction. In response to these issues, it was proposed to further deepen institutional and mechanism reforms to ensure the effective implementation of policies; build a patient-centered healthcare service system that involves patient participation; promote cross institutional information sharing and improve the efficiency of handling appeals; standardize the classification and management of demands, promote the overall improvement of medical quality, so as to provide references for the continuous improvement of the work of handling complaints immediately and the enhancement of the medical and health service system in China′s mega cities.
8.Problems and countermeasures for swift response to public complaints in health field from the perspective of mega-city governance
Lanting LYU ; Ruike YOU ; Qiuru HU ; Zhi WANG ; Yanan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(12):901-906
Swift response to public complaints is a mechanism reform and efficiency driven approach for grassroots social governance, which plays a pivotal role in urban management. This study took Beijing as an example to introduce the overall development process of swift response to public complaints and its development status in the medical and health service system. It was believed that the work of handling complaints is a reform and innovation to deepen grassroots governance in the capital and a vivid practice of implementing the patient-centered development concept in the medical and health service system. This study summarized the research progress related to swift response to public complaints. From the perspective of mega city governance, the existing problems in the work of handling complaints in health field were explored, including inconsistent implementation of policies, the need to improve supervision and evaluation mechanisms; The coexistence of obstacles to patient demands and ineffective complaints, and the impact on patient participation; Difficulties in cross institutional collaboration, and the need to improve the level of information construction. In response to these issues, it was proposed to further deepen institutional and mechanism reforms to ensure the effective implementation of policies; build a patient-centered healthcare service system that involves patient participation; promote cross institutional information sharing and improve the efficiency of handling appeals; standardize the classification and management of demands, promote the overall improvement of medical quality, so as to provide references for the continuous improvement of the work of handling complaints immediately and the enhancement of the medical and health service system in China′s mega cities.
9.Status, problems and development advices on medical service price management
Lanting LYU ; Cangsong JIANG ; Qiuru HU ; Zhu LIN ; Lili WANG
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2023;39(7):486-492
The reform of medical service prices in China has been launched, and the reasonable pricing and management of medical technology services are of great significance for improving patient well-being and advancing the reform of our medical system. The author provided a detailed review of the policy evolution, current management status, and main issues of medical service price management in China since 2000. The medical service price management policies in China since 2000 were divided into four evolutionary stages: initial exploration of decentralization, substantial development, continuous advancement, and deep promotion. The author also described the formation mechanism and pricing methods of international medical service prices, and compared the similarities and differences in medical service price management at home and abroad. Some suggestions were put forward for improving the macro reform of medical service price management in China.
10.Establishment of fingerprint and content determination of 3 differential components in Rheum palmatum before and after steaming with wine derived from different producing areas
Xiaohui RONG ; Yan LIU ; Qiuru WANG ; Ziwei LI ; Haixue KUANG ; Bingyou YANG
China Pharmacy 2022;33(3):280-286
OBJECTIVE To establish H PLC fingerprint of Rheum palmatum before and after steaming with wine ,and to determine the contents of 3 differential components. METHODS HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of R. palmatum (before wine-steaming )and prepared rhubarb (after wine-steaming )and the similarity evaluation was conducted. The chemical pattern recognition analysis was carried out by principal component analysis ,cluster analysis ,partial least squares- discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The contents of gallic acid ,resveratrol-4′-O- glucoside and resveratrol- 4′-O-(6″-galloyl)-glucoside in 30 batches of samples were determined. RESULTS In the fingerprint study,48 common peaks were demarcated for R. palmatum and 47 for prepared rhubarb as well as 17 common peaks were identified by reference substance. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that R. palmatum derived from Qinghai before and after steaming with wine could be distinguished from those from Sichuan and Gansu. The results of content determination showed that the contents of 3 differential components in R. palmatum derived from Qinghai before and after steaming with wine were higher than those from other two production areas ;the contents of gallic acid in prepared rhubarb derived from those production areas were higher than R. palmatum ;the contents of resveratrol- 4′-O-glucoside and resveratrol- 4′-O- (6″-galloyl)-glucoside in R. palmatum derived from those production areas were higher than prepared rhubarb. CONCLUSIONS Fingerprint and content determination method established in this study can quickly ,scientifically and accurately evaluate the quality of R. palmatum from different producing areas before and after wine steaming ,which provide a basis for the processing specification and quality control of R. palmatum .

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