1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Scaffold-free three-dimensional human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome repairs mouse skin injury
Wenjing MA ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Mingxia JIANG ; Bingshui XIU ; Rui BAI ; Yuhan LIU ; Xuyi CHEN ; Zengqiang YUAN ; Zhiqiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):68-77
BACKGROUND:The mesenchymal stem cell secretome contains bioactive substances,cytokines,and growth factors.Three-dimensional cell culture can regulate the secretion of these components,potentially enhancing the ability to promote injury repair.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the repair effect of three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome on skin injuries in mice.METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in conventional two-dimensional culture dishes and 96-well U-bottom cell culture plates,from which their secretory components were subsequently collected.The expression of skin damage repair related secretory factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was analyzed using RT-qPCR.The protein expression level of skin damage repair related factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome to repair vascular injuries was evaluated using an immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration model.A mouse skin injury model was established,and the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was injected subcutaneously.Repair effects on skin injury were assessed through wound healing rates and histopathological analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After three days of cultivation,human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured in two dimensions exhibited a fibroblast-like,swirling growth pattern,whereas three-dimensional culture led to the formation of uniform microspheres.(2)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional culture significantly increased the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β and basic fibroblast growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(3)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly enhanced the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin-10,and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome.(4)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly promoted the migration of immortalized human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(5)Compared with the untreated control group and the two-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome,the three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome can significantly accelerate the skin wound healing rate and wound skin structure remodeling in mice.These results indicate that three-dimensional culture can enhance the expression of paracrine factors of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and their secretome can significantly promote the repair of mouse skin damage.
3.Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Comorbid Tic Disorder in Children from the Perspective of Ministerial Fire Scorching Yin and Internal Stirring of Deficient Wind
Hongsheng YANG ; Junhong WANG ; Meifang LI ; Wei LI ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Rui ZHAI ; Yuan LI ; Kangning ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):79-82
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often accompanied by tic disorder. The core pathogenesis is considered to be ministerial fire scorching yin and internal stirring of deficient wind, which leads to disharmony between the body and spirit, resulting in clinical manifestations. The treatment principles emphasize nourishing yin fluids, calming ministerial fire, and extinguishing endogenous wind (内风). The method of nourishing yin fluids is applied throughout the entire treatment process, commonly using ingredients such as Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen). These are combined with approaches to harmonize the zang-fu organs, primarily including extinguishing liver wind, clearing heart fire, nourishing kidney water, and strengthening spleen earth, thereby stabilizing ministerial fire and extinguishing endogenous wind. Additionally, emotional regulation and smoothing emotional constraint are essential to improve clinical symptoms in children with ADHD comorbid with tic disorder.
4.Scaffold-free three-dimensional human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome repairs mouse skin injury
Wenjing MA ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Mingxia JIANG ; Bingshui XIU ; Rui BAI ; Yuhan LIU ; Xuyi CHEN ; Zengqiang YUAN ; Zhiqiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):68-77
BACKGROUND:The mesenchymal stem cell secretome contains bioactive substances,cytokines,and growth factors.Three-dimensional cell culture can regulate the secretion of these components,potentially enhancing the ability to promote injury repair.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the repair effect of three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome on skin injuries in mice.METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in conventional two-dimensional culture dishes and 96-well U-bottom cell culture plates,from which their secretory components were subsequently collected.The expression of skin damage repair related secretory factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was analyzed using RT-qPCR.The protein expression level of skin damage repair related factors in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome to repair vascular injuries was evaluated using an immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cell migration model.A mouse skin injury model was established,and the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome was injected subcutaneously.Repair effects on skin injury were assessed through wound healing rates and histopathological analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After three days of cultivation,human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured in two dimensions exhibited a fibroblast-like,swirling growth pattern,whereas three-dimensional culture led to the formation of uniform microspheres.(2)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional culture significantly increased the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β and basic fibroblast growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(3)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly enhanced the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,interleukin-10,and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome.(4)Compared with two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome significantly promoted the migration of immortalized human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.(5)Compared with the untreated control group and the two-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome,the three-dimensional cultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell secretome can significantly accelerate the skin wound healing rate and wound skin structure remodeling in mice.These results indicate that three-dimensional culture can enhance the expression of paracrine factors of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,and their secretome can significantly promote the repair of mouse skin damage.
5.Determination of prototype components and metabolites of Si-Ni-San in healthy and ulcerative colitis mice by an integrated targeted and pseudo-targeted UPLC-QqQ-MS method
Yanfang CAO ; Yuan ZHENG ; Yongshun CHEN ; Sihan LI ; Kai FENG ; Xingjia LI ; Rui SONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):351-359
This study aimed to establish an analytical method capable of simultaneously quantifying the prototype components of Si-Ni-San and screening their metabolites to elucidate its tissue distribution and metabolic characteristics in an ulcerative colitis (UC) mouse model. To this end, an integrated analysis strategy based on UPLC-QqQ-MS was developed and validated, combining the targeted quantification of 12 prototype components with a pseudo-targeted metabolite screening technique based on ion pair list-triggered data-dependent acquisition. Samples were extracted with 80% methanol (100 mg/mL) and processed with internal standards. Separation was achieved on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS PFP column using a gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate containing 0.1% formic acid. Analysis was performed using an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Methodological validation confirmed that all parameters met the requirements for bio-sample analysis. Application of this method revealed that the content of Si-Ni-San prototype components in the colon, liver, and kidneys of UC mice was significantly higher than that in healthy mice. Furthermore, the number of phase II metabolites was markedly greater than that of phase I metabolites in all tested samples. The results demonstrate the reliability of the established method and preliminarily reveal the tissue distribution characteristics of Si-Ni-San under UC conditions and its metabolism pattern dominated by phase II conjugation, which provides a methodological basis and experimental data for further in-depth research into its effective target tissues and pharmacodynamic material basis.
6.Trend in incidence of diabetes and age-period-cohort analysis among children and adolescents in Huzhou City from 2006 to 2025
LI Haihua ; YE Yong ; YUAN Rui ; YUN Jingyi ; WANG Haobo ; FU Yuxin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):257-262
Objective:
To investigate the trend of diabetes incidence among children and adolescents in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2025, and to analyze the age, period, and cohort effects, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of diabetes among children and adolescents.
Methods:
Data on diabetes cases aged 0-19 years in Huzhou City from 2006 to 2025 were collected through the Chronic Disease Surveillance and Management System of Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The standardized incidence was calculated using the age composition of the standard population from the Sixth National Population Census in 2010. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trend in incidence. An age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the effects of age, period, and birth cohort.
Results:
A total of 913 diabetes cases aged 0-19 years were reported in Huzhou City from 2006 to 2025. The crude incidence and standardized incidence were 11.03/105 and 4.33/105, respectively, both showing upward trends (AAPC=13.307% and 13.226%, both P<0.05). There were 339 cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with crude and standardized incidence of 3.83/105 and 0.62/105, respectively, showing upward trends (AAPC=9.944% and 10.442%, both P<0.05). There were 548 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with crude and standardized incidence of 6.20/105 and 1.97/105, respectively, showing upward trends (AAPC=14.920% and 14.213%, both P<0.05). Age-period-cohort model analysis showed that the risk of T1DM initially increased and then decreased with age, with the highest risk in the 5-<10 years age group (RR=9.189, 95%CI: 4.871-13.684). The risk of T2DM increased with age, with the highest risk in the 15-19 years age group (RR=17.316, 95%CI: 14.477-20.225). Using the period 2011-2015 as the reference group, the risk of T1DM showed an upward trend over time, with the highest risk in 2021-2025 (RR=1.474, 95%CI: 1.027-2.114). There were no statistically significant differences in incidence risk across other periods compared to 2011-2015 (all P>0.05). Using the 2006-2010 birth cohort as the reference group, the risks of both T1DM and T2DM showed upward trends with later birth cohorts. The highest risk of T1DM was observed in the 2021-2025 birth cohort (RR=2.881, 95%CI: 1.528-5.429), while the highest risk of T2DM was observed in the 2011-2016 birth cohort (RR=1.610, 95%CI: 1.081-2.397).
Conclusions
The incidence of diabetes among children and adolescents in Huzhou City showed an upward trend from 2006 to 2025, with T1DM being most prevalent among children aged 5-<10 years and T2DM among adolescents aged 15-19 years. The incidence risks of both T1DM and T2DM increased with later birth years.
7.Discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD from the perspective of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition"
Xiaojian HU ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Rui ZHAI ; Jing LIANG ; Xuanhong DU ; Junhong WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(11):1499-1503
The concept of harmony between heaven and man is an important concept in TCM. The theory of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition" has been developed and perfected by medical professionals throughout history to explain physiological and pathological changes in humans based on a natural understanding. Guided by the TCM philosophy of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition", it provides guidance for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sorting out the complex pathogenesis, it has been found that core pathogenesis of the disease is the excessive damage to the five organs, which leads to the overall state of yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity in the human body. The treatment mainly focuses on regulating the hyperactivity and damage of the organs, restoring the balance of yin and yang, while also taking into account the harm of pathological products. Based on clinical manifestations, the secondary selection of medication for liver and liver hyperactivity and spleen and kidney dysfunction has been determined, while improving the hyperactivity of the external environment, in order to achieve the goal of "tolerance is control", which fully embodies the TCM syndrome differentiation thinking of "unity of heaven and man, holistic concept".
8.Blood glucose fluctuations are associated with the onset of gestational hypertension in gestational diabetes mellitus patients
Rui WANG ; Yuping ZHANG ; Rui LI ; Yunlong LI ; Yuan LI ; Yuan ZHANG ; Yanping LIU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(5):664-670
Objective To identify the impact of glucose variability(GV)on the development of gestational hyper-tension(GH)in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),and to find the differences between various GV metrics as well as to evaluate their predictive value in management strategy development.Methods A total of 127 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were included in this study.After the diagnosis of GDM,continuous glu-cose monitoring(CGM)and blood pressure measurements were performed,and the occurrence of gestational hyper-tensive disorders was recorded.Indices of glucose variability were calculated using an automated software EasyGV version 9.0.Results The results revealed an association between gestational hypertension and glucose variability in GDM patients.Among the study participants,2 cases(1.6%)were diagnosed with preeclampsia and 9 cases(7.1%)were diagnosed with gestational hypertension.TBR%(time below range)showed a significantly negative correlation with diastolic blood pressure at 29-32 weeks of gestation and with both diastolic and systolic blood pres-sure during delivery.TIR%(time in range)showed a negative correlation with the rate of change in systolic blood pressure between two prenatal visits.CONGA(continuous overlapping net glycemic action)emerged as an inde-pendent predictor of gestational hypertension(OR:3.648;95%CI:1.046,12.721;P=0.042).When CONGA exceeded 4.856,the risk of gestational hypertension in GDM patients increased.Conclusions Blood glucose varia-tion is an independent factor affecting the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in GDM women.This study suggests new targets for the use and management of CGM in pregnant women with GDM.For GDM patients at high risk of hypertensive disease during pregnancy,blood glucose should be kept at a reasonable and stable level.
9.Research progress of the role of cholecystokinin in regulating learning and memory in central nervous system
Ya-Yuan LU ; Lei CHEN ; Rui DONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):897-904
Learning and memory are basic and important advanced functions of the brain,and have always been a hot and difficult research area in neuroscience.Despite the significant progress in research on learning and memory,the mechanism is still not fully clear.Cholecystokinin(CCK),an early identified brain gut peptide,is widely distributed and involved in regulating a variety of functions in the central nervous system.In recent years,numerous studies have shown that CCK plays an important role in the regulation of learning and memory by affecting the function of neurons and glial cells.This article reviews the role and mechanism of CCK in learning and memory,to provide a theoretical basis for the development of CCK-related drugs and their applications.
10.Study on the mechanism of long non-coding RNA AI662270 regulating insulin resistance in adipocytes in aging mice
Yi-Fan ZHANG ; Ya-Qi HU ; Rui WANG ; Shu-Wen WANG ; Cheng-Fu YUAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(8):999-1007
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)AI662270 regulates insulin resistance in adipocytes in aging mice.Methods(1)Twenty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into youth(4-month-old)group and aged(18-month-old)group(n=10).Mice in youth group were raised to 4 months of age and euthanized by orbital exsanguination under urethane anesthesia,while aged mice were euthanized at 18 months using the same sacrifice method.Epididymal white adipose tissue(eWAT)and liver tissue were rapidly dissected.Western blotting was employed to detect the protein expression levels of tumor suppressor gene 1(p16ink4a)and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(p21kip1),RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression of 4 differentially expressed lncRNAs(C4a,AI662270,BATE1 and Gm29719).Mouse embryonic fibroblasts(3T3-L1)were cultured and divided into a normal control group(no treatment after induced differentiation into mature adipocytes)and a senescence model group[doxorubicin(ADR)-treated group;0.2 μmol/L ADR was used to induce senescent adipocytes].β-galactosidase staining was performed to assess adipocyte senescence.RT-qPCR was applied to evaluate the expression of AI662270 and senescence markers(p16ink4a,p21kip1,p53),while Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression levels of phosphorylated H2A histone family member X(γ-H2AX),p16ink4a,and p21kip1 proteins.(2)Hexokinase method was adopted to measure glucose content in mouse serum and 3T3-L1 adipocyte culture medium.RT-qPCR was performed to analyze mRNA expression levels of insulin sensitivity-related gene protein kinase B(Akt),insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1),phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)and glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)in mouse eWAT and adipocytes.Western blotting was conducted to determine the protein expression levels of IRS 1,PI3K,Akt,and p-Akt.(3)Spearman correlation analysis was applied to examine the correlation between AI662270 expression levels and IRS1/PI3K mRNA expression levels.A low-expression model of AI662270 in senescent adipocytes was constructed,and RT-qPCR was used to verify the knockdown efficiency.Hexokinase method was employed to assess glucose content in the cell culture medium of senescent adipocytes after AI662270 knockdown.RT-qPCR was performed to measure the mRNA expressions of Akt,IRS1,IRS2,and PI3K,while Western blotting was utilized to detect the expressions levels of Akt and p-Akt proteins.(4)Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict downstream target genes of AI662270 and their binding sites.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were subsequently applied to validate the expression of these downstream target genes following AI662270 knockdown.Results(1)Compared with youth group,the protein expression levels of p16ink4a and p21kip1 in eWAT of aged mice were significantly increased(P<0.05).Additionally,the expression levels of C4a,AI662270,BATE1,and Gm29719 in both eWAT and liver tissues were significantly increased in aged group(P<0.05).β-galactosidase staining revealed enhanced blue-green coloration and enlarged,flattened cellular morphology in ADR-treated senescent adipocytes compared with normal control group.Compared with normal control group,ADR-treated senescent adipocytes significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of AI662270,p16ink4a,and p21kip1,and significantly elevated protein expression levels of γ-H2AX,p16ink4a,and p21kip1(P<0.05).(2)Serum glucose content was significantly higher in aged group mice compared with youth group(P<0.01),and glucose content in the adipocyte culture medium in ADR group was significantly increased(P<0.05).The expression levels of IRS1 and PI3K in eWAT in aged group were significantly reduced compared with youth group(P<0.01).Compared with normal control group,the expression levels of IRS 1 and PI3K in adipocytes in ADR-treated group were also significantly reduced(P<0.05).(3)Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that the expression level of AI662270 was negatively correlated with the mRNA expression levels of IRS1 and PI3K(P<0.05).RT-qPCR showed that AI662270 expression level was significantly reduced in the siAI662270-transfected senescent adipocytes compared with siNC group(P<0.05),indicating the low expression model of aged adipocytes AI662270 was successfully constructed.Hexokinase assay results showed that glucose content in the cell culture medium was significantly reduced after the AI662270 was knocked down by senescent adipocytes(P<0.05).Furthermore,the mRNA expression levels of IRS1,IRS2 and PI3K(P<0.05)and the p-Akt/Akt ratio in senescent adipocytes was significantly increased after knockdown of AI662270(P<0.01).(4)Bioinformatics analysis predicted miR-3073b-3p as a downstream target gene of AI662270,and heme oxygenase 1(Hmox1)was identified as a target molecule of miR-3073b-3p.The expression level of miR-3073b-3p in senescent adipocytes in siAI662270 group was significantly increased,while the mRNA and protein expression level of Hmox1 were significantly decreased compared with siNC group(P<0.01).Conclusions Aging significantly increases the expression of AI662270 in eWAT of mice,and the expression of AI662270 was negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity.AI662270 knockdown can reduce glucose content in senescent adipocyte culture medium,upregulate the expression of IRS1 and PI3K,and increase insulin sensitivity in senescent adipocytes,which may be mediated through the AI662270/miR-3073b-3p/Hmox1 pathway.


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