1.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
2.Improvement effects and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ on neuroinflammation
Mimi WANG ; Yonggang FENG ; Yun HAN ; Kaixin SHAN ; Fuyu LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaoyan FANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):30-35
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS- Ⅳ ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. METHODS BV2 cells were divided into control group, LPS group, AS-Ⅳ groups at concentrations of 20 and 40 μmol/L, and dexamethasone group (2 μmol/L). Except for control group, neuroinflammation model was established with LPS (1 μg/mL) in other groups after medication. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO)] in cell supernatant were measured in each group. Mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, positive control group (Aspirin enteric-coated tablet, 20 mg/kg), AS-Ⅳ low- and high-dose groups (10, 20 mg/kg), with 6 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug/normal saline via gavage/intraperitoneal injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Except for normal group, other groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (250 μg/kg) 1 hour after daily administration of the drug/normal saline to establish neuroinflammation model. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured 2 h after the last medication; histopathological morphology of cerebral tissue in mice were observed; the co-localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD206/Iba1 in the cerebral cortex region of mice was observed; the expressions of proteins related to the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in brain tissue of mice were also determined, including NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK). RESULTS In the cell experiments, compared with control group, the levels of IL-6, TNF- α and NO in the cell supernatant of the LPS group were increased significantly (P<0.05); compared with LPS group, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and NO were decreased significantly in the administration groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiments, compared with the normal group, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF- α, the number of iNOS/Iba1 co-localization positive cells in the cerebral cortex, and the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, NF- κB p65 and ERK proteins in brain tissue were all significantly increased/elevated in model group (P<0.05); the number of CD206/ Iba1 co-localization positive cells in the cerebral cortex region significantly decreased (P<0.05). The neurons in the cerebral cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus displayed a disordered arrangement. Compared with model group, above quantitative indexes of mice were all reversed significantly in administration groups (P<0.05); the neuronal cells in the cerebral cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus exhibited a relatively orderly arrangement. CONCLUSIONS AS-Ⅳ may inhibit the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway, promote the M2-type polarization of microglia, and thereby suppress neuroinflammatory responses.
3.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
4.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Polygalae Radix Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):215-224
ObjectiveBased on the traditional quality evaluation methods summarized in previous dynasties, this paper systematically contrasted the quality differences between wild Polygalae Radix(WPR) and cultivated Polygalae Radix(CPR) from the aspects of character, microscope and chemical composition by modern scientific and technological means, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsCPR and local WPR in Yulin city, Shaanxi province from 1 to 6 years were collected, and a systematic comparative analysis was conducted using traditional pharmacognosy research methods combined with modern multi-omics analysis techniques, including character traits(length, weight, diameter), cross-sectional microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem, etc), cell wall component content(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), extracts content(water-soluble extract and alcohol-soluble extract), carbohydrate content(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), contents of total flavonoids, total saponins and specific marker compounds(3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, tenuifoliside A, tenuifoliside C, sibiricose A5 and A6) and other indexes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to conduct comparative analysis of secondary metabolites in WPR and CPR, and multivariate statistical analysis such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were combined to screen the key differential components of them. ResultsIn terms of appearance, there were significant differences between WPR and CPR. The characteristics of WPR conformed to the "thick wrinkles on the epidermis" recorded in ancient books, featuring a wrinkled surface and grayish-brown appearance. However, CPR had a finer texture and a yellowish white appearance, with weight, length, and diameter increasing with longer cultivation periods. In terms of microscopy, WPR exhibited a thick cork layer with fissures in the phloem, whereas CPR had a thinner cork layer with uniformly arranged cork cells. Younger PR specimens showed numerous phloem fissures in cross-sections, while older specimens display progressively denser arrangements of phloem parenchyma cells. In terms of the contents of various major components, the contents of water-soluble extract, starch and total saponins in WPR were inversely proportional to the root diameter, while the contents of water-soluble extract, water-soluble polysaccharides and total saponins in CPR decreased with the increase of planting years. The content of xanthones in WPR was significantly higher than that of CPR, while the contents of other major components showed no significant change pattern. Among the six indicator components, the average content of sibiricose A5 in WPR was significantly higher than that of CPR, followed by slightly higher content of tenuifoliside A. In CPR, the relative content of 3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose and tenuifoliside A was the highest. The former showed an increase in volatility with increasing cultivation years, while the latter showed a decrease in volatility. The results of differential compound analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS showed that there were significant differences in metabolites between WPR and CPR samples. Among them, the seven compounds with the largest differences among WPR samples of different thicknesses were polygalasaponins, and for CPR with different planting years, the main differential compounds were oligosaccharide esters. ConclusionThere are differences between WPR and CPR in character, microscopic structure and chemical composition, and some components are inversely proportional with the increase of diameter and cultivation duration due to the distribution characteristics. However, the longer the cultivation years of PR, the closer it is to the "thick wrinkles on the epidermis" of WPR, which has been respected by generations. It is suggested that this traditional character combined with modern component contents should be used as the index of artificial cultivation and quality control of PR.
5.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.
6.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.
7.Clinical comprehensive evaluation of four nucleoside (acid) analogues in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B
Jiayi QIN ; Kuifen MA ; Wenya SHAN ; Lijuan ZHAO ; Lin LIU ; Liangping WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):859-863
OBJECTIVE To conduct a comprehensive clinical evaluation of four nucleoside (acid) analogues that have been approved and marketed in China, such as entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, and tenofovir amibufenamide. METHODS According to the Guideline for the Administration of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs (2021 edition, trial implementation), a comprehensive search was conducted across databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, as well as relevant official websites. Drug package inserts, guidelines, consensus statements, and relevant literature for the four drugs were collected and subjected to a comprehensive evaluation across six dimensions: safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, innovativeness, suitability, and accessibility. RESULTS The scores for entecavir in terms of safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, innovativeness, suitability, and accessibility-along with its comprehensive score-were 13, 14, 13, 10, 18, and 6, totaling 74 points. For tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, the respective scores were 13, 17, 18, 8, 18, and 7, totaling 81 points. For tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, the scores were 14, 20, 12, 8, 18, and 5, totaling 77 points. Finally, for tenofovir amibufenamide, the scores were 10.5, 17, 10, 6, 15, and 4, totaling 62.5 points. CONCLUSIONS Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, with the highest score, is recommended as the first-line option, suitable for adults, children, and pregnant women. However, caution is warranted for potential renal impairment. Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate is recommended as a second-line alternative, particularly for individuals at high risk for bone and renal damage. Entecavir has a score similar to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate but requires dosing on an empty stomach and dose adjustment based on renal function of patients. Tenofovir amibufenamide received the lowest score and is considered a weak recommendation. The clinical application of these nucleoside (acid) analogues should be individualized based on the patient’s age, physiological status, and risk factors.
8.A prediction model for mild cognitive impairment risk among the elderly
MA Zongkang ; LIU Xinglang ; LI Huihui ; HE Guowei ; YAN Ping ; ZHANG Chuanrong ; MA Xuan ; CHE Yajie ; YU Shan ; CHEN Fenghui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):124-129
Objective:
To develop a prediction model for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk among the elderly, so as to provide a tool for MCI early screening.
Methods :
From July 2022 to September 2024, a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit permanent residents aged ≥65 years from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as study participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, body composition indices, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength. MCI was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for educational level. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio. LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to screen for predictors and construct an MCI risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
A total of 1 641 participants were surveyed, including 755 males (46.01%) and 886 females (53.99%). The majority of participants were aged 65-<75 years, comprising 1 154 individuals (70.32%). MCI was detected in 517 participants, corresponding to a detection rate of 31.51%. Resultsfrom LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residence (rural, OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 1.682-3.210), age (75-<85 years, OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.019-1.937; ≥85 years, OR = 3.655, 95% CI: 1.696-7.875), educational level (primary school, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.247-0.472; junior high school, OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.160-0.408; high school, OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.154-0.531; bachelor's degree or above, OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.041-0.351), history of alcohol consumption (yes, OR = 3.216, 95% CI: 2.164-4.779), risk of malnutrition (yes, OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.064-2.014), sarcopenia (yes, OR = 3.197, 95% CI: 2.332-4.385), and waist-to-hip ratio (abnormal, OR = 1.540, 95% CI: 1.159-2.048) were identified as predictive factors for MCI among the elderly. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.788, 0.719, and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the corresponding values were 0.784, 0.913, and 0.542, respectively. DCA demonstrated that the model provided a higher clinical net benefit for predicting MCI risk when the risk threshold probability ranged from 0.124 to 0.764.
Conclusion
The prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good discriminative ability and clinical utility, indicating its substantial value for predicting the MCI risk among the elderly.
9.Visual analysis of treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Xiaodong ZHENG ; Shan GAO ; Wenjin HAN ; Lijun LIU ; Menglong JIA ; Longtan YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):645-653
BACKGROUND:At present,the incidence of scoliosis is increasing year by year,especially in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Therefore,it is more and more important to strengthen the research on the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current status,hotspots,emerging trends,and frontiers of global research on the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to provide reference and guidance for future related research. METHODS:The literature related to the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was retrieved on the Web of Science Core Collection(WOSCC)database from 2013 to 2023.CiteSpace 6.2.R1 software was used for visual analysis of countries,institutions,authors,and keywords. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 561 English articles were included in this study.Among countries,institutions,and authors,the United States has contributed the most.Nanjing University and Qiu,Yong(Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital,Nanjing University School of Medicine)are the most published institution and author.The academic journal with the largest number of articles is the European Spine Journal.(2)In the analysis of cited literature,the top 10 most cited articles mainly describe the effects of surgical treatment and conservative treatment on improving adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,especially improving the curvature of patients.(3)Through the summary of highly cited articles and the keyword clustering,keyword prominence in-depth mining,the research hotspots are currently the relationship between Cobb angle and treatment choice,the therapeutic effect of exercise therapy and the therapeutic effect of posterior vertebral fusion.(4)The prognosis of patients with different curvatures has not been studied in depth,and the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has not been clarified,so the relationship between curvature and prognosis and the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a new research trend in the future.
10.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.


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